Malfuzat - Volume IX — Page 30
Malf uza t - English translation of Urdu Volume 9 30 virtue. The primary point is that so long as man does not have a share of that realm from where Prayer originates. 1 Prayer is something that is a composite of all virtues and repellent of all evils. I have explained many times before that there is a truth and wisdom in the five times that are set for the Prayer. Prayer is to bring salvation to a person from the great torment they are suffering from. In regard to Prayer timings, it is written that they begin from the time of decline and fall. This alludes to the fact that when a person is self-sufficient, he becomes rebellious [of God] and transgresses the limits set by Allah. However, when he is afflicted with pain and suffer- ing, he naturally wants the help of another and turns towards him. Thus, when he begins to suffer from an affliction, it is as if Prayer starts with this. For example, an arrest warrant is issued unexpectedly by the Government for a person asking him to respond concerning some matter. This is the first stage when the beginning of an affliction takes place, and there is a decline in his peace and comfort. Such a moment is akin to the time for the Z uhr [Afternoon] Prayer. 2 1. Text is incomplete due to a scribal error. This statement is entered in Badr as: ‘So long as man does not partake from the realm where Prayer reaches its cli- max, until then man has nothing in his hand. How can one who is not certain about God, be certain about Prayer?’ ( Badr, vol. 6, nos. 1, 2, p. 12, dated 10 January 1907) 2. This subject has been related in Badr as follows: ‘The first state starts with de- cline. Before this man considers himself self-sufficient and powerful, and all his affairs exhibit a lustre with no obscurity, like a bright sunny day. He con- siders himself like a person free of all needs, and sees himself in a condition of complete comfort and ease. Suddenly a time comes over him that resembles decline. That is the time of the beginning of his troubles, and a feeling of suf- fering, pain, and need ensues. He did not know in advance that such a time was to come over him. Such a condition begins abruptly, just as a warrant comes unexpectedly from the Government, and a response is demanded for some crime. This is the first stage of trouble and is similar to the Z uhr Prayer because a decline has occurred in the comfort and tranquillity of the person. ’ ( Badr, vol. 6, nos. 1, 2, p. 12, dated 10 January 1907)