The Islamic Mode of Worship — Page 6
Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad 6 Exalted, but also of those who behold them. The second requisite of nam a z prescribed by Islam in order to fulfil its aims is supplication, which has been referred to as its essence. [In a hadith] the Holy Prophet sa describes it as ِ الْعِبَادَة 羡 ُُّ م 羡 ُ اَلدُّعَاء —that is, prayer is the pith of worship. 5 Supplication is the essence of nam a z and it possesses such potency that on the one hand it brings a worshipper nearer to Allah the Exalted, and on the other, it delivers to them clear and accessible means by which to protect themselves from sin. When our parents or those who are in a position of worldly authority over us accept our entreaties and implorations, how then is it possible that God Almighty, Who is the most merciful among those who show mercy, would reject the earnest supplications of His creation? Thus nam a z is a compendium of prayer which develops love for Allah the Exalted, and through the acceptance of the supplications of a person, it becomes an avenue for their guidance and progress. The third requisite prescribed by Islam is the contemplation of divine powers. Until an individual possesses complete knowledge of a thing, their relationship with it is deficient. For example, anyone who does not appreciate the value of learning cannot strive 5 Tirmidhi , p. 770, 1999 Riyadh, hadith no. 3371 [Publishers]