Life and Teachings of the Prophet Muhammad
3. The Concept of Worship in Islam
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A true believer is required not only to testify to his faith by
word of mouth (
Shahadah bil Lisan
) but also to accept it with all his
heart and soul.
THE SPIRIT OF SALAH
The spirit of these daily five prayers is humility. One who bows
before his Creator in the true spirit will be devoid of pride and ego.
The prayers are prescribed for five times throughout the day—at
daybreak, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and evening. The prayers
consist of recitations from the Quran and glorification of God.
These are accompanied by a sequence of movements: standing,
bowing, kneeling, touching the ground with one’s forehead, and
sitting. Worshippers face the Kabah while offering the prayers.
Muslims have been advised in the Quran to be steadfast in their
prayer (29:45) for prayer keeps away indecency and evil. One who
performs his prayer in its true spirit cannot become forgetful of
God after his prayer is over. The actions of prayer are a
manifestation of the fact that one’s heart is full of fear and love for
God. Therefore, if prayers are said in their true spirit, one’s prayer
will surely fend off indecency and evil and, by purifying the
worshipper’s soul, serve to bring him closer to God.
THE SPIRIT OF FASTING
The Arabic term for fasting is ‘Sawm’ which means to abstain.
It is aimed at detaching oneself from the world and devoting one’s
