Muhammad: Seal of the Prophets — Page 107
MUHAMMAD : SEAL OF THE PROPHETS 107 united in the worship and glorification of God. The different postures are indicative not only of the humility of the body but also of the humility of the soul. The prescribed glorification of God for each posture is appropriate to that posture. For instan ce, during prostration the worshipper glorifies God in the terms ‘Holy is my Lord, the Most High’, whereby both the body and the soul feel and acknowledge their own extreme humility before the Lord. In all worship, Islam insists upon the participation of the soul along with the body. Mere physical performance according to the prescribed procedure has no value and is strongly condemned. For instance, it is said: ‘Woe unto those who pray but are unmindf ul of their Prayer, and pray only to be seen of people’ (107:6,7). In the same way, concerning sacrifice, it is said (22:38): The flesh of the animals that you sacrifice reaches not Allah, nor their blood, it is your righteousness that reaches Him. Thus has He subjected them to you that you may glorify Allah for guiding you; and give glad tidings to those who carry out all comman dments in their true spirit. Regarding the fast, it is pointed out: ‘O ye who believe, fasting is prescribed for you during a fixed number of days, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may safeguard yourselves against moral and spiritual ills’ (2:184). The Holy Proph et said: ‘He who does not give up uttering falsehood and misconduct abstains in vain from food and drink during the fast, as Allah does not require merely physical compliance from him. ’