Welcome to Ahmadiyyat, The True Islam — Page 95
− Imam − The duties of an are to lead the Prayers, to deliver a sermon Imam − on Fridays and on religious festival occasions. He also conducts Funeral Prayers and performs marriage ceremonies. The is also responsible Imam − for the religious education of the community, especially the children. The office of carries great respect and high responsibility. Great Imam − importance is attached to following the in the observance of Prayers. Imam − Daily Prayers In every religion Prayer is regarded as the pivot on which rests man's Communion with God. God prescribed Prayer as the second pillar of His everlasting religion Islam. − Of all religious obligations, Islam has laid the greatest emphasis on − the institution of Prayer ( It is enjoined upon every Muslim to Pray Salat). ± − five times a day. Besides the five obligatory Prayers, there are other types of Prayers which are optional. Salat or Prayer, consists of various postures, i. e. Standing called ± − Qiyam, Ruku‘ Sajdah Bowing down called , Prostration called and Sitting − − called. During each posture prescribed, phrases are to be recited. Qa‘dah As these phrases are in Arabic, every Muslim is required not only to memorize these verses but also to know their meaning so that the worshipper knows what he is saying to his Lord during the Prayer. Prayers, in the prescribed manner is obligatory upon every adult Muslim of sound mind. As far as children are concerned, it is not obligatory on them until they come of age. However, it requires continuous effort and persuasion to get them to the stage where they start offering their Prayers regularly in the manner prescribed for the Prayer. Proper training and education is therefore necessary for children. It is for this reason that the Holy Prophet has directed that when children reach the age of seven, parents should urge them to be regular in their Prayrers and when they reach the age of ten, they must be admonished if they fail to 95