Islam - Its Meaning for Modern Man — Page 181
181 forenoon. In this, also, he is followed by many Muslims. Thus having regard to the times of the various services, obligatory and supererogatory, at all hours of the day and night, millions of human beings, of all races, colours, and conditions, humble in spirit, “whom neither merchandise nor traffic diverts from the remembrance of Allah and the observance of Prayer” (24:37 ⎯ 39) are engaged in glorifying Allah and celebrating His praise. As hour succeeds hour, in country after country, region after region, and continent after continent, millions pass on to others this holy pursuit. Seven times in the course of each twenty-four hours every part of the terrestrial globe is made witness of this purifying and ennobling exaltation of Allah’s Holy Name by His humble creatures in adoration and gratitude, and of the invocation of His blessings upon His Messenger. Besides the Salat there is constant occasion for, and urge toward, prayer. No time is prescribed; no formalities have to be observed; there is no set form of words. The heart and the soul make submission to their Maker and seek communion with Him as they may be moved. The difference between the Salat and prayer in its ordinary concept may be symbolically expressed as the difference between a public audience to which one is bidden and which one must attend on peril of being accounted a defaulter if one does not,