Understanding Salat — Page 231
Qa‘dah 231 Hadrat Mu s le h Mau‘ ū d ra said, When a Muslim says “ Assal ā mu ‘Alaikum wa Ra h matull ā h ” at the conclusion of his Prayer, he is stating that he had gone to express his obedience and servitude to God and has now returned. He is saying that he is bringing the message of peace and blessings for his fellow Muslims. Since he was always physically present at that place, the only meaning can be that his spirit was prostrating in the presence of God—he was so busy in worship that he was cut off and absent from the world. Saying “ Assal ā mu ‘Alaikum… ” at the conclusion of Prayer indicates that it is essential for a Muslim to be alert in safeguarding his Prayer, because he is, at that time, present in the court of God Almighty, Who says about Muslims that: “. . . and they keep a watch over their Prayer. ” (6:93) Satan wants to disrupt their Prayers but vigilant Muslims safeguard their Prayers from his attacks. Everybody should, therefore, guard his Prayers. When you offer Prayer, keep in mind that you have entered in the presence of God. When you return you should give glad tidings to those to the right and those to the left that you have brought peace and blessings for them. But if someone has never gone to God’s presence, and has always remained engrossed in his own thoughts, he will be telling a big lie when