of Nekounam, may his sanctity be preserved, Session Forty-Six
The phrase إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ in Surah Al-Fatiha, like a beating heart, contains the essence of pure worship within itself. This phrase, which ascribes worship solely to God, is an invitation towards practical monotheism and liberation from carnal fetters. In this exegesis, adopting a mystical and educational approach, the concept of "current arrogance" is examined as the greatest obstacle for the people of faith. This "current arrogance," which signifies self-exaltation over Gods creation, infiltrates even among believers and hinders the realization of sincere worship. This writing, relying on the Quranic verses and traditions, and employing an exalted and scientific language, dissects this carnal impediment and provides solutions for its removal through prayer and the Quran, guiding learned audiences towards knowledge and purification.
Current arrogance is the self-exaltation over Gods servants that may manifest outwardly or inwardly within a person. Contrary to absolute arrogance, which is the denial of Gods existence, current arrogance is compatible with belief in God but creates distance between the believer and creation, thereby depriving worship of its sincerity. This carnal defect manifests in behaviours such as belittling others or in inner feelings like pride.
This verse, by emphasising the exclusivity of worship for God, invites human beings to liberation from current arrogance and to humility before creation.
A believer who prays, fasts, and worships might, due to current arrogance, consider themselves superior to others. This defect, which may appear as false humility (such as saying الاحقر) or hidden pride inwardly, is the greatest obstacle for the people of faith. Unlike the people of knowledge, who have been freed from this defect, believers at lower spiritual ranks remain trapped in this carnal veil.
Current arrogance appears in everyday behaviours such as belittling the poor or reproaching others for minor issues, and in inner feelings like seeking superiority because of knowledge, wealth, or social status. Even a person who outwardly shows humility may inwardly be afflicted by this defect. For instance, a scholar who calls himself الاحقر but feels superior internally has fallen into the trap of current arrogance.
The people of faith, who occupy the lower ranks of spiritual progression, may fall into current arrogance. These individuals, although they accept God and perform acts of worship such as prayer and fasting, due to self-exaltation, are deprived of the spiritual fruits of worship. For example, a believer who reproaches others over minor faults is afflicted by this defect.
The people of knowledge, by deeply understanding divine unity and grandeur, have been freed from current arrogance. They perceive themselves as small before God and His creation through the witnessing of the unity of existence. A prominent example of this station is the statement of Imam Sajjad (peace be upon him), who described himself as أقل الأقلین (less than the least), not out of false humility, but from knowledge of divine gifts and the greatness of creation.
Current arrogance, as the greatest obstacle for the people of faith, prevents worship from penetrating the heart and achieving its educational effects. A believer afflicted by this defect, although accepting God and performing worship, is deprived of nearness to God due to self-exaltation. This defect reduces worship to a formal act and diminishes its spiritual impact.
A believer afflicted by current arrogance cannot achieve sincerity in worship even with outward acts. This self-exaltation, whether through belittling others or internal feelings, deprives the heart of receiving divine grace. A narration from Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him) states:
الكبر رداء الله
("Arrogance is the garment of God"), meaning arrogance is befitting to the Divine Essence and considered a defect in humans.
Prayer, as the pillar of religion and the ascension of the believer, is the primary tool for purification of the self and removal of current arrogance. Performing prayer with knowledge and sincerity eliminates carnal defects such as self-exaltation, envy, and rancour. Each prayer should be offered with the intention of removing a specific defect, whether external (such as belittling behaviour) or internal (such as hidden pride).
Indeed, he who purifies himself shall be successful. (Surah Al-Ala: 14)
External current arrogance, manifest in belittling behaviours towards Gods creation, is corrected through performing prayer with knowledge. The believer, by showing humility before creation, especially in social relations, is invited to justice and fairness.
And lower your wing to the believers. (Surah Al-Hijr: 88)
Internal current arrogance, such as envy and rancour, is removed by performing prayer with the intention of self-purification. This act of worship cleanses the heart from carnal defects and guides the human being towards perfection.
And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul, these are the successful. (Surah Al-Hashr: 9)
Prayer, as the key to all goodness, should be the axis of the believers life. The saints of God, such as the infallibles (peace be upon them), organised all their activities around prayer. Performing voluntary prayers at various occasions, such as entering and leaving the house, exemplifies this approach.
Narration: Prayer is the sacrifice of every pious person.
The Holy Quran, alongside prayer, must flow through all aspects of the believers life. The tradition of the elders of religion, such as reciting Quranic verses amidst study, exemplifies this integration. This practice prevents heedlessness and draws the human being closer to divine guidance.
Read in the name of your Lord who created. (Surah Al-Alaq: 1)
Performing prayer in public places, if done with sincere intention, is not ostentation. Fear of ostentation should not prevent one from praying at any time or place. The saints of God, with boundless eagerness for prayer, performed it in every circumstance without fearing others judgement.
Prayer with knowledge and sincerity leads the human being towards divine guidance and makes God his teacher. This act of worship, by removing carnal obstacles, paves the way for divine knowledge.
Fear God, and God teaches you. (
