The Guiding Light — Page 134
S u rah al-Baqarah Chapter 2, Verses 1-8 134 of the company of other Muslims or even when surrounded by disbelievers. Such faith is described in 21:50 and 57:26. The second quality of a ﻣﺘ- ( muttaq i ) relates to actions. According to the different meanings of اﻟﺼﻠﻮ ة اﻗﺎم ( iq a mu s - s al a t ), the expression, observe Prayer , would mean: 1. That a Muslim should observe Prayers throughout his life, keeping constant vigil over them. In fact irregular Prayers are no prayers (70:35). 2. That he should say Prayers regularly at their appointed hours and in accordance with the rules prescribed for them (4:104). 3. That he should say his Prayers in a true spirit and not allow them to be spoiled by wandering thoughts which may disturb and distract his attention (23:3). 4. That he should say his Prayers in congregation (2:44) 5. That he should also exhort others to say their Prayers regularly and thus help to spread the habit (20:133) Prayer is not a form of bargaining with God, in which a Muslim looks for something in return. Islam strongly