The Teachings of the Prophet

the time. God should be remembered in all aspects in the way laid down by the Prophet. Ibadat (worship) means those acts which have been set forth in the Shariah so that the spiritual aspect of man is made to prevail over his material aspect. For this, such ways of worship are prescribed as to bring man psychologically closer to God. Qurbani (sacrifice) means sacrificing one’s feelings and emotions and wealth for the cause of God. When man sacrifices the things dear to him in the name of God, it is as if he makes his feelings subservient to God. In this way, this sacrifice brings him very close to his Lord. This remembrance of the Lord and worship and sacrifice are not separate from one another but are different manifestations of the same reality. They are an expression of the extreme attachment of man to his Lord. When man remembers his dearest God with all his heart and all his soul, it is called zikr. When overcome by his feelings, he surrenders himself wholly to God, it is worship. And when he gives away his possessions in the path of God, it is called sacrifice. The Prophet guides us on this path and brings God’s servants in contact with the Creator.