Concerning the kind of clothes...

Concerning the kind of clothes, it is recommended that they be white in colour and new if possible. The Ma'soomeen also encouraged application of perfume before prayers are undertaken. The basic aim of all this being to consciously purify oneself for a meeting with one's Lord.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) has told us, "The Key of acceptance of prayers is only through purity." When you physically purify yourself, it is natural that you will also try and clear your thoughts from any evil or immorality. It is necessary to achieve both types of cleanliness - internal and external - in order for prayers to be accepted.

It is for this reason that the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) also said, "Allah (S.W.T.) never accepts a prayer if the man's heart is not present with his body." Other rules regarding the place of worship is that it should be somewhere stable. If the area does not allow normal standing or correct performance of ruku/sajdah then one cannot pray there. In the case of travelling, whether it is by plane, ship or train, one should pray and try to remain still as much as possible.

Also, when performing sajdah, the distance between the place where ones forehead rests and the level of ones toes, should not be higher than a span of four fingers. Praying in a place where there are pictures, sculptures or statues is makrooh. It is also makrooh for na-Mahram men and women to pray together in the same room. 4. Wudhoo We have discussed the performing of wudhoo in previous books. In this lesson we only wish to discuss its philosophy.

According to Imam Redha (a.s.) wudhoo has three important aspects: Spiritual motivation and Gaining nearness to Allah (S.W.T.) Bodily cleanliness. When performing wudhoo, it is recommended to use cold water because this refreshes and motivates a person. Wudhoo is meant to act as a cleanser on the soul, washing away minor sins. It is thus, highly recommended to stay in wudhoo at all times especially when studying or performing any constructive task.

By creating an atmosphere of purity around a person, it helps him to avoid committing sins. It is important that while performing wudhoo, we should not waste the water we use. Israaf (Extravagance) is a great sin and Imam al-Sadiq (a.s.) has said, "To throw remaining food or water is Israaf …" Previous…