Najafi Q&A: Punishment of Prayer Abandoner

Answer

In the name of Allah, be advised, my son, that it is reported through the infallible Imams (PBUT) that any good deed, even if it is vlaid, is not accepted without prayer. The one who abandons prayer will be resurrected with the infidels. You, my son, have succeeded in repentance from the major crime - drinking intoxicating alcohol, but you are still at the top of the sin, which is abandoning prayer. For your repentance to be accepted of that major sin and all other good deeds are accepted is to repent of the crime of abandoning the prayer. Allah Almighty says "what puts you in the abyss? they say, “we were not among those who committed to prayer” [مَا سَلَكَكُمْ فِي سَقَرَ , قَالُوا لَمْ نَكُ مِنَ الْمُصَلِّينَ ]. Clearly, this verse shows that whoever is not among the worshipers will be in the depths of Hell on the Day of Resurrection. God is the Guide and Knowing.