Al-Baqarah 2:238

<p>Allah commands that the prayer should be performed properly and on time. It is reported in the Two Sahihs that Ibn Mas`ud said, "I asked the Prophet , `Which deed is the dearest (to Allah)' He replied:</p><p>«الصَّلَاةُ عَلى وَقْتِها»</p><p>(To offer the prayers at their fixed times.) I asked, `What is the next (in goodness)' He replied:</p><p>«الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ الله»</p><p>(To participate in Jihad (religious fighting) in Allah's cause.)" I again asked, `What is the next (in goodness)' He replied:</p><p>«بِرُّ الْوَالِدَيْن»</p><p>(To be good and dutiful to your parents.) `Abdullah then added, "The Prophet told me these words, and had I asked more, the Prophet would have told me more."</p><h2>The Middle Prayer</h2><p>Furthermore, Allah has specifically mentioned the Middle prayer, which is the `Asr prayer according to the majority of the scholars among the Companions, as At-Tirmidhi and Al-Baghawi have stated. Al-Qadi Al-Mawardi added that the majority of the scholars of the Tabi`in also held this view. Al-Hafiz Abu `Umar bin `Abdul-Barr said that this is also the opinion of the majority of the scholars of the Athar (i.e., the Hadith and the statements of the Salaf). In addition, Abu Muhammad bin `Atiyah said that this is the Tafsir (of the Middle prayer) of …

Be guardians of your prayers, and of the midmost prayer, and stand up with devotion to Allah.

Guard strictly your (habit of) prayers, especially the Middle Prayer; and stand before Allah in a devout (frame of mind).

Guard strictly (five obligatory) As-Salawat (the prayers) especially the middle Salat (i.e. the best prayer - 'Asr). And stand before Allah with obedience [and do not speak to others during the Salat (prayers)].

Guard your prayers, and the middle prayer, and stand before God in devotion.