Pathway to Paradise — Page 10
PATHWAY TO P ARADISE 10 information on salaat in daily life, please see Chapter 4. In addition to salaat which is compulsory for believers, Muslims may offer voluntary prayers (nawafil). The most important of these is Tahajjud, which literally means the giving up of sleep. It is offered during the latter part of the night, and Tahajjud i s specifically mentioned in the Holy Qur’an as very beneficial for man’s spiritual development and a method to gain nearness to Allah. (See Holy Qur’an, 17:79). The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) is reported to have gotten up regular ly after midnight and to pass almost half the latter part of the night in Tahajjud prayers. Islam also provides prayers for every need and occasion. Another form of prayer is remembrance of Allah throughout the day (Zikre - illahi). To remember Allah and ponder over His attributes brings one nearer to Him. In addition a Muslim may pray silently to Allah at any time. This is known as dua. For further information on the form, parts and posture of salaat, see the Muslim Prayer Book or videotape on salaat. 3. Fasting during Ramadhan (Saum) The third act of worship in Islam is the fasting during the Islamic month of Ramadhan by all able adult Muslims. By fasting, a Muslim can purify himself spiritually and physically, elevate his soul and obtain nearness to Allah. To fast is to abstain from f ood, drink, smoking and conjugal relations from dawn to sunset. Sacrificing of physical needs increases a Muslim’s awareness of the suffering of the poor and needy. Ramadhan was appointed by God for this spiritual exercise. It was the month during which th e