Introduction
“The performance of prayer is in conjunction with bodily movements and remembrances of heart and tongue, which are obligatory and must be simultaneous with prayer. They are called: Neeyyat (intention), Takbeeratol-Ehram (call – Allah is the Greatest), Ghiyam (rising), Ghara’at (recitation), Rokoo’ (bowing), Ghiyam mot’tasel be Rokoo’ (rising after bowing), Sojood (The Prostration), Tashah’hod (witnessing), and Salam (salute).”
“Each of the mentioned actions and remembrances of God, in addition to their outward form, have an inner and spiritual reality which comprises the ascent of the individual to the highest state of existence, reaching Empyrean of the Almighty God, and closeness to the Exalted Lord.” [1]
If the rites of prayer are devoid of inner meaning, remembrance is nothing but recitation of words, lacking in meaning; it is like an empty skin, or lifeless body.
Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessing upon him) told Hazrat Ali Ibn Abi-Talib: “O’ Ali! The five prayers are like a stream for my followers, that runs at the door of each one of you. What thinks he who is unclean but bathes in a stream five times: does he remain unclean? I swear by God that for my followers the five prayers are such.” [2]
References:
- Molana Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha, Al-Salat, the Reality of Prayer in Islam , M.T.O. Shahmaghsoudi Publications®. pp.14-15
- Ibid. p.37