(4) Some of the traditions explicitly state that the prayers of one...

(4) Some of the traditions explicitly state that the prayers of one, who does not pay the Zakat, are not accepted; other traditions state that unlawful food, vanity and egotism are the impediments that prevent one’s prayers from being accepted. The extent of the constructive effect of endeavouring to fulfil these ‘conditions of acceptance’ is only too plain and obvious! 10.

Prayers strengthen the spirit of discipline within man since they have to be offered at specific times – any advancement or deferment of which would only serve to render them invalid. Similarly, there also exist rulings with respect to intention, standing, sitting, ruku’, sujud and other acts of Salat, which, if taken into consideration, instil within man a sense of discipline, thereby enabling him to include this factor in the other affairs of his life, with absolute and total ease.

All the above are the merits that exist in individual prayers without taking into account the issue of the congregation, for if we are to consider the merits of praying in a congregation – which is, in reality, the soul of the prayers – there would be innumerable additional benefits, explanation of which falls beyond the scope of this book but which are more or less known to us.

We conclude this discussion on the philosophy and secrets of prayers by presenting a comprehensive tradition, reported by Imam Reza (a.s).

The Imam (a.s), replying to a letter in which he was asked about the philosophy of prayers, stated: “The prayers have been legislated for acknowledging and attesting the Lordship of the Lord, combating polytheism and idolatry, standing in His presence with utmost humility and modesty, confessing to one’s sins, seeking forgiveness for the past disobediences and placing the forehead on the ground, every day, for the purpose of glorifying and venerating Him.

It is also intended that man always remains alert, his heart does not get clouded by the dust of forgetfulness, he does not become arrogant and heedless, but instead humble and submissive, and becomes more desirous of worldly and religious bounties. In addition to this, the regular remembrance of Allah throughout the day, achieved as a result of prayers, causes man not to become forgetful and heedless of his Lord, Sustainer and Creator, and he is not overcome by the spirit of rebelliousness.