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The human being is
the only creature who has been distinguished from other creatures with the
instinct of knowing right from wrong. He is, therefore, the only one who
is expected to be the perfect image of his Creator. That is why the
objective of his life is to know his Creator and become a perfect image of
his attributes, as Allah says in the Holy Qur'an:
"I have not created jins and
humans but, for my worship"
SALAT or the method of worship is the main media through which a human can
establish a relationship with his Creator and it is one of the main doors
which leads to his complete submission to Allah's will.
Salat also prevents him from wrongdoings. Allah says:
"Surely prayer restrains one from indecency and manifest evil."
Which shows that Salat or prayer is a guarantee from Allah that if a
worshipper observes prayer with all its conditions, he will be safe from
evils, manifest or hidden, small or great. The Holy Prophet (peace be on
him) asked to the companions, "if one of you had a stream running
by his door and he takes a bath in it five times a day, would any dirt be
left on him?." They replied! "No dirt would be left on
him". The Holy Prophet said: "This is the case with Salat
(the five daily prayers) Allah makes the Salat wipe out his sins".
When we reflect on the creation of the universe and the law that governs
it and the design and variety that pleases our eyes, we naturally are
convinced of existence and greatness of Allah.
Allah says in the Holy Quran:
"In the creation of the heavens and the earth and in the
alternation of the night and the day there are indeed signs for men of
understanding;" Those who remember Allah while standing, sitting,
and lying on their sides, and ponder over the creation of the heavens and
the earth: "Our Lord, Thou hast not created this in vain; nay,
Holy art Thou; save us, then, from the punishment of the Fire." (Aal-e-Imran,
v19l-192)
This verse beautifully tells us that when a worshipper reflects upon the
structure of the Universe he becomes overwhelmed with the greatness of its
Creator. The ENTITY Who created such an awe-inspiring structure with such
detailed arrangement and accuracy. He is alone to be worshipped and so
right for protection.
There are five daily prayer services participation in which is obligatory.
This may seem a little too much, but it is all a matter of comparative
values. Those who realize the true value of prayer through experience are
convinced that time spent in it is occupied much more beneficially than
that spent in other pursuits.
There is no ordained priesthood in Islam. Every Muslim can be Imam (who
leads congregational prayer) and can deliver a sermon. The members of the
congregation may select, and for this purpose, they should choose one from
among themselves who knows the Holy Quran better than the others. No
vestment is prescribed for the Imam nor any special dress for the
congregation. All that needed is the body and the head should be decently
and cleanly covered. |