135
able are other forms of worship Allah demands from us.
Praying five times a day and establishing the prayer
in our lives, in our families and in our communities help
us regularly to remember our weaknesses as slaves before
Allah. It is an act of worship to be fulfilled at certain
times. Allah informs us in the Qur'an that this form of
worship helps us abstain from the wicked deeds with
which Allah is displeased.
Fasting is also a form of worship commanded in the
Qur'an. During the month of Ramadan, Allah demands
that we not eat and drink in the daytime. Fulfilling this
worship, we show steadfastness while going without food
and drink for a certain period of time.
Paying the zakat, on the other hand, is giving a
portion of one's wealth to the poor and needy and others
who may receive it. As with other forms of worship,
fulfilling this is very important because avoidance of
meanness, and showing self-sacrifice are character traits
that please Allah. This aside, paying the zakat improves
co-operation between people and matures the human
spirit.
W
ORSHIP ALLAH