Salāh (Prayer)

The Ninth Word

The night itself reminds man of winter, the grave, and ālam-i barzakh. In this way, it shows him how desperately his soul stands in need of the mercy of the Most Merciful. It also reminds him of what a vital light tahajjud is in the grave and in the darkness of ālam-i barzakh. By reminding man of the endless favours of Munim-i Haqīqī throughout all these transformations, it demonstrates how worthy He is of glorification and thanksgiving.

The Fajr of the following day reminds man of the Resurrection. Indeed, just as it is reasonable, necessary, and certain that morning follows night and spring follows winter, so too is it certain that after death there will be life in ālam-i barzakh, and after ālam-i barzakh there will be resurrection.

In short, just as each of these five times marks the beginning of a significant daily transformation and recalls the great transformations manifested in every year, every century, and every age, so too do the daily majestic acts of as-Samad remind man of His wondrous works and gifts of mercy manifested throughout every year, every century, and every era.

This means that the prayer times are the most fitting and appropriate moments for performing the obligatory prayers, which constitute man's essential duty, the very essence of servitude, and his undeniable debt to Allah.

The Fifth Point

Although man is extremely weak by nature, everything affects him, saddens him, and causes him grief. Although he is utterly powerless, he is confronted with countless troubles and adversities. Although he is extremely needy, he cannot provide for his own needs. Although he is inclined to ease and comfort, the burdens of life are very heavy. Although he is connected with the whole of existence, the decline and separation of those he loves and is attached to continually cause him pain and sorrow. And although his intellect shows him lofty goals and everlasting fruits, his reach and lifespan are short, while his power and patience are limited.

Indeed, for the human soul in such a state, it is essential at the time of Fajr to turn through prayer and supplication to Qadīr-i Dhul-Jalāl and Rahīm-i Dhul-Djamāl, to present its condition before Him, and to seek His help and support. This forms an essential point of reliance, enabling him to bear the burdens that will come upon him throughout the day and the duties and responsibilities that will be placed upon him.

The time of Zuhr is when the day has reached its peak and has begun its descent toward evening. It is the time when daily work approaches completion, a brief respite from fatigue and pressure. It is a moment when the soul needs relief from the heedlessness and weariness brought about by the demanding occupations of this transient world. Moreover, it is a time when the blessings of Allah become clearly manifest.

Indeed, by performing the Zuhr prayer, man frees himself from that pressure, escapes heedlessness, and turns away from the insignificant and fleeting concerns of the world. Standing humbly before Munim-i Haqīqī — Who is Qayyūm-i Bāqī — he offers gratitude for all His blessings and seeks His help. Through rukū, he displays his helplessness before His majesty and grandeur, and through sujūd he proclaims his wonder, love, and humility before His infinite perfection and incomparable beauty. Truly, one who does not understand how beautiful, pleasant, necessary, and appropriate it is to perform the Zuhr prayer can scarcely be worthy of the name human.