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When a Muslim goes to the
mosque to perform his prayers, he should temporarily abandon
his worldly affairs. He is recommended to utter the zikr
or the remembrance of Allah SWT all the way to the mosque.
He should set out calmly and somberly with his heart full
of longing and desire for the pleasure of Allah SWT, as well
as fear and apprehension of His anger, and with humility
and meekness towards Allah SWT.
In prayer, the Muslim actually establishes a direct link
with his Creator, and bows and prostrates to Him in awe.
For his obedience and devotion, he will surely be rewarded
by Allah SWT. In Islam, the mosque is viewed as the ‘House
of Allah SWT’, as affirmed in the following Qur’anic
verse:
"In houses, which Allah (SWT) has permitted to be raised
to honor, for the celebration in them of His name. In them
is He glorified in the mornings and in the evenings (again
and again). By men whom neither traffic nor merchandise can
divert from the remembrance of Allah (SWT), nor from regular
Prayer, nor from the practice of regular Charity: their only
fear is for the Day when hearts and eyes will be transformed
(in a world wholly new)." [An-Noor: 36-37]
Prayers which are accepted by Allah SWT would make a person
more humble, more submissive to Him, more virtuous and righteous,
and he will become nearer to the Almighty. Prayers fill the
heart with great blessings which He bestows upon his servant
along with abundant favors. Take heed against showing off,
for no deed will be accepted if it is accompanied by arrogance,
pride and half-heartedness.
Prayer is the heart of religion and faith. It conveys the
yearnings of our miserable ignorant hearts to the Knower
of all. In prayer, we invoke the Creator, glorify Him, praise
Him, and supplicate to him wholly and fully. The words that
we utter originate from Him, revealing His Divine Names and
absolute attributes; and expressing His relationship to us
and the rest of His creation.
In prayer, He sums up our faith, our hopes and our aspirations.
We call to mind the Realities, seen and unseen. We offer
Him worship and ask for His guidance to attain the light
of His grace that illumines the righteous and helps us distinguish
between the straight and the crooked paths in this world,
that we might be victorious in the Hereafter.
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