“Prayer,” Muslims and Latter-day Saints: Beliefs, Values, and Lifestyles (2021)
“Prayer,” Muslims and Latter-day Saints
Prayer
Muslims and Latter-day Saints believe that human beings must communicate with God through daily prayer. Prayer is central to both faiths.
Muslims
Muslims believe that prayer plays a vital role in maintaining faith. Muslims offer five daily prayers using words verbatim from the Qur’an and ritual actions while facing toward the House of God, called the Ka’bah, in Mecca. In addition to ritual daily prayers, Muslims offer personal prayers. Through prayer, Muslims maintain their relationship with God, gain strength to avoid temptation, and seek forgiveness and guidance. Muslims gather together at a masjid (mosque) to join in communal prayer.
Latter-day Saints
Latter-day Saints believe it is a commandment to pray and that a loving God desires all of His children to communicate with Him through prayer. Prayer helps people draw closer to God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, gain strength to overcome adversity and sorrow, and receive guidance in raising a family and serving others. Latter-day Saints are taught to pray individually, as families, and as husband and wife. Religious gatherings are opportunities to pray together as a congregation.