Islam - Its Meaning for Modern Man — Page 174
174 [twice]; I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah [twice]; come to Prayer [twice]; come to Salvation [twice]; Allah is Great [twice]; there is no being worthy of worship save Allah [once]. Whatever pursuit or occupation a person may be engaged in, when he hears “Allah is Great,” which also means Allah is above all, the Call comes to him as a reminder that he must immediately transfer his attention from the business in hand to the worship of God, which is the ultimate goal and object and, indeed, the fulfilment and consummation of one’s being. There is a short interval between the Call to Prayer and the service, which gives the worshippers time to prepare for the service and to proceed to the mosque. The preparation for the service consists of cleaning the mouth and the nostrils and of washing the face, the arms up to the elbows, and the feet if they are uncovered, which secures both physical cleanliness and an attitude of attention and concentration toward the act of worship. The service is led by one of the congregation, preferably the one who possesses the best understanding of the Quran. There is no priesthood or anything corresponding to ordination or taking Holy Orders in Islam. Every Muslim is, or should be, competent to lead a congregation in the service.