When we stand for the Salat...

When we stand for the Salat, we must seek guidance to the Straight Path from Allah (SwT) with our entire presence and must also ask for an increase in love for Him to be instilled within our hearts.[^2] [^1]: Masnad al-Rida, vol. 1, pg. 314 [^2]: A question may come up that: What is the Straight Path (siratul Mustaqim) and secondly, why is it that we are constantly seeking guidance to the Straight Path from Allah (SwT) - are we currently misguided?

Furthermore, supposing that these words of ours are true, then what about the Prophet (S) and the Aa’immah (as) who are examples of perfect human being - what does it mean in relation to them? First, the Straight Path is the path of purity and goodness; the path of justice and equality and the path of true faith and righteous actions.

Secondly, in response to the question raised, we must state that: While a person is traversing upon the path of guidance, there is a fear that at any moment, he may slip off of the path and become misguided. It is because of this fact that we must resign ourselves to our Lord and ask Him to keep us firm and steady on the Straight Path.

In addition, travelling upon the path of guidance is the path towards perfection upon which, stage by stage, a person passes through the stages of difficulties so that he can reach to a higher level. We also know this fact that the paths towards perfection are limitless and that they lead to the Limitless Entity.

Therefore, there is no room for amazement that even the Prophets and Aaf1immah used to ask Allah (SwT) for guidance to the Straight Path (siratul Mustaqim) since it is only Allah (SwT) who is the Purely Perfect Entity and without exception, all others are travelling upon the path to reaching complete perfection. Thus, what harm is there if these personalities also ask Allah (SwT) to reach to a higher level of perfection!?! (Tafsir-e-Namuna, vol. 1, pg. 46) Previous…