| Setting aside the conventional methods, this book explores the humane dimension of Islamic ideology. It defies the notion that religion is a private affair between God and his creations, but gives a warm extension to all human relationships. Modeling on great personalities such as Khalifas, the author tries a different reading of Islam and its history which, of course, will attract the reader’s attention. |
Prayers (Swalat)
Prayers are the occasions of great journey. when man bids farewell to the material world for a short time and leaves himself in His holy presence. They are occasions of private conversation between the servant and the Master. None can be a Muslim without performing the prayers prescribed in Islam. They are highly essential for serving oneself from the Hell and achieving Heavenly reward. It is about the prayers one performed that he will be questioned first in the Life Hereafter. Even in the performance of the prayers, which has great importance in Islam, the compassion to the human beings cannot be forgotten. When the Imam (the person leading the prayer) hears the scream of a baby from the lines of worshippers behind him he must make the prayer short. The reaction for this is not that the baby will exhaust itself by screaming but the mother of the baby will become overanxious. It means that just to save woman from becoming mentally weaker, thousands who stand behind the Imam for prayer have to cut short their prayers. No explanation is necessary for the approach of Islam which is of boundless compassion and mercy.
Anas (R) reported: The prophet said that “he had started praying with the intention that it must be longer, meanwhile he heard a baby screaming from behind him. Thinking about the sentiments that would rise up in the heart of the mother he shortened the prayer keeping the compulsory items only in it.” (Bukhari)
Abu Huraira reported that prophet had said that if any one of it happened to lead the prayer, they must shorten them, because among those who were praying, there might be people who are physically weak, patients and old men. If they were praying alone, then they could lengthen their prayers. (Bukhari/Muslim)
The prophet was rather angry with Muad who lengthened the duration of the prayer. He asked him whether he was making troubles. Prophet made serious state-ments to the effect that the prayer i.e. the private conversation between man and God should be cut short taking into account the weak people who participate in it.
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