To be a real faithful, it is not enough just to perform the daily prayers, rather, according to the Qur’an, helping the poor must be added. The prayers lead Muslims to the righteous deeds and help them to be closer to Allah (SWT). If the prayers do not function like this, they cannot be considered as true prayers.
Would it be better to help the poor, rather than going to the mosque and traveling to Mecca for pilgrimage? Indeed, a true faithful is neither the one who does not help the Poor practicing only the daily prayers, nor the one who just helps the poor not performing the daily prayers in the mosque. A mix of both can help one to be a real faithful and closer to Allah (SWT). Based on the Qur’an, there is an interaction between daily prayers and helping the poor. The Qur’an says: “Truly man was created anxious … Except those who perform prayers … And those within whose wealth are a known right for the beggar and the deprived." [1] Actually, the faithful is who performs daily prayer, and devotes a specific portion of his wealth to the poor. Otherwise, he “strives to be seen” by daily prayers [2], as such a person will not be a true believer.
[1] Chapter 70, verse 19- 25. إِنَّ الْإِنْسَانَ خُلِقَ هَلُوعًا ... إِلَّا الْمُصَلِّينَ ... وَالَّذِينَ فِي أَمْوَالِهِمْ حَقٌّ مَعْلُومٌ ـ لِلسَّائِلِ وَالْمَحْرُومِ
[2] Chapter 107, verse 6. الَّذِينَ هُمْ يرَاءُونَ