Basics of Religious Education — Page 59
B ASICS OF R ELIGIOUS E DUCATION - F IFTH E DITION 59 59 59 59 59 His attributes at once produced the usual effect. Hence, all of a sudden, the supplicant finds himself in the glorious presence of his Lord and Master and turns to Him in all loving confidence, exclaiming: Iyyaaka na`budu wa iyyaaka nasta`een ‘Thee alone do we worship and Thee alone do we implore for help. ’ The word ibaadah , (i. e. ,worship) means to throw oneself entirely before the Supreme Being with complete love, trust, fear and humility. It is not easy to make such a complete surrender. The world presents a network of good and evil influences. Hence the words ‘ Thee alone do we ask for help ’. No religion has provided a more meaningful and efficacious manner of worship than Islam. Every true Muslim cuts off all connection with the world and its affairs and stands in an attitude of devotion before his beloved Lord and Master five times a day. Then are his eyes truly closed to the world and his soul holds communion with God and on receiving a new life from Him, and inspired with fresh energy and zeal, he turns to fight his way through the hostile elements of the world. Again, as the sickening vices of this world grow heavy on him the pilgrim again resorts to his favorite beverage and drinks deep at the fountain of Divine love. This goes on till the wayfarer reaches his goal and passing through the inevitable gate of death he throws himself to rest in the bosom of his Lord and Master. The next verse is: Ihdina-ssiraat-al mustaqeem ‘Guide us on the straight path. ’ The word Ihdinaa signifies the showing of the right path as well as keeping on the right path and progressing along it. Islam does not limit the spiritual progress of man, hence the comprehensive prayer which is offered by both him who has not yet discovered the right path and by him who is well ad- vanced on it. Even the righteous prophets of God need this prayer because the stages of nearness to God are endless. 2. 4 Verse 6 Verse 5 2. 5 2. 5 2. 5 2. 5 2. 5 A A A A A LLAH LLAH LLAH LLAH LLAH AND AND AND AND AND THE THE THE THE THE H H H H H OL OL OL OL OLY Y Y Y Y Q Q Q Q Q UR UR UR UR UR ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ AN AN AN AN AN — S — S — S — S — S URAH URAH URAH URAH URAH A A A A A L L L L L -F -F -F -F -F A A A A ATIHA TIHA TIHA TIHA TIHA AND AND AND AND AND C C C C C OMMENT OMMENT OMMENT OMMENT OMMENTAR AR AR AR ARY Y Y Y Y