3. ISLAM IS THE VOICE OF HUMAN NATURE

~ 65 ~ and the faithful. Worship is then concluded by prayers to God for peace for the entire human race. An object lesson in dynamism and action in life, it imparts a sense of order and discipline. It is at one and the same time food for the souls of the believers and a means of creating unity and the spirit of collectivism amongst them. In this way, salah, with its various elements, is an act which is at once a service to God and a reminder of His dictates. Above all, with its symbolism of the Islamic way of life it is the prime occasion for communion with God. Salah, in its form, is a particular way of worship; in essence, it projects a profound sense of humility and devotion to God. The ultimate expression of one’s recognition of someone else’s greatness or superiority would be to say ‘You are the greatest.’ In salah, the words ‘Allahu Akbar’ (God is the greatest) are repeated over and over again, conceding absolute mastery to God. This sentiment is given physical expression in total prostration before God, which, carried out repeatedly in salah, clearly symbolizes one’s recognition of the glory of God.