Precious Star
Junior Member
Excerpt:
This question stems from a misunderstanding about the relationship of a person of faith with his/her Creator. A prayer is to seek God’s grace, mercy and forgiveness. It establishes and strengthens our relationship with Him and brings us closer to Him.
Muslims generally use the term “prayer” for the five daily prayers, an obligatory duty for all adults (Holy Koran, 4:103). It is a pure act of worship. Its content includes glorification of our Lord, promise to worship none but Him and humble supplication for His help and guidance in all our affairs.
Prayer also means a supplication to our Creator in times of difficulties. It is a sincere hope for succour but never to “change God’s mind.” Islam’s first and foremost teaching is to have absolute trust and faith in God Who He cherishes His creation. We are never to become despondent but keep our trust in God Almighty (39:53).
Muslims are advised not to worry about the acceptance of a supplication but to worry about making a proper supplication. Our prophet, peace be upon him, said that God Almighty may accept a supplication when made or may postpone its acceptance to the Hereafter or He may remove another similar difficulty.
Most people of faith begin their daily activities with some form of prayer. For example, when I began writing this piece, I said “In the name of God, the Most Gracious, Most Merciful”. Among Muslims, supplication to God is one of most important extra-canonical devotional acts. In fact, the prophet of Islam, peace be upon him, said: “Supplication is the essence of worship”.
Our Creator tells us in the Holy Koran that He is close to us and listens to our supplications (2:286). He says: “Call on Me: I will answer you” (40:60). Consequently, Muslims begin and end every action with an invocation of the name of God. The act may relate to work or leisure, matter or spirit.
This question stems from a misunderstanding about the relationship of a person of faith with his/her Creator. A prayer is to seek God’s grace, mercy and forgiveness. It establishes and strengthens our relationship with Him and brings us closer to Him.
Muslims generally use the term “prayer” for the five daily prayers, an obligatory duty for all adults (Holy Koran, 4:103). It is a pure act of worship. Its content includes glorification of our Lord, promise to worship none but Him and humble supplication for His help and guidance in all our affairs.
Prayer also means a supplication to our Creator in times of difficulties. It is a sincere hope for succour but never to “change God’s mind.” Islam’s first and foremost teaching is to have absolute trust and faith in God Who He cherishes His creation. We are never to become despondent but keep our trust in God Almighty (39:53).
Muslims are advised not to worry about the acceptance of a supplication but to worry about making a proper supplication. Our prophet, peace be upon him, said that God Almighty may accept a supplication when made or may postpone its acceptance to the Hereafter or He may remove another similar difficulty.
Most people of faith begin their daily activities with some form of prayer. For example, when I began writing this piece, I said “In the name of God, the Most Gracious, Most Merciful”. Among Muslims, supplication to God is one of most important extra-canonical devotional acts. In fact, the prophet of Islam, peace be upon him, said: “Supplication is the essence of worship”.
Our Creator tells us in the Holy Koran that He is close to us and listens to our supplications (2:286). He says: “Call on Me: I will answer you” (40:60). Consequently, Muslims begin and end every action with an invocation of the name of God. The act may relate to work or leisure, matter or spirit.