Ahlul Bayt (AS) News Agency (ABNA): A believer preparing for prayer must cleanse both body and soul, casting aside all impurities to stand before God with joy and reverence. This is the way of the righteous—those who recognize prayer as a divine gift, an opportunity granted despite human frailty and rebellion.
Imam Khomeini (RA) writes in Aadab al-Salah:
"The people of divine knowledge, those intimate with God, seek nothing in their prayers but His grace. For them, honor and virtue lie solely in communion with the Almighty. When they gaze upon the world, they see only His manifestation—every creation a reflection of His beauty. Thus, they await prayer with longing, eager for their divine appointment."
True believers do not exchange eternal blessings for temporary gains. They treasure prayer as the wellspring of everlasting life, the source of spiritual purity, and the gateway to boundless mercy.
The Sacred Moments of Each Prayer
Each prayer time holds great significance:
Dhuhr (Noon Prayer): The prayer of the Lord and the Prophet’s (PBUH) ascension (Mi'raj). It symbolizes the sun of truth reaching its zenith before returning to the Divine Presence.
Asr (Afternoon Prayer): The hour when Adam (AS) approached the forbidden tree—a reminder of human weakness and the need for repentance.
Maghrib (Sunset Prayer): The time when Adam (AS) sought forgiveness. Its three rak'ahs represent repentance for his error, Eve’s error, and their shared remorse.
Isha’ (Night Prayer): A shield against the darkness of the grave and the horrors of Judgment Day—illuminating the path across the Sirat.
Fajr (Dawn Prayer): The breaking of dawn, heralding the Day of Resurrection when the sun of truth rises, dispelling all shadows.
The Believer’s Duty in Prayer
Prayer is a divine summons—a moment of nearness and salvation. A true worshipper approaches it with a heart balanced between hope and fear, humility and awe.
Would you not eagerly await an audience with a beloved or a king? How, then, should we anticipate standing before the Lord of the Worlds? The Prophet (PBUH) would grow restless for prayer, telling Bilal (RA): "Relieve us with it, O Bilal." For him, prayer was "the comfort of my eyes."
Imam Khomeini (RA) advises:
"Prepare yourself to stand before the Master of all existence. Reflect on your weakness and His majesty—how even angels tremble in His presence. Enter prayer with trembling hope, knowing your power is but a drop in His boundless ocean."
How the Infallibles (AS) Prayed
The Ahl al-Bayt (AS) embodied perfect devotion:
The Prophet (PBUH): Would become so absorbed in prayer that he seemed unaware of those around him.
Imam Ali (AS): Trembled like a leaf in wind, saying, "Prayer is a trust offered to the heavens and earth—they refused to bear it out of awe."
Imam Husayn (AS): His face would pale at wudu’, for he knew "before Whom I stand."
Imam Sajjad (AS): Would weep so deeply in prostration that his tears soaked the ground.
These were not mere rituals—they were ascensions of the soul.
A Call to the Devout
If we wish to follow these luminous guides, we must pray not with haste, but with presence—not with lips alone, but with hearts laid bare. For in prayer lies the secret of eternal nearness, the key to divine love, and the path to the everlasting light.
Will you, too, count the moments until your next meeting with your Lord?
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