Inner Dimensions of Islamic Worship

By Imam al-Ghazali

Covers those dimensions of Islamic rituals of worship prayer, almsgiving, fasting, Pilgrimage, etc. which are essential to the fulfilment of inner quality. Consists of selections from al-Ghazali's Ihya, a pivotal work in the history of Islamic thought.

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Islamic Foundation
• Release date: Jun 29, 2012
• ISBN: 9780860375166

Book preview

1

The Prayer

ṢALĀT

In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Mercy-giving.

(Bismi-Ilāhi-Iraḥmāni-Iraḥīm.)

All praise belongs to God, Who has lavished His favours on His servants, filling their hearts with the light of religion and its duties, sent down from the Throne of Glory to the heaven of this world by the steps of mercy. One mark of His compassion: in contrast to earthly kings, though majesty and might belong to Him Alone, He urges the people to bring Him their requests and pleas, saying: ‘Will anyone call, that I may answer him? Will anyone seek My forgiveness, that I may forgive him?’ Unlike the rulers of this world, He keeps an open door and does not screen himself away. He allows His servants to converse with Him intimately in their Prayers, under all circumstances, be they in Congregation or in isolation. Not merely allowing, indeed, He gently urges and invites. How different are those feeble worldly kings, who grant an audience only when they have received a gift or bribe!

Glory be to Him, therefore, so grand in His sublimity, so Strong in His authority, so Perfect in His graciousness, so Allembracing in His goodness. Blessings and salutations to Muhammad, His chosen Prophet and selected friend, and to his family and Companions, those keys of right guidance and lanterns in the

Reviews for Inner Dimensions of Islamic Worship

[Faysal Aslam · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Must read for those who believe that Islamic worship is nothing more than meaningless motions and recitation.