Pathway to Paradise — Page 63
63 most important activity of a Muslim’s day. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) advised his followers that offering the required prayers at their proper times is especially pleasing to Allah. He further instructed that recitation of the Holy Qur’an after Fajr prayer every morni ng is also pleasing to Him, even if only a few verses are read. Some sayings of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) concerning prayer are: Prayer is the essence of worship. Prayer averts misfortune. Beg of Allah all that you stand in need of, even the salt you need or the shoelace that has snapped. He who is desires that Allah should accept his prayers when is distressed and hard - pressed, should pray constantly when he is at ease. Salaat is the central and principal form of Islamic worship, and must be observed with all its rituals and etiquettes including a ritual ablution (wudhu) before performing salaat. A Muslim woman must be dressed modestly, with head, arms (at least to the el bow), and legs covered. A woman is not permitted to perform salaat during their monthly period, nor enter the prayer area of a mosque, until she has taken a ritual bath (see under Hygiene). However Islamic worship is not limited to salaat alone, for the need to communicate with one’s Creator arises constantly during the day. This need is fulfilled by reciting prayers and remembrance of Allah (Zikre Illahi) at any time. The Holy Qur’an contain s many short prayers for all kinds of situations, and the prayers used by the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of