An extract from an article on the importance of prayer:
Every action that one has been commanded to do in namaz provides uses for one's heart and body. Performing namaz in jamaat (congregation) in mosques attaches Muslims' hearts to one another. It provides love between them. Thus they realize that they are brethren. The elder become merciful towards the younger. And the younger become respectful towards the elder. The rich become helpers for the poor and the powerful for the weak. The healthy, not seeing the sick in the mosque, visit them in their homes....(read the full article).
