The Ninth Word

Thus, the human soul—utterly weak and powerless, infinitely poor and needy, cast into the darkness of an uncertain future and carried along by countless events—echoes the words of Ibrahim (as),

لَٓا اُحِبُّ الْاٰفِلٖينَI do not love those things that set. – The Quran 6:76

and through the Isha prayer seeks refuge in Mabūd-i Lam YazalAllah, the only One worthy of worship, Whose existence is everlasting. and Mahbūb-i La YazālAllah, the true Beloved Whose existence is everlasting.. In this transient world, fleeting life, dark realm, and uncertain future, it turns to Bāqī-i SarmadīAllah, the One Whose existence is eternal. and enters into intimate conversation with Him. Through a brief share in an everlasting discourse and a few moments touched by eternal life, it seeks the mercy and luminous guidance of Rahmān ar-RahīmAllah, Whose mercy and compassion encompass everything., hoping thereby to illuminate its world and future and heal the wounds caused by separation, loss, and the passing of creatures and loved ones.

It turns away from a world that has withdrawn itself from view and pours out the sorrows of its heart before the Court of Mercy. Before surrendering itself to sleep—which resembles death—and unaware of what the coming hours may bring, it performs its final act of worship, hoping to seal the record of its day with a good ending.

Thus, it enters the presence of MabūdThe One Who is worthy of worship. and Mahbūb-i BāqīAllah, the true Beloved whose existence is everlasting. in place of all fleeting beloveds; of Qadīr-i KarīmAllah, the All-Powerful and Infinitely Generous One. in place of all powerless beings from whom it seeks help; and of Hafīz-i RahīmAllah, who preserves and protects all things and whose mercy encompasses everything., seeking protection from every evil and every cause of fear.

It begins with Sūrah al-FātihaThe Opening Chapter of the Qur’an.. Instead of praising and feeling indebted to deficient and needy creatures, who are neither worthy of praise nor gratitude, it extols and glorifies Rabb al-ĀlamīnAllah, the Lord of all worlds. , Who is Kāmil-i MutlaqAllah, the Absolutely Perfect One., Ghaniyy-i MutlaqAllah, the Absolutely Rich One., and Rahīm-i MutlaqAllah, the Absolutely Merciful One..

Then, through reciting

اِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُYou alone we worship. – The Quran 1:5

it rises to direct address. Despite its smallness, insignificance, and loneliness, through its connection with Mālik-i Yawm ad-DīnAllah, the Master of the Day of Judgment. — Who is the Sultān-i Azal wa AbadAllah, the Sovereign of all things and all times, whose existence has neither beginning nor end. — the human being attains the rank of an honoured guest and entrusted servant within this vast universe.

By reciting

اِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَاِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعٖينُYou alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help. — The Quran 1:5

he presents before Allah, in the name of all creation, the worship, supplications, and pleas for assistance offered by the great congregation and vast community of the universe.

Then, through reciting

اِهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقٖيمَGuide us to the Straight Path. – The Quran 1:6.

he asks to be guided along the Straight Path—the luminous way that leads through the darkness of the future to eternal happiness.

Reflecting upon the majesty of Dhāt-i Dhul-JalālAllah, the Majestic Lord Whose greatness and majesty are boundless., before Whose command the hidden suns and wakeful stars are subjugated like obedient soldiers and serve as lamps and attendants within this guesthouse of the world, he proclaims, “Allāhu AkbarAllah is the Greatest.,” and bows in rukūThe bowing position in Islamic prayer, with the hands resting on the knees..