The Essence of Islam – Volume II — Page 304
304 Essence of Islām II Almighty. Having emerged from it without any gain they start their supplications. Make your supplications during the Şalāt; make the Salāt a means of supplication and prayer. [Malfūzāt, vol. II, p. 145] Recitation of Al-Fatihah in Şalāt Prayer is the purpose and spirit of the Salāt. How can that purpose be really achieved except by praying during Şalāt. Such a worshipper is like one who is granted an opportunity of presenting himself before the Sovereign and submitting his petition, but he says nothing at the time and after he leaves the presence he presents his petition. That would not avail him anything. That is the case of the people who do not pray humbly and earnestly during the Şalāt. Make all your supplication during the Şalāt and observe it with all its due requirements. God Almighty has taught us a prayer at the very begin- ning of the Holy Qur'an and has also instructed us in all the requirements of prayer. The recitation of Surah Fatihah is obligatory in the Şalāt, which indicates that true prayer is offered only in the course of the Șalāt. [Malfūzāt, vol. III, p. 258] Şalāt to be Offered in Arabic The Şalāt may not be observed in any language except the language of the Holy Qur'an. But after the prescribed prayers and supplications you may supplicate God Almighty in your own vernacular also. You must not neglect the prescribed prayers. The Christians having departed from this principle have lost everything. [Malfūzāt, vol. III, p. 288]