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The Philosophy of Ritual Prayers 2 - Al-Shia The Scientific and Cultural Website of Shia belief The Philosophy of Ritual Prayers 2 2022-09-29 475 Views Salat , Obligatory Daily Prayers In this part of the article titled “The philosophy of ritual prayers”, we shall continue with other relevant points and the rationale for observing the ritual prayers at designated times. 6. The prayer is a tool for the development of moral excellence and attaining spiritual perfection.

It hauls man out of the limited confines of this material world, invites him towards the spiritual realms and places him in the company of the angels. Man, without sensing the need for any intermediary, observes himself in the presence of his Lord and engages in communicating with Him.

The repetition of this act several times in a day with special emphasis on the attributes of Allah – His Compassion, Mercy and Greatness – especially by way of reciting the various chapters of the Qur`an after Suratul Hamd, which itself is one of the best inviters towards good actions and pure deeds, has an appreciable effect in the development of moral excellences within man.

The Commander of the Faithful (a.s), mentioning the philosophy of the prayers, said: الصَّلاَةُ قُرْبَانُ كُلِّ تَقِيٍّ “The prayer is a means for the pious ones to attain nearness to Allah.” (1) 7. The prayer imparts value and significance to the other deeds of man since it revives the spirit of sincerity within man.

This is because the prayer is a collection of sincere intentions, pure speech and genuine deeds, and daily repetition of these aspects sows the seeds of other good acts within the soul of man and strengthens the spirit of sincerity within him. We find that the Commander of the Faithful (a.s), in his testament after being fatally injured on the head by the accursed b.

Muljam, said: اللٌّهَ اللٌّهَ فِي الصَّلاَةِ فَإِنَّهَا عَمُودُ دِينِكُمْ‏ “Fear Allah so far as the prayers are concerned for they are the pillars of your religion.” (2) We know that when the pillars of a tent break down, the ropes and nails that are around it – no matter how strong they may be – are of no use. Similarly, when the connection between the servant and Allah, which is established by means of ritual prayers, were to get severed the other deeds too would lose their effect.

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