WHY DOES MAN NEED TO PRAY?

After a long and hectic day at work, how difficult it is for a tired
person to stand on the prayer-mat and concentrate on his prayers to
Allah Almighty. Snuggled in a warm and cozy bed, how difficult it is to
get up at the call of Mu'adhdhin: "Come to prayer, come to success."



The
famous doctor and philosopher Ibn Sina (Avicenna), recalls such a
moment in his life. Once cold and icy night, he and his slave were
resting in an inn in a remote part of Khurasan. During the night he felt
thirsty and shouted out to his slave to get him some water. The salve
had no desire to leave his warm bed, so he pretended not to hear
Avicenna's call. But finally after repeated calls he reluctantly got up
and went to fetch the water. A little while later, the melodious sound
of the Adhan filled the air. Avicenna began to think about the person
calling the believers to prayer. My slave Abdullah, he mused, has always
respected and admired me. He seizes any opportunity to lavish praise
and affection on me but tonight, he preferred his own comfort to my
needs. On the other hand, look at this Persian slave of Allah. He left
his warm bed to go out in the chilly night, he made ablution in the icy
water of the stream, and then he ascended the high minaret of the mosque
to glorify He Whom he truly serves.

"I bear witness that there is none to be worshipped except Allah." "I
bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah."

Tonight, Avicenna records, I learned the essence of true love; that love
which results in complete obedience. The love of Allah demands total
and unconditional obedience.

Allah almighty says:

<blockquote>l"Say (O Muhammad (pbuh) to mankind): 'If you (really) love
Allah then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic monotheism, follow the Quran
and the Sunnah), Allah will love you and forgive you your sins.' And
Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (3:31)</blockquote>