ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Islamic Teachings in Brief Commandments As mentioned in the beginning of this book, the precepts and teachings of Islam are divided into three parts: beliefs, ethics, and commandments. After knowing Allah, we must perform actions such as reciting salat and observing sawm which are the signs of the worship and obedience to Allah. Now, we would explain the precepts of salat which would be followed by the precepts of sawm.

RECITING SALAT The Almighty Allah states: "What has brought you into Hell? They shall say: 'We were not of those who recited salat' (74:42-43)." The Holy Prophet (SA) states: "Prayer is the pillar of faith.

If it is accepted by Allah, the other worships will also be accepted and if it is not accepted, the other worships will not be accepted either." Just like a man who removes dirt and uncleanliness from his body by washing himself five times a day in a river, he will also purify himself from sins by reciting salat five times a day. Surely, it should be known that the one who recites salat but attaches no significance to it, is like the one who does not recite salat.

The Almighty Allah states in the Holy Qur'an: "So woe to the ones who recite salat but unmindful of their salawat (107:4-5)." One day, the Holy Prophet (SA) entered the mosque and saw that a man was reciting salat but without performing proper ruku' (a part of the salat in which one bows down, genuflexion) and sujud (the acts of prostration in the salat or worship to Allah).

The Holy Prophet (SA) stated: "If this man dies in this condition, he will not die as a Muslim." Thus a man should recite salat with humility and respect. He should realize to whom he is talking while reciting salat. He should perform ruku', sujud, and all other actions correctly in order to be benefited by best results of reciting salat.

The Almighty Allah states in the Holy Qur'an: "...Surely the salat keeps (one) away from indecency and evil...(29:45)." Surely, this is true, for the rules of reciting salat are such that, if observed, the person who recites salat will never be tempted to evil acts. For example, one of the rules of reciting salat is that the place where one recites salat and the clothes with which one recites salat should not be usurped or unlawful.

His salat is not accepted even if a single thread of his clothes is usurped.