by Ataul Mujeeb Rashed, Imam of the London Mosque
Introduction
The topic of Iqamatus Salat, the observance of Prayer, is based on just two words, yet its subject matter entails a diverse ocean of wisdom and understanding. These two words encompass a fundamental commandment of Allah the Exalted; in fact, they entail the purpose for mankind’s creation and the means of acquiring this purpose. The first injunction for mankind mentioned in the Holy Qur’an is to worship Allah. Islam has made it compulsory for Muslims to observe a specified form of worship, called Salat – one of the five pillars of Islam and a fundamental requirement of faith. The topic of Iqamatus Salat possesses a major significance in the life of a Muslim. It has been made the responsibility of every Muslim that he firmly acts upon this commandment, enlightening himself with its true understanding and fulfilling this purpose of his life, when he hears the call:
یٰۤاَیَّتُہَا النَّفۡسُ الۡمُطۡمَئِنَّۃُ۔ ارۡجِعِیۡۤ اِلٰی رَبِّکِ رَاضِیَۃً مَّرۡضِیَّۃً۔فَادۡخُلِیۡ فِیۡ عِبٰدِیۡ۔وَ ادۡخُلِیۡ جَنَّتِیۡ
And thou, O soul at peace! Return to thy Lord well pleased with Him and He well pleased with thee. So enter thou among my chosen servants, and enter thou My garden. (The Holy Qur’an, Ch.89:Vs.28-31)
Significance of Observing Prayer
The observance of prayer is a fundamental pillar of Islam, the fulfilment of which is obligatory upon every Muslim. In the beginning of the Holy Qur’an, Allah says that true believing and virtuous people are those who possess the attribute of Yuqimunas-Salat, who observe Prayer (Ch2:V.4). Later on in the Qur’an, Allah emphatically states:
اَقِیۡمُوا الصَّلٰوۃَ وَ لَا تَکُوۡنُوۡا مِنَ الۡمُشۡرِکِیۡنَ
[…] observe Prayer, and be not of those who associate partners with God. (Holy Qur’an, Ch 30: V.32)
On the day of resurrection, when the wrongdoers will be asked what led them to Hell, their answer shall be:
لَمۡ نَکُ مِنَ الۡمُصَلِّیۡنَ
[…] ‘We were not of those who offered Prayers, (Holy Qur’an, Ch 74: V.44)
In the sight of Allah the Exalted, beloved and accepted worshippers are those:
الَّذِیۡنَ ہُمۡ عَلٰی صَلَاتِہِمۡ دَآئِمُوۡنَ
…who are constant in their Prayer (Holy Qur’an, Ch 70: V.24)
الَّذِیۡنَ ہُمۡ فِیۡ صَلَاتِہِمۡ خٰشِعُوۡنَ
Who are humble in their Prayers (Holy Qur’an Ch23: V.3)
وَ الَّذِیۡنَ ہُمۡ عَلٰی صَلَاتِہِمۡ یُحَافِظُوۡنَ
And those who are strict in their observance of Prayer (Holy Qur’an, Ch 70: V.35)
Consistency in prayer, humility in prayer, and the safeguarding of prayers are the fundamental pillars of Iqamatus Salat. Similarly, the offering of prayer in congregation and its timely observance, and the fulfilment of all the conditions with firm assiduousness are essential for the fulfilment of Iqamatus Salat. Regarding the consideration of time, the Qur’an states:
اِنَّ الصَّلٰوۃَ کَانَتۡ عَلَی الۡمُؤۡمِنِیۡنَ کِتٰبًا مَّوۡقُوۡتًا
… verily prayer is enjoined on the believers to be performed at fixed hours. (Holy Qur’an, Ch 4: V. 104)
With regards to the safeguarding of prayer, Allah the Almighty’s commandment is:
حٰفِظُوۡا عَلَی الصَّلَوٰتِ وَ الصَّلٰوۃِ الۡوُسۡطٰی ٭ وَ قُوۡمُوۡا لِلّٰہِ قٰنِتِیۡنَ
Watch over Prayers, and the middle Prayer, and stand before Allah submissively. (Holy Qur’an, Ch 2: V. 239)
In other words, the more engagements to which one is tied, the greater the significance becomes of observing prayers on time. Abandoning all other engagements, granting precedence to the prayer and assembling for its observance on time is in actuality the true meaning of Iqamatus Salat. This shall be the apparent expression of the oath which every Ahmadi Muslim, by the Grace of
Allah, undertakes, namely that ‘I shall give precedence to my faith over all worldly affairs.’
It is mentioned in Hadith: “One who does not offer his prayers intentionally has committed infidelity.” And in another Hadith: “On the day of resurrection, the first thing one shall be called to account for is the prayer”( Al-Nisa’i) Elsewhere in the Hadith it is mentioned that the thing which separates a believer from an infidel is the observance of prayer. Furthermore, it is stated: “Salat is the pillar of religion”
In other words Salat is the foundation of Islam, without which the edifice of faith cannot remain erect.
The books of the Promised Messiah(as) are replete with resounding instructions pertinent to the observance of prayer. For entrance into the Community, in the ten conditions of Bai‘at (Initiation), formulated by the Promised Messiah(as), the third condition states that every individual who does Bai‘at:
‘Shall regularly offer the five daily Prayers in accordance with the commandments of God and the Holy Prophet Muhammad(saw)’
Then the Promised Messiah(as) writes:
‘One who does not assiduously offer the five daily prayers is not from my community (Kishti-e-Nuh, pp.19, Ruhani Khaza’in, Vol. 19)
Then he states:
“Prayer is the Right of Allah; fulfil it well…Even if the entire house is destroyed, let it be, but do not discard the prayer. The Holy Qur’an speaks of two paradises, one of which is the paradise of this world, which is the Prayer”. (Malfuzat, Vol.6, pp.370)
Significance of Prayer
The entire Holy Qur’an is full of the emphatic mention of prayer. Prayer possesses central significance in the prophetic Traditions, the Sunnah, and there is abundant mention of prayer in the Hadith of the Holy Prophet(saw) as well. Benefitting from all three of these means of guidance, and becoming saturated by that fountain of knowledge and understanding, the beautiful manner in which the Promised Messiah(as), the Imam of the Age, has mentioned prayer is a faith-inspiring exposition and one that should be pondered.
The Promised Messiah(as) has stated:
“In reality, Salat is but a name for plunging into a fire, and after plunging into a fire of Divine love and fear of Allah, to burn one’s being and burn everything except Allah; and it is but a name for such a state wherein God, and only God remains in sight; and man progresses to such a state wherein he speaks when God wishes, and walks when God wishes; the whole of his moving or remaining still, his performing an action or abandoning an action begins to conform to Allah’s will and the ego is annihilated.” (Malfuzat, Vol.10, pp.314)
“Prayer does not imply that prayer which is observed by the common people as a mere tradition, rather, prayer is that by which the heart of man is tendered, and falls before the Divine threshold becoming so immersed that it begins to melt”. (Malfuzat, Vol.5, pp.402 new edition)
Then he states:
“What is prayer? It is a supplication, which is humbly implored with Tasbih (glorifying Allah), Tahmid (praising Allah), Taqdis (proclaiming His Holiness), Istighfar (seeking His forgiveness) and Durud (invoking blessings on the Holy Prophet(saw)). (Kishti-e-Nuh, Ruhani Khaza’in, Vol.19, pp.65)
Furthermore, the Promised Messiah(as) writes:
‘What is prayer? It is to present one’s humility and supplications and weaknesses before God and to desire the fulfilment of needs from Him; at times, to stand before Him respectfully, to pay homage to His magnificence and fulfil his commandments; at times, to fall before him in prostration with complete humility and modesty, to implore one’s needs from Him – this is Prayer. Just like a beggar, to praise Allah saying, ‘You are like so and you are like such and such’. To express His magnificence and majesty and inducing His mercy, then imploring of Him. (Tafsir Masih-e-Mau’ud, Vol.3, pp.612, published in Rabwah, new edition)
He states:
‘A prayer in which there is no humility, no attraction towards God the Exalted, no weeping supplication before God the Exalted, is in itself a deficient prayer. Prayer is that in which one feels pleasure in supplication. Stand before God the Exalted with such attention that a state of emotion overcomes you, as if an individual is detained in a dreadful lawsuit and a verdict of imprisonment or hanging is to be announced. What is his state before the judge? Similarly, one should stand before Allah with a fearful heart. A prayer in which the heart is at one place, while the thoughts are somewhere else, and the mouth says something, is a curse, which is thrown back in the face of man, and is not accepted. Allah Almighty says: “so woe to those who pray but are unmindful of their prayer.” True prayer is that which feels pleasurable. It is this very prayer, in the description of which, it has been said that prayer is the spiritual apex – Mi‘raj – of a believer. Prayer is the means of spiritual progress for a believer. (Malfuzat, Vol.5, pp.44-45 new edition)
True Meaning of Iqamatus Salat
The idiom used in the Holy Qur’an for the observance of prayer is Iqamatus Salat. This phraseology has not been used in the Holy Qur’an merely once or twice; rather, it has been used forty seven times, by which one can fathom its significance and greatness. The word ‘Iqamah’ is a complete and eloquent word that houses a world of meanings. In Tafsir-e-Kabir, Hazrat Mirza Bashir-Ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad(ra), Second Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, has mentioned various meanings of Iqamatus Salah:
1. Regular Observance of Prayer
‘The meaning of Iqamatus Salat is to observe prayer regularly because the meaning of Qama ‘alal amri means to remain constant in something. Therefore, the meaning of Yuqimunas-Salat would be that ‘they do not intermit in offering their prayers’. A prayer wherein there is an intermittence is not considered true prayer in Islam, because prayer is not of temporary deeds, rather, it is considered a complete deed if there is no intermittence from the first prayer after repentance or after reaching an age of maturity, until the last prayer before one’s demise. All the prayers of those people who tend to miss their prayers in between are rejected. Therefore, it is the obligation of every Muslim that when he reaches an age of maturity, or when Allah enables him to do so, from that time until his demise, he should not miss a single prayer, because prayer is equivalent to meeting Allah, and he who refrains from meeting his beloved, passes a judgement contrary to his so-called claim of love by himself.’ (Tafsir Kabir, Vol.1, pp.104)
2. Observance Along with the Fulfilment of all Requirements
‘The second meaning of Iqamah is of equilibrium and rectitude, i.e., the virtuous offer their prayers according to its apparent conditions, and do not break the rules set for it. For example, in a state of health or in the availability of water, they offer their prayers after performing Wuzu’ (ablution), and even then, they perform their Wuzu’ properly according to the conditions set by the Shari‘ah. Similarly, they offer their prayers at the appointed time, and perform the actions of Qiyam, Ruku‘, Sajdah and Qa‘dah correctly. They recite the appointed passages and prayers upon their proper place properly and correctly. Therefore, they pay consideration to all the apparent conditions and fulfil them properly.
At this place, it should be remembered that although the Shari‘ah states that the prayer should be offered with its set conditions, this does not mean that when the fulfilment of these conditions is not possible in extreme circumstances, one should abandon the prayer altogether. The prayer itself is in any case precedent to the conditions. If someone does not have clean clothes, he may offer his prayers in dirty clothes, and especially, to abandon the prayer on the basis of suspicion is completely illogical […] Until the fulfilment of the conditions is possible, to disregard them is sin. However, when it is impossible to fulfil the conditions, to abandon prayer due to their unavailability is a sin, and such a man shall not be considered excused, rather, one who abandons the prayer. (Tafsir Kabir, Vol.1, pp. 104)
3. To Erect a Falling Prayer
‘The third meaning of Iqamah is to erect something, i.e., the worshipper does not let his prayer fall. They remain forever adamant in offering their prayer correctly and as per the stipulated conditions. If in his prayer someone […] is assailed by thoughts of difficulty, he should not be dismayed, and should not consider his prayers useless, because Allah the Exalted only expects sacrifice from his servant to the extent of his capacity. Therefore, those worshippers, whose thoughts remain dispersed, if they continue to try and beautify their prayers and remain attentive, they will be striving to erect their prayer whenever it is falling. Allah the Exalted shall not waste their prayers, rather, He shall accept them, and shall include one who endeavours to erect his prayer among the virtuous. (Tafsir Kabir, Vol.1, pp. 105)
4. To Encourage and Motivate others for Prayer
‘Another meaning of Yuqimunas-Salat is that the virtuous encourage others to pray, because one manner in which to erect something is to make it common and to encourage others to it. Therefore, the virtuous who act upon Yuqimunas-Salat are those who in addition to praying themselves, keep instructing others to pray as well, and make those who are negligent prompt and vigilant.’
5. Prayer in Congregation
“Wherever the Holy Qur’an has enjoined prayer, it has instructed for prayer to be offered in congregation. Nowhere is it ordered that one simply offers prayers alone. It is evident therefore that prayer in congregation is a significant principle of faith, rather, the Holy Qur’an…states that prayer is only observed correctly if offered in congregation, unless there is an uncontrollable restraint. As such, an individual who abandons prayer in congregation, except in the case that he is ill, out of town, or other Muslims are not present, even if he offers his prayer at home, it shall not be accepted, and he shall be considered as one who abandons the prayer.”
In the Holy Qur’an […] the actual instruction is that the compulsory prayers be offered in congregation, and prayer in solitude is permitted only under extreme circumstances. If one cannot offer the prayers standing, he is permitted to do so whilst sitting. However, just as if someone who possesses the ability to stand and pray but does so whilst sitting, he shall be considered a sinner, similarly, one who can offer the prayer in congregation, but does not offer his prayer in congregation, he too shall be considered a sinner.(Tafsir Kabir, Vol.1, pp. 105-106)
6. To offer Prayer with Complete Attention, Togetherness, and Vigilance
‘Another meaning of Yuqimunas-Salat is also that the prayer be offered in a lively manner and with vigilance, because thoughts are dispersed as a result of laziness and negligence, and the essence of prayer is lost. (Tafsir Kabir, Vol.1, pp. 106)
An Important Matter
With regards to Iqamatus Salat, it should be remembered that for a Muslim to observe prayer on his own is not sufficient, rather, prayer must be established as a communal worship, and this system should continue generation after generation. This issue is so important that Allah the Exalted especially instructed his beloved Holy Messenger(saw):
وَ اۡمُرۡ اَہۡلَکَ بِالصَّلٰوۃِ وَ اصۡطَبِرۡ عَلَیۡہَا
And enjoin Prayer on thy people, and be constant therein… (Ch 20: V.133)
It should be remembered that every individual who attributes himself to the Holy Prophet(saw) and makes a claim of love and devotion to him, is included in this injunction. To continually instruct members of the household to offer prayer is a responsibility and a quality which is greatly liked by Allah the Exalted. Whilst alluding to Hazrat Ishmael(as), Allah the Almighty states:
وَ کَانَ یَاۡمُرُ اَہۡلَہٗ بِالصَّلٰوۃِ وَ الزَّکٰوۃِ ۪ وَ کَانَ عِنۡدَ رَبِّہٖ مَرۡضِیًّا
He used to enjoin Prayer and almsgiving on his people, and he was well-pleasing to his Lord. (Ch 19: V.56)
It is necessary to keep this aspect of Iqamatus Salat in consideration, for it is the means of securing a good family and good children.
A Beautiful Prayer
Iqamatus Salat is such an excellent quality and so very necessary for a true Muslim, that the prayer which Hazrat Ibrahim(as) offered for this purpose, was so liked by Allah the Blessed and Exalted, that He made it a part of the Holy Qur’an, thus preserving it for all eternity. In this manner a message has been given to every individual of the Muslim Ummah (Community) that if you wish to acquire the Muqam-e-Ibrahim (the lofty status of Ibrahim) in your worship, if you wish to attain the Muqam-e-Mahmud (the highly commended status), then it is incumbent that you fasten this Abrahamic prayer to your soul. Moreover, not only should a Muslim adopt Iqamatus Salat in his own life, but wish and pray for the same in the lives of one’s future generations as well. What a beautiful prayer it is, which has been taught to us:
رَبِّ اجۡعَلۡنِیۡ مُقِیۡمَ الصَّلٰوۃِ وَ مِنۡ ذُرِّیَّتِیۡ ٭ۖ رَبَّنَا وَ تَقَبَّلۡ دُعَآءِ۔رَبَّنَا اغۡفِرۡ لِیۡ وَ لِوَالِدَیَّ وَ لِلۡمُؤۡمِنِیۡنَ یَوۡمَ یَقُوۡمُ الۡحِسَابُ
“My Lord make me observe Prayer, and my children too. Our Lord! Do accept my prayer. Our Lord, grant forgiveness to me and to my parents and the believers on the day when the reckoning will take place” (Ch 14: Vs. 41-42)
A Few Points of Wisdom
I present two points of profound wisdom from the Promised Messiah(as) that shed further light on the topic under discussion. Firstly, in order for a Muslim to establish his prayer, sacrifice is necessary. The strictness and discipline inflicted upon the soul also becomes a means of reward and blessings. The Promised Messiah(as) states:
“Opposing the self is also a form of worship. When man is sleeping, he desires to sleep more, but he opposes the self, and goes to the Mosque. This opposition is also worthy of reward.” (Malfuzat, Vol.2, pp.552, new edition)
Secondly, in a youthful age when one’s health is good and the body is strong, one should especially pay attention to worship. The Promised Messiah(as) states:
“If he spent this period (i.e., the period of his youth) in the worship of Allah, the reformation of the self, and obedience to God, the fruit which he shall reap is that in his old age, when he shall be unable to perform any worship, and inactivity and tardiness shall overcome him, the angels shall continue to record the same prayer, fasting, Tahajjud (pre-dawn Prayer), etc., which he used to offer in his youth. And this is the Grace of Allah, that despite the fact that he is unable to perform deeds, God considers him exempt and the same deeds are recorded in his account.” (Malfuzat, Vol.4, pp. 199-footnote, new edition).
Seven Stages in the Spiritual Journey of the Observance of Prayer
There are seven stages in the spiritual journey of the observance of prayer. The right of the establishment of prayer can fully be offered only after one passes through these stages. Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad(ra) has elaborated upon this exquisite topic in a remarkable manner. He states:
“The first stage, below which there is no stage whatsoever, is that man offers his five daily prayers regularly. A Muslim who offers his five daily prayers and does not break in between, acquires the lowest level of faith.
The second stage in prayer is that all five prayers are offered at the stipulated time. When one offers his five daily prayers on time, he steps to the second ladder of faith.
The third stage is that the prayer be offered in congregation. By the congregational observance of prayer, man steps to the third ladder of faith.
The fourth stage is that man observes the prayer whilst understanding its meaning. An individual, who does not know the translation of prayer, should learn the translation and observe prayers. Moreover, one who does know the translation should offer the prayer slowly, until he understands that he has done justice to the prayer.
Then, the fifth stage is that man becomes fully engrossed in the prayer. Just as one plunges into water, man should plunge into his prayer, until he acquires one of the two ranks: either that he is seeing God, or if not, he firmly believes that God the Exalted is seeing him.
After this, the sixth stage of belief is that an individual offers the Nawafil (Voluntary Prayers). One who offers the Nawafil expresses to God the Exalted, that he has offered his obligation, but he has not yet become satisfied by them, and he says, ‘O God, it is my desire to remain in Your royal court beyond the times of obligation.’
The seventh stage of belief is that man not only offers his five daily prayers and observes the Nawafil, but also prays Tahajjud (Late night/pre-dawn prayer) during the night. These are the seven stages by which prayer is deemed complete.
Hence, it is necessary for an individual to attain these seven stages. It is the responsibility of every individual that he observes prayer on time. It is the responsibility of every individual that he observes the prayer in congregation. It is the responsibility of every individual that he observes the prayer whilst understanding it, after learning its translation. It is the responsibility of every individual that in addition to the obligatory prayer timings, he offers the Nawafil during the night and day[…] Then every individual should offer his obligatory and supererogatory (Nawafil) prayers with such assiduousness that even his nights become days. Similarly, one should try to acquire the greatest possible advantage from the supplications of Tahajjud. Until and unless one does not safeguard his prayers in this manner, for one to think that one can please God is nothing more than a fallacy.” (Tafsir Kabir, Vol.6, pp. 135-136)
Curing Insipidity in Prayer
When alluding to the topic of Iqamatus Salat, the question can arise that if one finds no pleasure in offering the prayers, how can one habituate oneself to it? The answer has been provided most beautifully by the Promised Messiah(as):
“Whenever such a state persists that the love and pleasure which was once felt in prayer no longer remains, one should not tire, and should not be dismayed and lose strength but should be concerned as to how this lost wealth can be reacquired, and the cure is Taubah, Istighfar (repentance) and supplication. One should not abandon prayer due to insipidity, rather, should increase prayer even further. Just as when an alcoholic is not intoxicated, he does not abandon drinking, but drinks more and more, until finally, he experiences pleasure and satisfaction; likewise, someone who feels insipidity in prayer, should offer prayer in further abundance, and it is not appropriate to tire. Ultimately a state of pleasure shall come about through that very insipidity.
Look at how deep one must dig into the earth to acquire water; those who tire are left deprived, while those who do not, ultimately acquire it. Therefore, in order to attain that pleasure Istighfar, an abundance of prayer and supplication, readiness, and steadfastness are necessary.” (Malfuzat, Vol.5, p.432)
The Promised Messiah(as) has not only prescribed supplication in order to acquire pleasure and attention in prayer, but has also taught the specified words which are to be prayed:
“One should supplicate before Allah the Exalted in extreme emotion and passion, saying that just as You have endowed us with the various pleasures of fruits and other things, let me once taste the pleasure of prayer and worship as well.” (Malfuzat, Vol.1, pp.163)
In other words, one should supplicate in the following words:
“O God, I receive the pleasures of this world every day; grant me the pleasurable taste of worship once as well.”
Then he states that one should stand in every Rak‘ah of the prayer and supplicate in the following words:
“O Allah the Exalted, the Omnipotent, the Possessor of Majesty, I am a sinner, and the poison of sin has affected my veins to such an extent that I am devoid of emotion and attention in prayer. Forgive me my sins with Thy blessing and grace, and forgive me my lapses, and soften my heart, and place Your greatness and Your fear, and Your love in my heart, so that my hard-heartedness may be dispelled, and I am granted attention in my prayer.”(Fatwa Hazrat Masih Mau’ud, pp.37, published in 1935)
Then the Promised Messiah(as) states that one should pray in the following words:
“O Allah, you see how blind and lacking of sight I am, and at this time I am in a complete state of death. I am aware that soon hereafter, I shall receive my calling, and will return to you. At that time, there shall be none who will be able to stop me. My heart is blind and ignorant. Send down such a flame of light upon it, as your love and attraction are developed in it. Bless me such as I am not raised without sight, and do not become amongst the blind.”
He said:
When a man supplicates in such a way with continuity, he shall see that such a time will come when something of heaven will descend upon his insipid prayer, which shall produce emotion.” (Malfuzat, Vol.2, pp. 616, new edition).
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad(aba) on the subject of Iqamatus Salat
Ever since the initial stages of his appointment to the exalted status of Khilafat, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad(aba), Khalifatul Masih V, Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, has repeatedly laid stress on supplication, worship and especially Iqamatus Salat. I present two of these instructions as a reminder:
“Worship Allah the Exalted, and worship him as is His right. Do not associate anyone with Him. During the timings of prayer, as is His instruction, keep your full attention towards the prayers. Your engagements or other excuses should not become a hindrance in your offering prayers. Do not leave your prayers because of your work; rather, leave your work for the prayers. This is also a form of hidden Shirk (associating partners with God), because if you leave your prayers because of your work this means that your worldly engagements are more dear to you than the worship of your God.” (Al-Fazl, 13May 2005/Friday sermon of 29th April 2005)
Then he states:
“Every individual who wishes to become a worshipping servant of Allah the Exalted – wishes to acquire His nearness, wishes to purify himself and his future generations, wishes to save himself from the onslaughts of Satan – there is only one method, and that is, pay attention to worship, and the most important aspect of this is the congregational prayer.” (Al-Fazl International London, 28 January 2005)
Model of the Holy Prophet(saw) in Iqamatus Salat
Thus far a brief exposition on the details of Iqamatus Salat has been provided. Now let us see the actual examples of Iqamatus Salat in the real world. The personality, which the Creator of the universe, Allah, has presented as a perfect model is that of the Holy Prophet Muhammad(saw). The Holy Prophet(saw) fulfilled the right of Iqamatus Salat so beautifully that Allah testified that his prayers, his worship, his living and dying, were all for His sake, the Lord of all the worlds, and even the enemies of the Holy Prophet(saw) publicly announced ‘Ashiqa Muhammadun Rabbahu, that Muhammad(saw) has fallen in love with his Lord! The Holy Prophet(saw) has stated,
“O People! I like three things from this world, but I tell you that Qurratu ‘aini fis-salat that the delight and pleasure of my eyes is in the observance of prayer.” (Bukhari)
In Iqamatus Salat, the perfect example of the Holy Prophet(saw) is spread throughout his life. The system of congregational prayer began since the inception of Islam, after which, throughout the whole of his life, the Holy Prophet(saw) did not let any lapse interfere in this obligation, whether in a state of travel or residence, health or illness, or in a state of war or peace. In a state of travel, the Prophet(saw) would stop the travelling caravan and shorten or combine the prayers. In the case of rain, he would also offer his prayers upon his ride, and would not let any excuse interfere with observing prayer.
On one occasion the Holy Prophet(saw) was severely wounded after falling off a horse. It was impossible for him to offer his prayers while standing, but the Holy Prophet(saw) did not like that he should miss the congregational prayer, and led the prayer while sitting. (Bukhari) At the Battle of Badr, the supplications which the Holy Prophet(saw) made in a small pavilion, to this day, warm the hearts. The state of his engrossment was such as his mantle would fall off his back again and again, but this worshipper of the One God was above all that, and remained engaged in his invocations. In the Battle of Uhud, the Holy Prophet(saw) was weakened by severe wounds. He was also grieved by the martyrdom of seventy of his Companions, yet the Holy Prophet(saw) offered his prayers in congregation even on that day, as per his custom. Due to the engagements of war during the Battle of Ahzab, when the Zuhr (Noon Prayer) and ‘Asr (Afternoon Prayer) prayers could not be offered on time and the sun declined, due to his exceeding love for Iqamatus Salat, the expression which spontaneously came to the blessed lips of the Holy Prophet(saw) was that, Allah destroy this enemy, due to whom a delay has occurred in our prayers. Another aspect of Iqamatus Salat is fear and humility. This magnificence was at its peak in the prayers of the Holy Prophet(saw). With eyes of perception, just observe the young man who would abandon the attractions, beauty and pleasure of this world, and retire to the cave of Hira’ in complete solitude to find pleasure of heart in worship. In the darkness of night he would enlighten the rays of spirituality with his worship and would strain his soul. Someone asked Hazrat ‘A’ishah(ra), the blessed wife of the Holy Prophet(saw), to narrate the state of the Holy Prophet(saw)’s prayer. She responded:
“Where shall I find the words to describe the beauty and length of those prayers?” (Bukhari, Kitabus Saum).
The Holy Prophet(saw) would stand in prayer for so long that his blessed feet would become swollen. When someone suggested that he take rest, he responded saying, “Shall I not be a thankful servant to my Lord?” The state of his prostrations to Allah were also something to behold. The narrator relates that the state of the Holy Prophet(saw) in prostration was like a pot fervently boiling upon the stove, or like two millstones in a grinder hitting each other. To think of this causes the body to tremble and the following supplication comes from the heart:
“The emotion that existed in the supplications of Muhammad(saw), if only a glitter of it were granted to my prostrations as well.”
Hazrat ‘A’ishah(ra) was the dearest and most beloved wife of the Holy Prophet(saw). She narrates: One night, when I woke up, I noticed the Holy Prophet(saw) was not in bed. I thought, perhaps he had gone to the house of another wife. As I looked here and there, I found the Holy Prophet(saw) had left his comfort and bed, and was on the ground, prostrating at some distance and was engaged in supplications. Hazrat ‘A’ishah(ra) states: When I saw this, I was very disappointed at myself and I said to myself, O ‘A’ishah(ra), what thoughts are you preoccupied with, whereas look at the state in which the Messenger of Allah is in. (Al-Nisa’i). In another narration it is mentioned that she found the Prophet(saw) prostrating in a nearby graveyard in the darkness of the night.
Hazrat ‘A’ishah(ra) mentions another incident: One night the Holy Prophet(saw) came to my house. That night, it was my turn for the Holy Prophet(saw) to spend the night with me. When the Holy Prophet(saw) entered the quilt in the cold night of winter, he said, “O ‘A’ishah! Do you permit me to spend this night in the worship of Allah?” I responded, “I desire your happiness, I happily grant you permission.” Therefore, the Holy Prophet(saw) immediately stood up, performed his Wuzu’ and began to offer prayer, and he spent the whole night in worship and invocations, until his place of prostration became wet with tears. (Suyuti)
With regards to prayer, the attachment and interest of the Holy Prophet(saw) was such as even in his final illness, he was suffering from a severe temperature, and was drifting in and out of a state consciousness. In anxiety, he would ask again and again, “Is it time for prayer?” He was told that the companions were waiting for him in the mosque. In order to decrease the severity of his temperature he asked that cold water be put on his body, and as he got up to go to the mosque, he fell into a state of unconsciousness again. Upon regaining consciousness, he once again asked about the prayer. He was told that the companions were waiting in the mosque. He had cold water put on his body again. The temperature fell to some extent, but he became unconscious again. Afterwards, when his state became a bit better, he placed both hands on two Companions and went to the mosque in such a state that his feet were being dragged behind him. The Holy Prophet(saw) led the prayers sitting beside Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) (later to become the First Khalifa of Islam) and thus set such an example of Iqamatus Salat that it shall remain unparalleled until the end of time.
Model of the Promised Messiah(as) in Iqamatus Salat
Let us study the state of Iqamatus Salat in the blessed life of the Promised Messiah(as) in light of only a few examples. The most luminous aspect of the life of the Promised Messiah(as) was his love of Allah. The whole of his life was absorbed in this very love and the observance of worship and prayer was his spiritual food. His observance of prayer in congregation was unparalleled. In the days of his youth, he was referred to as a Masitar, i.e., one whose time is primarily spent in the mosque engaged in worship. Hazrat Pir Sirajul Haq Nu‘mani(ra) writes: I presented myself before the Promised Messiah(as) in 1882 and remained in his presence until a few months prior to his demise. I always found the Promised Messiah(as) compliant to the observance of congregational prayer. (Tadhkiratul Mahdi, pp.70). It is narrated by Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiq(ra) that two or three years prior to the demise of the Promised Messiah(as), whenever the Promised Messiah(as) could not come out for the Maghrib (evening prayer) and ‘Isha (night Prayer) he would gather the women and children in the home and offer the prayers in congregation. (Speech at Jalsa Salana, 1930). In his early days, the Promised Messiah(as) would keep Hafiz Mu‘inuddin with him for the mere purpose that in this way, he would receive the opportunity to offer prayer in congregation. During the law-suits that he faced, the Promised Messiah(as) never missed a prayer. He would seek permission from the court and offer his prayers on time.
The Companions of the Promised Messiah(as) have described a wonderful image of the prayers of the Promised Messiah(as). There is a narration of Hafiz Hamid ‘Ali that the Promised Messiah(as) would offer his prayers with great preoccupation and interest. He would repeat the words Ihdinas-siratal mustaqim (Guide us in the straight path) very often and would repeat the words Ya hayyu ya qayyumu birahmatika astaghith (O Living and Self Sustaining Allah, I beseech Thy Mercy). He would repeat these words again and again with great emotion and passion as if someone asking for something of his superior, and weeping, asking for his desired item again and again. Generally, his prostrations before Allah in prayer were very lengthy and at times it seemed that he would melt and flow away in his emotions.
Another description of the prayer and supplication of the Promised Messiah(as) is found in a narration of Hazrat Maulawi ‘Abdul Karim Sialkoti. He narrates that it was the days when the plague was rampant in the Punjab and people were falling prey to this disease. This was the plague which had been manifested as a sign of the truthfulness of the Promised Messiah(as), but due to his love for mankind, he was engaged in prayer for them. The manner in which the Promised Messiah(as) was praying astounded Maulawi Sahib and he said:
“There was such grief and emotion in this prayer of the Promised Messiah(as) that the heart of the listener melted, and the Promised Messiah(as) was weeping before the Divine threshold in such pain just as a woman in childbirth. Upon listening more attentively, I noticed that the Promised Messiah(as) was praying for the salvation of mankind from the punishment of the plague. The Promised Messiah(as) was saying, ‘If these people are destroyed in this chastisement, who shall worship you?” (Sirat Masih-e-Mau’ud, Vol.3, pp.395)
In addition to Tahajjud, the Promised Messiah(as) would sit in complete seclusion for the worship of Allah during a part of the day. In his last years, when he had the Baitul Du‘a built, he would shut the door and sit inside for about two hours and engage himself in the worship of Allah. Many a time, in search of seclusion, he would go out and would sit and worship his Lord in seclusion.
Another aspect of Iqamatus Salat is that when the time for prayer arrives, it should be given precedence over all other engagements. I present a beautiful example of this from the life of the Promised Messiah(as). Hazrat Sayyidah Nusrat Jahan Begum Sahibah(ra), the blessed wife of the Promised Messiah(as), states that the Promised Messiah(as) said to her:
“Once, I travelled for a law-suit. Other cases were being dealt with, while I waited under a tree outside. Since it was time for prayer, I began to offer my prayer right there. However, during my prayer I began to hear my name being summoned by the court, but I continued praying. When I completed my prayer, I noticed an attendant of the court standing next to me. As soon as I completed it, he said, ‘Mirza Sahib! Congratulations, you have won the case.” (Siratul Mahdi, Vol. 1, 99.15).
Despite being in severe pain and illness, the Promised Messiah(as) always paid due regard to Iqamatus Salat. I present one example of this. The Promised Messiah(as) was authoring a book called Nurul Haq in response to a book written by a Christian. Only four or five pages had been written when the Promised Messiah(as) was struck with a severe headache. The pain increased so much that the Promised Messiah(as) could not come to the mosque for three days. On the fourth day, after feeling slightly better, he came for the Fajr (morning) prayer and offered the congregational prayer with great difficulty whilst sitting. The state of his illness was such that the Promised Messiah(as) was heavily perspiring, and he was so weak that after the prayer he could not even sit any longer, and lay down in the mosque. (Tadhkiratul Mahdi, pp.48-49)
Hazrat Sardar Begum Sahiba(ra), wife of Hazrat Sardar Imam Bakhsh Sahib Qaisarani(ra), narrated an inspiring anecdote. She stated:
“One day, Huzoor (Hazrat Masih Mau’ud(as)) developed renal colic. Among other treatments, he himself or his wife, Hazrat Amman Jan(ra), fomented the painful spot with pieces of clay heated on fire. He was very restless because of the pain; he would lie down on the bed and then sit up. Just at that moment, the Azan for ‘Asr prayer was called. Huzoor, the Chosen one by God, tied up a heated piece of clay on to the painful spot and offered salat. Thus, he demonstrated that although disease is inevitable, salat is obligatory.”(Al-Fazl International, 3rd August 2018 p. 35; Al-Fazl Rabwah, 22nd October 2012)
The great care of the Promised Messiah(as) regarding the issue of Iqamatus Salat reminds us of the perfect example of the Holy Prophet(saw) at every step. The soul is entranced to see how this true servant followed his Master, the Holy Prophet(saw) at every step. Furthermore, his state is such, that after fulfilling his responsibility of worship to the maximum limits of his capacity, he still feels embarrassment and shame. There is an incident in the era of the Promised Messiah(as) when a dancer, who was invited to a non-Muslim’s home for a wedding, sang and danced all night long. When the Promised Messiah(as) was informed of this, he enquired, “Why don’t you find out how much this poor lady earned for the night?” It was discovered that she earned five rupees. When the Promised Messiah(as) came to his Companions the next morning, he said:
“I was embarrassed all night long that this lady worked so hard for a mere five rupees. We receive thousands and thousands, nay, countless gifts and rewards from our benefactor and protector, Allah the Exalted and we still do not work as hard. Similarly, when I hear the security guard at night, I become embarrassed that he watches guard all night long for a mere four or five rupees a month. He does not even rest during the shorter nights; he does not care about the cold or rain. On the other hand, some of us sleep so negligently in comparison to him. Man should do justice to himself in his own heart.” (Al-Fazl, 16 August 1998)
The final action of this blessed individual was prayer. In his last moments the Promised Messiah(as) became very weak. Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad(ra), his son, describes these last few moments:
“When the time for morning prayer arrived…[The Promised Messiah(as)] asked in a faint voice, ‘Is it time for prayer?’ A servant responded, ‘Yes Huzoor, it is time.’ Upon hearing this, the Promised Messiah(as) touched the sides of his bed, to perform Tayyamum (an alternative for ablution when water is unavailable) and intended for prayer whilst lying, but fell unconscious. When he regained his consciousness he enquired again, ‘Is it time for prayer?’ It was said that, ‘Yes Huzoor, it is time.’ Then he intended for prayer again and offered his prayer whilst lying there.” (Silsilah Ahmadiyyah, pp. 182)
Conclusion
This point is especially worthy of remembrance, that there is a very close relationship between Iqamatus Salat and the institution of Khilafat. In the Ayat-ul-Istikhlaf, by stating Ya‘budunani la yushrikuna bi shai’a (“They will worship Me, and they will not associate anything with Me” – Ch.24 V.56), Allah has promised the believers that through the blessings of Khilafat they shall observe their worship merely for the pleasure of Allah the Exalted. The community of believers, under the shade of Khilafat shall become a community of worshippers, and every individual of this community shall be an exemplary model of the divine injunction of Iqamatus Salat. This is why they shall receive a reward for standing firm upon the wholehearted unity of Allah the Exalted.
Today, God has placed the crown of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyyah upon this community and it is we who have been granted this great reward. Therefore, O lovers and devotees of Khilafat! Come, let us express our gratitude for this divine blessing and let us express our attachment, loyalty and obedience to Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyyah by leaving this assembly with a resolute intention that we shall apply the divine order of Iqamatus Salat upon ourselves in such a manner that every aspect of this topic holds true to our personalities. May prayer become our soul food. May prayer become the delight of our eyes and may our hearts find pleasure in prayer. May Allah make it so that we stand firm on this oath with a true heart, firm determination and true loyalty such as every one of our prayers falls true to every level of Iqamatus Salat. May we remain alive with lively and life-giving prayers, and may we hand over our lives to our Lord whilst offering such acceptable prayers.