Surah Hud (Hud) 11 : 114

Explanatory Note

Following the right path during such times may be very hard. Indeed, believers may need to have something to comfort them. God, therefore, guides His Messenger and the believers to what gives them the greatest comfort. God knows that prayer is the source of comfort when every other source fails.

Prayers strengthen the believer’s spirit, and sustain his heart and will to fulfil difficult duties. They also establish a bond between the hearts of afflicted believers and their merciful Lord, who is near and who responds to prayers. Prayers help to overcome loneliness and isolation in the face of a powerful, tyrannical society.

The verse here mentions the two ends of the day, meaning the morning and the evening, and some watches of the night. These times cover all the obligatory prayers, without specifying their number. The number and the exact timing are specified by the traditions of the Prophet.
The order to attend to prayers is followed by the statement that good does away with evil. This is a general statement which includes all good deeds. Prayer is one of the best deeds any person can do, hence it is one of the best actions for erasing sin and error. Prayer is, in essence, a method of remembering God, and being thoughtful of Him. Hence, this comment is very apt here.

• A man kissed a woman (unlawfully) and then went to the Prophet (ﷺ) and informed him. Allah revealed, ‏‏أَقِمِ الصَّلاَةَ طَرَفَىِ النَّهَارِ وَزُلَفًا مِنَ اللَّيْلِ إِنَّ الْحَسَنَاتِ يُذْهِبْنَ السَّيِّئَاتِ‏‏‏ “And offer prayers at the two ends of the day and in some hours of the night (i.e. the five compulsory prayers). Verily! good deeds remove (annul) the evil deeds (small sins)” (11.114). The man asked Allah's Messenger (ﷺ), "Is it for me [only]?" He said, "It is for all my followers." [Bukhari]