Friday Sermon Archives – Salat in Congregation; the Key to Success and Fulfilling the Purpose of Life – 20th January 2017

The Review of Religions translation team is honored to translate and present Friday Sermons from the archives, delivered by His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba). Below is the official translation of the Friday Sermon delivered on 20th January 2017. 

After reciting Tashahhud, Ta‘awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah, the Fifth Caliph and Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) stated: 

We all know that Salat is obligatory upon Muslims. The Holy Qur’an has repeatedly drawn our attention towards the importance of Salat in various ways. The Holy Prophet (sa) has also stated that Salat is the essence of worship.[1]

In fact, the Holy Prophet (sa) also stated that abandoning Salat leads a person closer to disbelief and Shirk [associating partners with God].[2]

Moreover, expounding on the importance of Salat, the Holy Prophet (sa) stated that the very first thing which mankind will be accounted for on the Day of Judgment will be regarding their Salat. If one succeeds in this, they will be among the prosperous and will attain salvation; otherwise they will have incurred loss and ruination.[3]

The Holy Prophet (sa) also gave guidance in order to make children observant in Salat. The Holy Prophet (sa) stated that one should urge their children to offer Salat when they reach the age of seven. After the age of ten, they may even adopt certain strict measures to make them observant in Salat.[4]

However, if parents themselves are not regular in observing their Salat, then how can they urge their children to do so? Or, what kind of effect will it have on the children if they hear this Hadith [saying of the Holy Prophet (sa)] and instruction of the Holy Prophet (sa) in a religious gathering or through any other means but at home they do not see their own father observing Salat? Surely, the children of such fathers will think that this instruction has no significance, in fact, by undermining the importance of one instruction, they will also diminish the importance of all other injunctions in the view of their children.

Such people are not only incurring their own loss, as stated by the Holy Prophet (sa), but are causing their progeny to suffer loss as well. Parents express great concern to fulfil their children’s worldly ambitions and endeavours while showing no concern where they really ought to. For a true believer [Mo’min] Salat is not the only thing which spiritually purifies them from all impurities, just as the Holy Prophet (sa) cited the example of a stream running outside a person’s door and stated, ‘if a person were to bathe in it daily, five times in the day, will any kind of impurity remain on him?’ The Companions (ra) submitted, ‘O Messenger (sa) of Allah! Surely, such a person will be pure from any form of impurity.’ Upon this, the Holy Prophet (sa) stated, ‘the same is in the case of the five daily prayers; Allah Almighty forgives one’s sin and removes one’s shortcomings as a result of it and no kind of impurity is then left in the soul of a person who observes the five daily prayers.’[5]  

Thus, there can be no impurity left in the soul of one who offers the five daily prayers.

Hence, this is the importance of Salat which the Holy Prophet (sa) has beautifully illustrated though this example. However, as I mentioned earlier, the commandment is not to merely observe Salat, in fact further details have been given to true believing men in order to rid their souls of any impurities. The Holy Prophet (sa) stated, ‘Whoever performs the ablution at home and then walks to the house of Allah i.e. the mosque, in order to observe the obligatory Salat, then one step of his will expiate his sins and the other step will elevate his status.’ In other words, every step of his will earn him a reward.[6]

On another occasion, the Holy Prophet (sa) expounded on the importance of congregational Salat. The Holy Prophet (sa) stated, ‘Shall I inform you of something, as a result of which Allah Almighty will remove your sins and elevate your station?’ The Companions (ra), who were always eagerly in search for opportunities that would enable them to please Allah Almighty and also to learn new ways through which they could attain His nearness and abandon sin, responded, ‘O Messenger (sa) of Allah, certainly do tell us.’ The Holy Prophet (sa) stated, ‘perform the ablution in a thorough manner even if your heart does not desire to do so, and travel to the mosque from a distance, and upon the completion of one Salat wait for the next; this removes one from sin.’

The Holy Prophet (sa) then further stated, ‘However, this alone is not enough, but this is only akin to mounting pickets in order to secure the frontiers.’[7]

In other words, [it is] similar to when countries send their troops to the frontiers to protect its borders. Why is an army deployed to the borders? As I mentioned. it is done to protect the country from the enemy’s attack, and in the instance of an attack, they can immediately respond. Thus, the gravest threat to a believer for which he has to mount pickets in order to protect his [spiritual] borders is from Satan and the worldly desires which Satan implants in the hearts and through which Satan attacks.

Thus, in order to safeguard oneself from sin, the congregational Salat is like the example of mounting pickets at the frontier. This is the army that stands guard in order to save one from the attacks of Satan. Once a person is saved from sin, their attention will subsequently be drawn towards virtuous deeds. It is also for this reason that the Holy Prophet (sa) has stated that the reward for observing Salat in congregation is twenty-seven times greater than offering it individually.[8]

Explaining the importance of congregational Salat, the Promised Messiah (as) states:

‘The wisdom in attaching a greater reward with congregational Salat is so that it establishes unity. Then, in order to practically establish this unity as well, we are instructed to place the feet evenly in a line (i.e. they should be placed side by side when standing in prayer and that is why the heels should be aligned) and the rows should be straight and the congregants should be standing side by side. This is to signify that they are like one body. (We can only become like one body when we are equally standing in one line and will be able to generate strength) and enable one’s spiritual light to permeate into the other.’

The Promised Messiah (as) further states:

‘Thus, it is so that those distinguishing factors which create ego and selfishness will be eliminated.’

In other words, the rich and the poor will all stand in one line. Certain people create are very egocentric and selfishness, however congregation Salat eliminates such thoughts.

The Promised Messiah (as) further states:

‘Remember! Humans have the potential to absorb the spiritual radiance of others.’[9]

A person can take influence from one who occupies a higher standard of piety and virtue and will be able to imbibe this within themselves.

Thus, congregational Salat is beneficial for allowing one to absorb another person’s virtuous influences. Therefore, where congregational Salat is a physical demonstration of the unity which Allah Almighty wants to establish in the Ummah, it also allows one to adopt the virtuous influences of others.

When those who carry out a far greater number of virtuous deeds and are far superior in spirituality share the same line [in prayer] as those who are weaker than them, then surely those who are weak will take on their virtuous influence. Subsequently, they too will grow stronger when it comes to excelling in virtuous deeds and increasing in spirituality. When this unity is established and spirituality increases, then the satanic forces become weak. In this era, Allah Almighty has sent the true servant of the Holy Prophet (sa), who has guided us so we can acquire a true understanding of worship and Salat. Therefore, on the one hand we claim to have accepted the true servant of the Holy Prophet (sa), the Promised Messiah and Mahdi (as) in order to improve our spiritual condition and establish unity. However, on the other hand, if there are deficiencies in our practise, particularly in relation to the basic commandments of Islam, and we show weakness in that which is the very objective of our lives and we show weakness even in the basic requirements that Allah Almighty has prescribed for us to achieve, then how can we claim that in order to better our spirituality and adhere to the injunctions of Allah Almighty we have accepted the Promised Messiah (as) by obeying the instructions of the Holy Prophet (sa)? 

As I mentioned earlier, the Holy Qur’an has, on numerous occasions, mentioned the obligation of the five daily Salat and their importance.  The instructions of the Holy Prophet (sa) in this regard which I have quoted are also very clear. Observing Salat is essential for every Ahmadi, and at the same time, as the Holy Prophet (sa) has stated about the importance of congregational Salat, it is obligatory upon every male who is able-minded and has reached the age of maturity to offer Salat in congregation. However, we observe that proper attention is not given to this and weakness is shown in this regard. Indeed, Salat is obligatory upon true believers and they themselves should realise this; but within the community we also have the Nizam [administrative system] and it is also their duty to draw people’s attention towards this and they should continue to explain its significance.

I often draw attention to this in my sermons and through various references draw attention towards Salat, but thereafter it is the duty of the missionaries and the Nizam to circulate it widely and draw attention to it. You should repeatedly convey the message of the obligatory Salat to every member of the Community. In reality, we can only become true Ahmadis when we safeguard our Salat and partake of its spiritual pleasure. Upon experiencing this spiritual pleasure and delight, naturally our attention will be drawn towards the observance of Salat. Therefore, as I mentioned, it is essential for every Ahmadi to focus their attention on how to observe their Salat – doing so in a manner which grants pleasure and delight to our hearts. Drawing our attention towards Salat and how one can attain its pleasure, the Promised Messiah (as) states:

‘I see that when a drunkard does not get the pleasure and joy of drinking alcohol, he carries on drinking till he can experience the joy of alcohol and eventually becomes intoxicated. A wise and intelligent person can benefit from this example.’

How can one benefit from this example in order to sharpen one’s spiritual faculties and to focus on prayers?

‘That is by becoming consistent in Salat.’

In other words, one should become regular in their Salat and never abandon it. The Promised Messiah (as) further states:

‘One continuous to offer Salat until they attain pleasure, just as a drunkard has a certain pleasure in mind which is his ultimate objective.’

When a drunkard drinks alcohol, he sets a certain standard of pleasure in his mind which he seeks to attain. Just as he sets a target of the level of intoxication, a spiritual person – a believer – should also set himself a target for his spirituality which he should attain through Salat. After a concerted effort through a steadfast approach, one will eventually attain that pleasure.

The Promised Messiah (as) further states:

‘Thus, one should expend all energy of the mind and all of one’s effort in order to achieve this level of pleasure in Salat.’

When a worshiper is in a state of Salat, they should bear in mind and exert all their energy and effort to find that peace and serenity in Salat. For this, one must increase in their resolve and only when one has a strong sense of determination can they remain steadfast.

The Promised Messiah (as) further states:

‘Should one establish pleasure in prayer with at least the same level of sincerity and passion as the restlessness, anxiety and anguish of a drunkard, then I tell you truly…that he will most certainly attain its true pleasure.’[10]

One would then express in their state of deep anguish and pain, ‘Alas! If only I could experience such pleasure when I am observing my Salat!’ The Promised Messiah (as) states that if one continuously expresses this anguish before Allah Almighty in their Salat, they will certainly be able to experience its pleasure and delight. 

Thus, perseverance in striving to attain the delight in Salat will eventually melt the heart and grant it that delight. The Promised Messiah (as) also stressed and explained that Allah Almighty states that Salat saves one from indecency and evils; but it is observed – people ask this question as well – that despite offering Salat, people commit wrong and evil deeds. 

The Promised Messiah (as) states that the answer to this is that they do not pray with the true spirit and sincerity; instead they merely go through the physical motions [of Salat] ceremoniously and out of habit.[11]

Thus, it should always be remembered that Allah Almighty has stated that prayer safeguards one from evil, and this statement is undoubtedly true because the Word of God cannot be false. As for those who commit evil despite observing Salat, then their Salat is a mere ritual and they have no understanding of its true spirit.

This is a very concerning matter for which everyone must analyse themselves. If we are experiencing delight and pleasure in Salat, or if we have a firm resolve to achieve this, then how is it possible for us not to become regular in our Salat?

Everyone experiences this pleasure and delight at some point, whilst some may have already experienced it. When one is faced with hardships and worry, we observe that there are many who begin to cry profusely in their Salat and they continuously supplicate to Allah Almighty even whilst going about their daily lives.

Hence, one’s attention remains directed towards Allah Almighty and subsequently towards His worship. Moreover, during times of hardship, this thought and inclination is developed which causes them to remain continuously inclined towards supplication. However, when their desires are fulfilled or their hardship is averted, there are many who then become negligent with regards to their Salat and their humble supplications.

Thus, just as the Promised Messiah (as) has reminded us, we must strive to make it our target; irrespective of whether one’s condition is favourable or not, whether they are experiencing difficulty or ease, they should aim to achieve that level of delight and pleasure which bring about a sort of intoxication. However, for believers, this anguish should not only develop due to their personal circumstances but by also observing the general condition of society; and when this pain develops, then one is truly able to pray in a heartfelt manner.

For example, the situation of the Jama’at [Community] in Pakistan is extremely precarious. Members of the Jama’at face piercing attacks of hatred, malice and rancour from every direction. Out of fear of the Mullahs [clerics] or due to misunderstandings created by them, even some of those non-Ahmadis, who have old ties with the Community, are increasingly opposing the Jama’at. Generally the situation is such that the level of injustices committed have exceeded all bounds. For this reason, where I advise every Ahmadi in Pakistan to observe Salat by constantly striving to achieve its delight and pleasure, at the same time, they should also direct their attention towards populating the mosque [with worshippers].

Recently I received Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya [youth auxiliary of the Community] Pakistan’s report on the implementation of the approved proposals from their Shura [consultative body]. In the report they wrote that in regards to the proposals approved for Tarbiyyat [moral training], they achieved such and such success in terms of numbers. This is a good achievement and they have taken steps towards progress. Amongst the many matters of Tarbiyyat was the fact that Khuddam numbering the thousands have started listening to my Friday Sermons. However, what is concerning is that the number of those who regularly offer their Salat in congregation was a third, or perhaps a little more than that of those who listen to the Friday Sermon. Furthermore, the number of those who are regular in offering their Salat is also much less than those who listen to the Friday Sermon. What benefit is there in listening to the sermons if one’s attention is not drawn towards Allah Almighty or towards this fundamental commandment that is of great importance?

As I have mentioned, after every two or three sermons I speak on the subject of congregational Salat and worship. But if these are having no effect then simply filing out the figures in a form is of no benefit.  As mentioned previously, given the situation of the Ahmadis in Pakistan, if there is not an increased inclination towards Allah Almighty now, then when will this take place? Do we intend to put Allah Almighty to a test, God forbid, by claiming, ‘We will remain the way we are and it is upon Allah Almighty to change our circumstances’?  If this is our attitude, then we have no right to complain to Allah Almighty. Nowhere has Allah Almighty stated that one may continue to do as they please and choose whether or not to fulfil the rights owed to Him for He will continue to grant them success simply because they have accepted the Promised Messiah (as).  In order to attain success, one must mould their condition in accordance to the pleasure of Allah Almighty.

I have mentioned the report of Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, but it does not mean that this weakness is only found within them, in fact the condition of Ansarullah [auxiliary organisation of the Community for male members above the age of 40] is the same. Thus, every Ahmadi residing in Pakistan should make an effort in this regard.

Success cannot be achieved by remaining fast asleep, nor can it be achieved by showing negligence. In fact, success will be achieved by ‘mounting pickets at the frontiers’. Those who have migrated out of Pakistan, or generally in the Jama’at for that matter, whether they are in the developed countries or any other part of the world, their condition is also the same. It cannot be said that after having migrated, members of the Jama’at have become very regular in their Salat or that or there are dedicated worshipers everywhere.  If we analyse the situation of all the Jama’ats, we will find many weaknesses in regards to the observance of Salat. If every auxiliary organisation of every country was to justly assess their condition, then the results will manifest themselves. However, those who have migrated from Pakistan should especially bear in mind the blessings which Allah Almighty has bestowed upon them and in doing so, should express their gratitude. But how can this be expressed?

Some Jama’ats have a very good attendance for Salat, however there are still some who fail to come for one Salat or the other. And there are also those who fail to observe some of their Salat altogether. As I mentioned, one reason for this is that the administration is failing to draw people’s attention towards this and instead has other priorities.  

As for my Friday Sermons, firstly not everyone listens to them; in other words to say that one hundred percent of the people listen to the Friday Sermon is incorrect. And even if they do, it is still the responsibility of the administration to continuously remind the people. This is the reason why the administration has been put in place, in order to guide the people in matters of moral training.

A few days ago I had a meeting with the Majlis-e-Amila [administrative body] of one of the local Jama’ats here [in the UK]. The Sadr [local president] said, ‘Since I have assumed the responsibility being the Sadr, I have focused my efforts towards financial contributions and now we are making a significant progress in this regard.’

To this I said that his efforts were all well and good, but what had been done in regards to Salat – which is a fundamental obligation upon a true believer? To this he remained silent. Although when I further enquired and assessed the attendance figures for the Fajr [pre-dawn prayer] and Ishaa [evening prayer], there was a significant improvement, however the administration played no role in that.

If worshippers are able to establish pleasure and delight in their Salat, then the financial contributions will naturally improve, because the more one increases in their level of righteousness, the more attention they will pay towards offering financial sacrifices. That is not all, in fact, many of the issues of Umoor-e-Aama [department of general affairs] and Qadha [department of jurisprudence] will be resolved to a greater extent.

Furthermore, if everyone starts offering Salat in the correct manner, then all departments will become more active.

In today’s day and age it is not only the situation of Pakistan, but in fact the condition of the entire world is such that the threat of war and destruction is rapidly increasing. Even governments have expressed this concern and have started to take certain precautions, but at such a time it is only the protection of Allah Almighty that can grant refuge.

Many people write to me asking that if a war breaks out then what will happen and what should they do? The answer for them is that if they wish to protect themselves from its dangers then as the Promised Messiah (as) has stated that they must inculcate love for the Magnificent God. There is only one way to establish this love and that is by establishing one’s Salat and worship in accordance to His command and thus striving to attain its delight and pleasure. When people migrate to these [developed] countries, majority of them forget God Almighty upon seeing these worldly allures. They think that these comforts are owing to the advancements of these countries. Moreover, they consider its people to be very advanced which leads them to think that these people haven’t carried out any special deeds or worship yet they are still making progress.

Then another thought that arises in the minds of certain people is that they are better than such [worldly] people because out of the five obligatory Salat, they offer at least two or three. We should always remember that in the end, punishment is decreed for those who forget God Almighty; therefore we should not follow the example of such [worldly] people. If we wish to avoid the punishment of Allah Almighty and safeguard our future progenies, then we should not look at their apparent condition, rather we ought to act in accordance to that teaching which God Almighty has chosen for us.

After the commandment to affirm our belief in His existence, Allah Almighty has instructed us to observe Salat. Thus, every Ahmadi man and woman must direct their attention towards safeguarding their Salat, and men especially should pay particular attention towards offering Salat in congregation.

In this era the Promised Messiah (as) has clearly expounded upon the importance, correct method and the true philosophy of Salat. Allah Almighty has showered us with His grace by enabling us to accept the Promised Messiah(as). However, if despite this we fail to act upon the most fundamental aspect [of the faith], as I have mentioned, and are satisfied with simply offering Salat two or three times in the day, like many non-Ahmadis do, then our Bai’at [oath of allegiance] is of no benefit.

What is the standard of Salat that the Promised Messiah (as) expects from us? And in what ways has he explained this to us? I will present some sayings of the Promised Messiah (as) in this regard. A believer declares Tauhid [the Oneness of God] by reciting the Kalimah [declaration of faith]:

لَا اِلٰہَ اِلَّا اللّٰہ

[there is none worthy of worship except Allah…]. But what is Tauhid? The Promised Messiah (as) states:

‘Remember, and remember clearly, that to prostrate to anyone other than Allah is to sever your connection with Him.’

In other words, it is to end your relationship with Allah Almighty. The Promised Messiah (as) states that the practical expression of Tauhid is Salat. Although belief in Tauhid can be verbally expressed, its practical expression is through Salat. Hence, the Promised Messiah (as) states:

‘Whether it be Salat or Tauhid…it remains devoid of blessings and of any benefit until one does not instil the spirit of humility and meekness and one’s heart is not fully inclined towards them.’  

The Promised Messiah (as) further states, 

‘Listen! This is the true spirit which is required for the prayer:

اُدْعُوْنِیْ اَسْتَجِبْ لَکُمْ

(Pray unto Me, I will answer your prayer)

If this humility and fervency lacks the true spirit of sincerity, then it is reduced to mere words.’ (Just like a parrot repeats a statement)[12]

Thus, one must establish this true spirit within themselves. One has to develop humility and fervency, without which there is no benefit. As has been mentioned, Allah Almighty grants acceptance to prayers which are filled with humility and meekness. The Promised Messiah (as) explains that the different states in Salat, such as Qiyam [standing], Ruku` [bowing] and Sajdah [prostrating] all express a state of fervency and anguish. During Salat one stands, sits and falls into prostration; the Promised Messiah (as) explains that these physical states which express fervency should bring about a sense of anguish and fervency in the heart as well.

When one develops this state, they will experience delight and pleasure in all the postures of Salat; whilst in prostration, standing and bowing.

Whilst explaining Salat, which takes one to a level of complete servitude, true humility and burns away sins, the Promised Messiah (as) states:

‘When a person develops complete self-effacement of the soul (i.e. one remains in a state of constant humility and considers themselves worthless), their soul then flows towards God like a spring (but this can only happen when one displays humility). Such individuals cut themselves off from everything except God, and it is at this stage that the love of God Almighty descends upon them.’[13]

When one strives and beseeches Allah Almighty for His blessings and by doing so breaks ties with everything except Allah Almighty, it is then that His love descends upon them. The Promised Messiah (as) states that when God Almighty bestows His love upon a person, all their sins are burned and are completely removed and one attains a state of permanent delight and enjoyment in their Salat.

Therefore, instead of complaining or entertaining the thought that we are unable to derive pleasure from our Salat, one should strive to establish a special connection with Allah Almighty.

One ought to assess themselves as to whether they are offering Salat simply by going through its motions or are doing so with the true spirit [of Salat]. Then, whilst explaining how to attain spiritual light and delight from Salat, the Promised Messiah (as) states:

‘The regular observance of Salat is very important so that primarily it becomes a firmly established habit and subsequently one begins to incline towards Allah.’

In other words, the thought of becoming nearer to Allah Almighty is established. When these things come about and a firm habit is established then, ‘gradually a person reaches a state of absolute devotion wherein one attains spiritual light and pleasure.’[14]

One cuts off all worldly ties and becomes inclined towards Allah Almighty and begins to experience a pleasure and delight in Salat. Thus, it is necessary to first establish the habit of Salat and offer it regularly. Regardless of whether or not one sees any apparent benefit in observing Salat, they must still offer it because it is obligatory upon us.  One must establish this habit with the thought that in any case, one must turn to Allah Almighty alone and to seek from Him all of one’s needs. If one remains persistent in this habit, there will come a time when they will begin to do true justice to their Salat and begin to experience its pleasure. In such an instance, those individuals who say that they try to offer Salat but become indolent, will no longer respond in such a manner when asked [about the observance of their Salat].

On one occasion, the Promised Messiah (as) stated that one becomes indolent [in Salat] only when they do not pay due regard to the importance of Salat.[15]

Instead, one gives more importance to others besides Allah. If one were to have complete belief in Allah Almighty, how could they become indolent [in their worship]?

Hence, in this age, to save yourselves and your future generations from the ill effects of the situation of the world, it is vitally essential that you prostrate before Allah Almighty with sincerity and devotion. And, as Allah Almighty, His Messenger (sa), and in this era the Promised Messiah (as), have informed us that the best way of doing this is by focusing on offering and safeguarding our Salat. The Promised Messiah (as) says:

‘Remember that the purpose of entering this movement should not be to attain anything worldly, but should be to attain the pleasure of Allah Almighty. After all, the world is just a transitory place and will pass by in one way or another.’

The Promised Messiah (as) says in a Persian couplet:

شب تنور گذشت و شب سمور گذشت

(Whether the night is cold or hot, it will pass by nevertheless.)

Meaning, all circumstances, whether good or bad will eventually pass by.

The Promised Messiah (as) further states:

‘Keep your worldly endeavours and pursuits completely separate from your faith because the world is finite whereas religion and its blessings are everlasting. One’s time in this world is limited. One can observe that thousands of deaths occur at every moment. Various types of epidemics and illnesses are wiping out people from the world; at times it has been cholera and present it is the plague which is taking lives (the plague was rampant at the time). No one knows how long they shall live. Thus, how mistaken and a ridiculous is for one to remain negligent of death, when one is completely oblivious to when it will overtake them?  This is why is it is necessary for one to remain concerned about the afterlife. Allah Almighty will bestow His mercy in this world upon one who remains concerned for the life in the hereafter. Allah Almighty has promised that when a person becomes a complete believer, He will distinguish him from others. Thus, one ought to become a believer and this is only possible when one does not combine their worldly pursuits with the pure conditions of the Bai’at, which are based on the foundations of longing for Allah Almighty and righteousness. Be strict in the observance of Salat and remain constantly engaged in Taubah (repentance) and Istighfar (seeking forgiveness from Allah). Protect the rights of all mankind and do not cause harm to anyone. Increase in your righteousness and purity then will Allah Almighty will shower His countless blessings upon you. Advise women in your homes to be regular in offering the Salat and advise them against complaining and backbiting. Teach them righteousness and purity. My duty is only to guide and advise, it is your duty to act upon this.’[16]

In order to advise others and one’s wives and children, one will have to first establish their own example of righteousness and purity.

The Promised Messiah (as) states:

‘Make your supplications during your five daily Salat. You are not forbidden to supplicate in your own vernaculars. The true pleasure of Salat is not derived unless it is offered with full concentration, and concentration cannot be achieved without humility, and humility is generated by a comprehension of that which is said. Therefore, a state of passion and fervency of the soul are generated more easily by supplication in one’s vernacular. But this does not mean that you should dispense with the prescribed prayers and offer the Salat in your own language. That is not what I mean. What I have in mind is that after the prescribed prayers you should also supplicate in your own language. There is a special blessing in the prescribed prayers. Salat means prayer. Therefore during the Salat pray for deliverance from the calamities of the here and the hereafter, and that your end may be good. Pray also for your wives and children. Be good and shun all evil.’[17]

May Allah Almighty enable us to safeguard our Salat. May He enable us to always be regular in observing Salat and may we sincerely pray for the sole purpose of attaining the pleasure of Allah Almighty. May He infuse our Salat with delight and pleasure. May we never show slackness in our Salat. May we come to understand that we will only attain salvation from the afflictions and calamities of this word when we fulfil the right of servitude to Allah Almighty. May Allah Almighty enable us to achieve this.

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[1] Sunan at-Tirmidhi, Kitab-ul-Da’wat, Baab Maa Jaa fi Fazl Dua, Hadith #3371

[2] Sahih Muslim, Kitab-ul-Iman, Baab Bayan Itlaaq Ism Al-Kufr Al’a Man Tarak Al-Salat, Hadith #149

[3] Sunan at-Tirmidhi, Abwaab-ul-Salat, Maa Jaa An Awwala Ma Yuhasibuhu, Hadith #413

[4] Sunan Abi Daud, Kitab-us-Salat, Mata Yu’mau Al-Ghulam bi Al-Salat, Hadith  #495

[5] Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitab Mawaqit Al-Salat, Baab Salawat Al-Khams Kuffarah, Hadith no. 528

[6] Sahih Muslim, Kitab Al-Masajid Wa Mawadi-ul-Salat, Baab Al-Mashi ila Al-Salat, Hadith #1406

[7] Sahih Muslim, Kitab-ul-Tahara, Baab Asbaaghul Wudu Al’a Al-Mukarah, Hadith # 475

[8] Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Adhan, Baab Fazl Al-Salat Al-Jama’ah, Hadith #645

[9] Malfuzat, Vol. 8, pp. 247-248, 1985 Edition, published in UK

[10] Malfuzat, Vol. 9, pp.7-8 1985 edition, published in UK

[11] Malfuzat, Vol. 9, p. 8 1985 edition, published in UK

[12] Malfuzat, Vol. 9, p. 12, 1985 Edition, UK

[13] Malfuzat, Vol. 9, p. 10, 1985 Edition, UK

[14] Malfuzat, Vol. 9, p. 11, 1985 Edition, UK

[15] Malfuzat, Vol. 9. pp. 6-7, 1985 Edition, UK

[16] Malfuzat, Vol. 6. pp. 145-146, 1985 Edition, UK

[17] Malfuzat, Vol. 6. pp. 145-146, 1985 Edition, UK