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AlGhazalisIhya-Book_of_Prayer, page : 32
The purpose of Koranic recitation and expression of remembrance (at various
stages in the ritual prayer) is undoubtedly praise and glorification, supplication
and entreaty, addressed to Allah, the Almighty. But the veil of heedlessness
screen the heart from Him. Far from seeing or witnessing Him, the heedless
worshiper is not even aware of Whom he is addressing, as his tongue moves
purely from force of habit. How remote this is from the purpose of ritual prayer,
which was prescribed for the refinement of the heart, the renewal of Divine
remembrance, and to secure the knot of faith!
We have been discussing the case of recitation and remembrance, but our
strictures in this matter are by no means relevant only to the spoken elements in
ritual prayer, as distinct from the physical postures. As for bowing and
prostrations, their purpose is definitely veneration. While one could be venerating
Allah, through one‟s action, although unaware of Him, one might just as well be
unconsciously venerating an idol set before one, or even the wall in front. It then
ceases to be an act of veneration and is reduced to mere movement of the back
and head, devoid of any hardship that might make it a real test.
Ritual prayer has been made the chief pillar of religion, the criterion for
stages in the ritual prayer) is undoubtedly praise and glorification, supplication
and entreaty, addressed to Allah, the Almighty. But the veil of heedlessness
screen the heart from Him. Far from seeing or witnessing Him, the heedless
worshiper is not even aware of Whom he is addressing, as his tongue moves
purely from force of habit. How remote this is from the purpose of ritual prayer,
which was prescribed for the refinement of the heart, the renewal of Divine
remembrance, and to secure the knot of faith!
We have been discussing the case of recitation and remembrance, but our
strictures in this matter are by no means relevant only to the spoken elements in
ritual prayer, as distinct from the physical postures. As for bowing and
prostrations, their purpose is definitely veneration. While one could be venerating
Allah, through one‟s action, although unaware of Him, one might just as well be
unconsciously venerating an idol set before one, or even the wall in front. It then
ceases to be an act of veneration and is reduced to mere movement of the back
and head, devoid of any hardship that might make it a real test.
Ritual prayer has been made the chief pillar of religion, the criterion for