Through Force or Faith? — Page 306
?— A Reply to Pope Benedict XVI 306 which a prayer has not been taught. The disciples of Jesus were so uninformed concerning the philosophy and teachings of prayer that when they failed in their effort, they asked Jesus the reason for their failure, and he had to tell them that all difficult tasks are accomplished with prayer. In other words, they were not praying when it was required to pray. (Mark 9:29) In addition to prayer, Islam has outlined a vast system cover- ing the acts of worship. Earlier religions did not tell why worship was necessary, nor did their modes of worship have any logical cohesion or purpose. For example, the Christians congregate in church on Sunday to praise God; but why? Is it because they are commanded to do so? It is also worth reflection as to what is its purpose, besides being a virtuous act? And why is it important to congregate for this purpose? It is possible that Christian schol- ars may invent some answers for these questions on their own, but their religious sources are definitely silent in this regard. The silence is so comprehensive that Jesus did not say anything even about the essential components of worship; and all the rituals of service were developed by the church fathers themselves later on. Islam has explained that the acts of worship are for man’s own benefit. The very purpose of man’s creation is worship–that he should remain engaged in true service to God ( S u rah adh-Dhāri- yāt, 51:57). For this, to seek help and strength from God, worship is needed and the essence of worship is prayer ( Sunan Tirmidh i , Tradition No. 3293). As a result, man is cleansed of sins through worship. It is like bathing in a stream ( Ibn Mājah, Tradition No. 1387). Moreover, it is made obligatory for man to remain thank- ful to God ( S u rah al-Baqarah, 2:153); and one of the means to do so is the formal prayer. In addition to general worship which can