What is meant by the noble verse: "So woe to those who pray those who are heedless of their prayer"? And who are the heedless? Is it the Muslim who does not pray, or the Muslim who is intermittent in his prayer?

Al-Alusi mentioned that the meaning of "sahoon" (heedless) in the verse refers to those who are negligent about prayer until its time passes, or who perform it hastily without reverence, or whose minds wander to other thoughts during it. The early Muslims (Salaf) had various interpretations regarding the meaning of "sahw" (heedlessness), such as not caring about prayer or not knowing the number of rak'ahs (units of prayer). Some interpreted it as abandoning prayer. Al-Wahidi stated that the verse was revealed concerning the hypocrites who pray out of ostentation and abandon it when they are alone. It is mentioned in Adwa' al-Bayan that the intended meaning, upon investigation, refers to the hypocrites.