Through Force or Faith? — Page 307
Chapter 7 — Novelty in the Teachings of Muhammad 307 be carried out at any time in the form of prayer, some segments of time were fixed at which worship and prayer were specifically enjoined. The Holy Founder of Islam demonstrated to Muslims, by performing all acts of worship himself, how to perform it. He appointed their times; taught them the etiquette of worship. Likewise, he gave detailed instructions concerning worship during exceptional conditions such as illness, journey, and harsh weather, etc. (see chapters on subject of prayer and worship in various col- lections of A hā d ī th. ) Prior to Islam, other religions had confined even the worship. As such, specific congregational worship cannot be conducted at every place. Specific locations such as churches, synagogues or temples are designated for them. Islam declared the entire earth as acceptable place for worship of God ( S u rah al-Baqarah, 2:14), (Bukhārī, Tradition No. 419). Before Islam, specific persons were appointed to conduct reli- gious services. In Judaism, the priests had to belong to the prog- eny of Aaron; and in Christianity only the priests ordained by the Church could lead the services. Islam widened the circle in this respect also and freed it from the monopoly of any particular fam- ily or pastoral hierarchy. Hence, any Muslim can lead the prayer, conduct a marriage or perform the funeral service. Means to Achieve Communion with God The Quran describes eight means through which man can attain access to God and reach the goal of his life. These are as follows: To have the right knowledge of God, and to have faith in the