Some commentators have applied them to the five daily prayers...

Some commentators have applied them to the five daily prayers; morning (Fajr) , noon (Zohr) , afternoon ('Asr) , sunset (Maqrib) and evening ('Isha) prayers, or in addition to the optional prayers after midnight. At any rate, it seems that these prayers are examples for this continuous remembrance of the Lord and glorification and prostration to Him. The last two terms in the verse, /Laylan tawila/, refer to the glorification of Allah for a long part of the night.

It has been narrated that Imam Ali ibn-Musa-ar-Reza (p.b.u.h.) was asked what 'glorify' meant and he answered that it meant 'optional night prayer'.(1) It is probable !hat the above commentary is one of the clear evidences of 'glorification' because the optional night prayer is very effective in strengthening ones' faith and self-will for obeying Allah, and refining spirits.

It is worthy to note, here, that though the five instructions are addressed to the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) , they are, in fact, models for all those who have a role in spiritual and humane guidance of societies.

They should know that, after being sure of their strong belief in their goal and prophetic mission, it is necessary for them to be patient and constant and not to be afraid of mass difficulties in their way; since, guiding populations has always been with great difficulties specially when faced with some unyielding ignorant enemies. And no prophetic mission of theirs will survive unless the leaders are patient.

In the next stage, they must strongly stand against evil temptations of the sinners and the ungrateful; those who try to lead astray leaders with all kinds of deceit and hypocrisy in order to make their prophetic mission fruitless. They should neither be deceived by allurements nor be afraid of threats.

In any case, every morning and evening, they should prostrate themselves before Him to obtain spiritual power, strong will and firm decision, especially when they get help in their supplications and night prayers; victory will surely be their own. And, if it happens that they have a failure or misfortune at some point, along the way, it is possible to compensate for this under the light of these principles.

The Prophet's life and his prophetic mission, throughout his career of inviting people to Islam, are good examples for those who wish to follow the straight path. (1) Majma'-al-Bayan, vol. 10, p. 413. Previous…