The Essence of Islam – Volume II — Page 196
196. Essence of Islam II does not help his purpose. The prayer that is prescribed in this verse as a command is not any ordinary prayer, but is the worship that has been made obligatory. Not all prayers are obligatory. At some places God, the Glorious, has praised those who are steadfast and at a time of trial commit themselves entirely to God. In this verse, prayer has not only been commanded but the verse goes on to describe it as worship and in case of disobedience warns of the torment of hell. It is obvious that in the case of other prayers this warning is not added. Indeed, in some cases Prophets were admonished in respect of their prayers. The verse: اني اعظكَ أنْ تَكُونَ مِنَ الْجَهِلِينَ 55 is an instance. This shows that if every prayer had been worship Noah would not have been rebuked about his prayer. In some situations, Prophets and saints have considered it disrespectful to supplicate and the righteous have followed the dictate of their hearts in respect of such prayers; that is to say, if at a time of distress the heart suggested prayer they turned to prayer and if the heart suggested steadfastness, they were steadfast and turned away from prayer. Besides, God has not promised acceptance of prayer in all cases, but has clearly said that. He would accept if He so wills and would reject if He so wills. This is clearly indicated in the verse: 56 بَلْ إِيَّاهُ تَدْعُونَ فَيَكْشِفُ مَا تَدْعُونَ إليو ان شاء 50 55 (Surah An'ām, Part Number 7) 'I advise thee lest thou become one of the ignorant. '-Hūd, 11:47 [Publisher] 56 ''Nay, but on Him alone will you call; then will He remove that which you call on Him to remove, if He please. . . . '-Al-An'ām, 6:42 [Publisher]