THE SPIRIT OF SALATH (PRAYER

Paradise is a place where we will get to see and talk to God. Paradise is a place to meet God. When the worshippers live in a sense of loss, how can they at the same time also have feelings of gratitude for the Creator? Glorifying God During salath the phrase Allah Akbar is repeated several times. It means ‘God is Greatest and His Glory is foremost.’ In reality, however, Muslims do not live in the glory of God. Often Muslims are heard saying: ‘Israel and America are oppressing us. Or so-and-so is conspiring against us’. Those who utter these words are considering ‘Israel’ or ‘America’ to be greater than God. The greatest harm done by the feeling of loss is that it makes one devoid of the glory of God. While the complaint that one has is apparently against a human being, in reality the one who complains is silently declaring that he is bereft of the acknowledgement of the glory of God. Those who truly believe that God is the greatest will have an outburst of thankfulness for Him and will mention His glory and greatness when they speak, instead of speaking about the complaints they have of others. Peace and Well-Wishing for Others Salath ends with the worshipper turning to his left and right and uttering the words: As-salam alaikum wa rehmatullah (May peace and the blessings of God be with you!) Who are we saying this to? The worshipper says this to all human beings who reside on earth. The worshipper addresses all mankind: ‘O people! May there be peace and mercy on you! My heart is full of well-wishing for you!’ But again if you read the articles penned by Muslims or attend any of their meetings, you will realize that their speech is filled with the hatred for other human beings. In mosques, Muslims call down God’s curse on others—an act which is entirely and highly un-Islamic. Therefore it is only salath performed in the right spirit that will take a person to Paradise. This is the salath which inculcates in the worshipper true thankfulness to God, makes him live in the glory of God, and lastly develops in him feelings of peace, compassion and well-wishing for fellow human beings.