-
AlGhazalisIhya-Book_of_Mysteries_of_Pilgrimage, page : 40
purpose. Fasting breaks the hold of desire, which is the tool of the enemy of
Allah, and is conducive to worship because it dispels distraction. Bowing and
prostrating in ritual prayer promote humility toward Allah the Almighty, through
actions symbolic of humility, and the soul enjoys intimacy in the veneration of
Allah, the Almighty. In actions like running to and fro or throwing pebbles, on the
other hand, there is no pleasure or satisfaction and nothing to suggest any
rational significance. The sole inducement to perform them is therefore the
command itself and the intention to comply with it inasmuch as it is an order that
must be obeyed.
Deflected from where its comfort lies; for if this was something readily
comprehensible to the mind, there would be a natural inclination towards it. That
inclination would then back up the command and provide an added incentive to
act upon it, in, which case it would hardly represent a perfect demonstration of
homage and obedience. This is why The Messenger of Allah, praise and peace
be upon him, singled out the Pilgrimage when he said: “Doubly at Your service,
through a Pilgrimage in truth, devotion and homage!” He did not say that about
ritual prayer or any other act of worship. If it were necessary to question the
wisdom of Allah, the Almighty in linking our salvation to actions that run counter
Allah, and is conducive to worship because it dispels distraction. Bowing and
prostrating in ritual prayer promote humility toward Allah the Almighty, through
actions symbolic of humility, and the soul enjoys intimacy in the veneration of
Allah, the Almighty. In actions like running to and fro or throwing pebbles, on the
other hand, there is no pleasure or satisfaction and nothing to suggest any
rational significance. The sole inducement to perform them is therefore the
command itself and the intention to comply with it inasmuch as it is an order that
must be obeyed.
Deflected from where its comfort lies; for if this was something readily
comprehensible to the mind, there would be a natural inclination towards it. That
inclination would then back up the command and provide an added incentive to
act upon it, in, which case it would hardly represent a perfect demonstration of
homage and obedience. This is why The Messenger of Allah, praise and peace
be upon him, singled out the Pilgrimage when he said: “Doubly at Your service,
through a Pilgrimage in truth, devotion and homage!” He did not say that about
ritual prayer or any other act of worship. If it were necessary to question the
wisdom of Allah, the Almighty in linking our salvation to actions that run counter