Prayer: Gift From Allah - Why do we Pray?

[N. Truth Seeker]

By Sameh Strauch
Islamonline.Net

Prayer: Gift From Allah - Why do we Pray?

After a long and hectic day at work, how difficult it is for a tired person to go out to the mosque and concentrate on his prayers to Allah, the Almighty? Snuggled up in a warm and cozy bed, how difficult it is to get up at the call of the muezzin: “Come to prayer! Come to success!”

The famous doctor and philosopher Ibn Sina (Avicenna) recalls such a moment in his life. One cold and icy night, he and his slave were resting at an inn in a remote part of Khuraasaan. During the night he felt thirsty, so he asked his slave to bring him some water. The slave had no desire to leave his warm bed, so he pretended not to hear Ibn Sina’s call. Finally after repeated calls, he reluctantly got up and went to fetch the water. A little while later, the melodious sound of the Adhan (call to prayer) filled the air. Ibn Sina began to think about the person calling the people to Prayer. “My slave, `Abdullah,” he mused, “has always respected me and admired me. He seizes any opportunity to lavish praise and affection on me, but tonight he preferred his own comfort to my needs. On the other hand, look at this Persian slave of Allah: He left his warm bed to go out into the chilly night. He made ablution in the icy water of the stream, and then he ascended the high minaret of the mosque to glorify Him Whom he truly serves: “I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah. I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.” Ibn Sina records: “I learned the essence of true love. Love results in complete obedience.” The love of Allah demands total and unconditional obedience. Allah, the Almighty says: "Say, (O Muhammad, to mankind): If ye love Allah, follow me; Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful."  (3:31)  Surah Al-Imran


Prayer: A Cry of the Inner Soul

Arrogance and pride have often led man to behave as an oppressor and a tyrant. Some men have been carried away by their own self-importance to the extent that they have even claimed divinity. Pharoah, the ruler of Egypt, was among those who announced: “I am your supreme Lord!” With his sense of greatness and pride, Pharoah subjugated the Israelites and made their lives wretched and miserable.

But is man really as strong and great as his ego tells him? The Qur’an tells us the reality of man’s nature:
"Allah is He Who shaped you out of weakness, then appointed after weakness strength, then, after strength, appointed weakness and grey hair. He createth what He will. He is the Knower, the Mighty."  (30:54)  Surah Ar-Rum

Weakness in the beginning and weakness in the end. This is the essence of man. He is so weak and helpless at birth that his entire existence depends on his parents and family. If he were to be abandoned in these first crucial years, he could not survive on his own. He needs a gentle and loving hand, not only in his infancy, but in his childhood and even in his teenage years. As this child enters the years of youth and growing independence, he begins to take control of his own life. He looks with pride at his strong physique, handsome features and many talents. He begins to despise those of lesser abilities. He may even scorn his parents who exhausted their own health to nurture him. He becomes unjust and cruel, using his strength and vigor to dominate others. He thinks he is a master and free to act as he wills. But does this phase of youth with these good looks last forever? In only a few decades, he begins to lose his strength and his youth is replaced with old age. Weakness in the beginning, weakness in the end.” The message is clear. The real master is Allah. He Alone is mighty and He alone is Great. He alone is never tired, never needs rest, and is never dependent upon anyone. Allahu Akbar! - Allah is the Greatest! In our everyday lives we say a warm thank you for the small acts of kindness which others do for us. So what about thanking Allah, who, in His infinite mercy provides for every single one of our needs. Just observe the beauty and perfection of the earth around you and fall down in gratitude to your Lord.

A daily practice of prayer, if offered attentively which one should, greatly supports and strengthens our Faith.  It's a constant reminder to our conscience of the importance of implementing the ethical values commanded by Allah into our daily lives for the love of Allah and the love of our fellow human beings.

Allah says, concerning the plight of the disbelievers on the Day of Judgment that they will be asked by the believers:  "What hath brought you to this burning ?  They will answer: We were not of those who prayed  Nor did we feed the wretched.  We used to wade (in vain dispute) with (all) waders,  And we used to deny the Day of Judgment,  Till the Inevitable came unto us.  The mediation of no mediators will avail them then.  Why now turn they away from the Admonishment,"  (74:42-49) Surah Al-Mudatthir    Allah also says: "Successful indeed are the believers  Who are humble in their prayers,"  (23:1-2) Surah Al-Muminun and  "And those who are attentive at their worship. These will dwell in Gardens, honoured." (70:34-35) Surah Al-Marrij

Man is to live in this world as a worshipper of Allah and Prayer is the best form of worship. On the Day of Judgment, man will have to answer for his deeds. Allah says: "Then, on that day, ye will be asked concerning pleasure."  (102:8)  Surah At-Takkaathur   The Almighty Allah also says  "I created the jinn and humankind only that they might worship Me."  (51:56) Surah Ad-Dhariyat


Edited slightly.  Portions from Hadith and some of the author's tafsirs that are not authorised as per the Quran have been omitted. 

[Ruhi_Rose]

Cool and refreshing!  pretty decent article .. and I guess that's greatly becoz of your editions    I'm glad you did that brother.  Otherwise it's hard to find an IOL piece that runs smooth in total conformity with the Quran from start to finish.

Wa'Salaam and peace