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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Radiance of the Secrets of Prayer Worship {‘ibadah} Before embarking on the discussion of prayer, I shall deal with the meanings, philosophy and dimensions of worship { ‘ibadah } and servitude as they are the spirit of prayer. Why worship {‘ibadah}? Worship { ‘ibadah } means the expression of abasement { dhillah }, the highest form of humility and homage, before God.

As to its importance, it is enough to state that worship is the purpose behind the creation of all beings and the mission { bi‘thah } of the prophets ( ‘a ) (the creational world { ‘alam at-takwin } and the legislative world { ‘alam at-tashri‘ }, respectively).

God says: ﴿ وَ ما خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَ الإِْنْسَ إِلاَّ لِيَعْبُدُونِ ﴾ “I did not create the jinn and humans except that they may worship Me.” [^1] The mission of all the prophets ( ‘a ) has been to invite the people to worship God: ﴿ وَلَقَدْ بَعَثْنَا فِي كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ رَّسُولاً أَنِ اعْبُدُواْ اللّهَ وَاجْتَنِبُواْ الطَّاغُوتَ ﴾ “Certainly We raised an apostle in every nation {to preach:} ‘Worship Allah, and keep away from the Rebel’.” [^2] So, the objective behind the creation of the universe and the mission of the prophets ( ‘a ) has been the worship of God.

However, it is clear that God, the Exalted, is in no need of our worship: ﴿ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَنِيٌّ عَنكُمْ ﴾ “Yet Allah is Independent of you.” [^3] The benefit of worship returns to the worshippers themselves, as simply as the pupils’ decision to study their lessons is to their own advantage and has no gain for the teacher. Reasons for worship The following reasons persuade man to worship and serve God: 1.

Greatness of God When man sees the greatness and magnificence of God, he unconsciously feels humble and weak before Him, just as a person who regards himself insignificant before a distinguished person and scholar, also honors and respects him. 2. Feelings of dependence Man’s nature is such that he feels humble before some one upon whom he is dependent. Our very existence depends upon the will of God and we need Him all the time.

This feeling of need and deficiency urges man to worship God—for only He is the Ultimately Perfect and Independent. It is stated in some hadith s that if there were no death, poverty and sickness, some people would never humble themselves before God. 3. Awareness of blessings Man loves to possess and enjoy blessings.

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