Salah (prayer) is a Light
The Prophet (sas) said Prayer is a light by which we are guided spiritually. Knowing right and wrong is half the struggle, but the real struggle lies in the action of doing that which is right. Prayer is something that disciplines us spiritually so that we are able to correctly follow that which is pleasing to Allah. That is why prayer is the light that guides us through our journey towards Allah (swt).
Sadaqah (charity) is a Proof
When one gives in charity, one is trusting in Allah’s promise that He will return the wealth in multifold. In a material sense, one may be losing money, but in a spiritual sense one is gaining reward. Allah (swt) says many times in the Quran that charity doesn’t diminish, but rather increases our wealth.
Charity is a burhan (proof) for the Muslim. The term burhan literally means 'sunlight' in Arabic. This linguistic definition is adding a depth of meaning to the definition of burhan as a proof; it is not just a proof, it is a shining and clear proof of one’s iman as a Muslim. Imam Ibn Rajab said that the reason why charity is an evidence of iman, is that people usually love wealth, and if they overcome this love of material things for the sake of Allah, this is a clear proof of their strong iman.
