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It is clear, from the previous discussion that the concept of worship in
Islam is a comprehensive concept that includes all the positive activities
of the individual. This of course is in agreement with the all inclusive
nature of Islam as a way of life. It regulates human life
on all levels: individual, social, economic, political and spiritual. That
is why Islam provides guidance to the smallest details of one's life on all
these levels. Thus following these details is following Islamic
instructions in that specific area. It is a very encouraging element when
one realizes that all his activities are considered by God as acts of
worship. This should lead the individual to seek Allah's pleasure in his
actions and always try to do them in the best possible manner whether he is
watched by his superiors or he is alone. There is always the permanent
supervisor, who knows everything, namely, Allah.
Discussing the non-ritual worship in Islam first does not mean undervaluing
the importance of the ritual ones. Actually ritual worship, if performed
in true spirit, elevates man morally and spiritually and enables him to
carry on his activities in all walks of life according to the Guidance of
God. Among ritual worships, Salah (ritual prayer) occupies the key
position for two reasons. Firstly, it is the distinctive mark of a
believer. Secondly, it prevents an individual from all sorts of
abominations and vices by providing him chances of direct communion with
his Creator five times a day, wherein he renews his covenant with God and
seeks His guidance again and again:
"You alone we worship and to You alone we turn for help. Guide us to the
straight path."
(1:5,6)
Actually Salah is the first practical manifestation of Faith and also the
foremost of the basis conditions for the success of the believers:
"Successful indeed are the believers who are humble in their prayers."
(23:1-2)
The same fact has been emphasized by the Prophet (PBUH) in a different way.
He says:
"Those who offer their Salah with great care and punctuality, will find it
a light, a proof of their Faith and cause of their salvation on the Day of
Judgment."
After Salah, Zakah (poor-due) is an important pillar of Islam. In the
Quran, Salah and Zakah mostly have been mentioned together many times.
Like Salah, Zakah is a manifestation of faith that affirms that God is the
sole owner of everything in the universe, and what men hold is a trust in
their hand over which God made them trustees to discharge it as He has laid
down:
"Believe in Allah and His messenger and spend of that over which He made
you trustees."
(57:7)
In this respect Zakah is an act of devotion which, like prayer, brings the
believer nearer to his Lord.
Apart from this, Zakah is a means of redistribution of wealth in a way that
reduces differences between classes and groups. It makes a fair
contribution to social stability. By purging the soul of the rich from
selfishness and the soul of the poor from envy and resentment against
society, it stops up the channels leading to class hatred and makes it
possible for the springs of brotherhood and solidarity to gush forth. Such
stability is not merely based on the personal feelings of the rich; it
stands on a firmly established right which, if the rich denied it, would be
exacted by force, if necessary.
Siyam (fasting during the day time of the month of Ramadan) is another
pillar of Islam. The main function of fasting is to make the Muslim pure
from "within" as other aspects of Shariah make him pure from "without." By
such purity he responds to what is true and good and shuns what is false
and evil. This is what we can perceive in the Quranic verse:
"O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for
those before you, that you may gain piety."
(2:183)
In an authentic tradition, the Prophet reported Allah as saying: "He
suspends eating, drinking, and gratification of his sexual passion for My
sake." Thus his reward is going to be according to God's great bounty.
Fasting, then, awakens the conscience of the individual and gives it scope
for exercise in a joint experience for all society at the same time, thus
adding further strength to each individual. Moreover, fasting offers a
compulsory rest to the over-worked human machine for the duration of one
full month. Similarly fasting reminds an individual of those who are
deprived of life's necessities throughout the year or throughout life. It
makes him realize the suffering of others, the less fortunate brothers in
Islam, and thus promotes in him a sense of sympathy and kindness to them.
Lastly, we come to Al-Hajj (pilgrimage to the House of God in Makkah).
This very important pillar of Islam manifests a unique unity, dispelling
all kinds of differences. Muslims from all corners of the world wearing
the same dress, respond to the call of Hajj in one voice and language;
LABBAIK ALLAHUMMA LABBAIK (Here I am at your service O Lord!). In
Hajj there is an exercise of strict self-discipline and control where not
only sacred things are revered, but even the life of plants and birds is
made inviolable so that everything lives in safety:
"And he that venerates the sacred things of God, it shall be better for him
with his Lord."
(22:30)
"And he that venerates the waymarks of God, it surely is from
devotion of the heart."
(22:32)
Pilgrimage gives an opportunity to all Muslims from all groups, classes,
organizations, and governments from all over the Muslim world to meet
annually in a great congress. The time and venue of this congress has been
set by their One God. Invitation to attend is open to every Muslim. No
one has the power to bar anyone. Every Muslim who attends is guaranteed
full safety and freedom as long as he himself does not violate its safety.
Thus, worship in Islam, whether ritual or non-ritual, trains the individual
in such a way that he loves his Creator most and thereby gains an
unyielding will and spirit to wipe out all evil and oppression from the
human society and make the word of God dominant in the world.
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