The Essence of Islam – Volume II — Page 307
The Pillars of Islam 307 you almost lose your senses and you begin to think of yourself as a prisoner. That condition resembles the time when the sun sets and hope of daylight comes to an end. . The sunset prayer (Maghrib) is prescribed corresponding to this spiritual condition. . The fourth condition is when you are afflicted by the calamity and its deep darkness envelops you completely. . For instance, when after the close of the evidence you are convicted and sentenced and are committed to the custody of the police. This condition resembles the time of nightfall, when everything falls into deep darkness. . The evening prayer (Ishā) is prescribed corresponding to this spiritual condition. . When you have spent a certain time in the darkness of the affliction, Divine mercy surges up and delivers you from the darkness, as the dawn succeeds the darkness of the night and daylight begins to appear. The dawn prayer (Fajr) is prescribed corresponding to this spiritual condition. God Almighty in view of your five changing conditions has prescribed five prayer services for you. . You can thus understand that these services have been prescribed for the benefit of your soul. If you desire security against these calamities you should not neglect the five daily services, as they are a reflection of your inner and spiritual conditions. The Ṣalāt is a remedy for the calamities that may threaten. You know not what type of circumstances the new day might confront you with. So before the beginning of the day supplicate your. Divine Master earnestly that the day may prove to be a source of benefit and blessing for you. [Kashti Nūḥ, Rūḥānī Khazā'in, vol. 19, pp. 69-70]