Principles of Islam
28. The Mosque
~ 81 ~
worshippers range themselves in orderly rows
behind a single prayer leader, the Imam. (The
acceptance by the group of just one individual to
lead the congregation avoids any dissension, which
might arise from there being more than one.) The
number of the worshippers may be ten or ten
thousand: all have to stand in rows behind the
Imam. This teaches the lesson of unity.
Nevertheless, namaz, in essence, is an individual
action. Everyone recites his own prayer and is
rewarded on account of its innate rectitude and
sincerity.
The prayer begins with ablution, that is, with the
washing of the face, hands and feet. This bodily
cleansing is a symbolic reminder that the Muslim
should lead his life in this world in a state of
purification of the feelings and the soul.
What is recited during prayer consists either of
verses from the Qur’an or
dhikr,
remembrance of
God, and dua, invocation and supplications. All of
this is aimed at bringing about a spiritual
awakening such as will induce the worshipper to
