the lecture series of Nokounam, (Session 1000)
Salat (prayer), as a steadfast pillar within the edifice of religion, preserves the connection between man and his Creator in all conditions and circumstances, from tranquility to the storms of war. The verses concerning Salat al-Khawf in Surah An-Nis serve as a guiding light, illustrating the method of performing this divine obligation amidst the most critical moments of life. This essay, by contemplating these verses and elucidating their profound meanings, seeks to portray the unparalleled significance of prayer and its role in fortifying the spiritual and social resilience of believers under arduous conditions. Employing a lucid and dignified language, the text aims to reflect the deep meanings of these verses and their linkage to the spiritual and communal life of the Islamic Ummah.
Salat al-Khawf is a form of worship prescribed during conditions of insecurity and enemy threat, especially on the battlefield. This obligation is not only indicative of adherence to worship during the most trying moments but also acts as a spiritual shield that fortifies the believers soul against lifes tempests. The subject of khawf or fear of the enemy forms the central core of these verses, emphasising the necessity of maintaining a connection with God in the face of danger. These verses guide believers towards maintaining inner tranquillity and concentration on worship even amid the turmoil of battle.
And when you are among them, establish prayer for them.
This verse, with a direct address to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), entrusts the responsibility of leading congregational prayer under war conditions upon him. This address not only illustrates the prophetic leadership role in preserving the unity of the Ummah but also underscores the importance of performing prayer collectively even in the harshest circumstances. Although this command is specifically directed to the Prophet (peace be upon him), it also provides an instructive lesson for the leaders of the Ummah; nevertheless, the unique circumstances of the Prophets comprehensive guidance necessitate caution in generalisation.
The emphasis on performing congregational prayer on the battlefield demonstrates the exalted status of this act in creating social and spiritual cohesion. At a time when the enemy lies in ambush, congregational prayer acts like a chain linking the members of the Ummah to one another, strengthening the collective spirit. This worship is not merely an individual act but a social duty that fosters unity and solidarity among believers.
At first glance, performing prayer on the battlefield may appear illogical, as preserving life and focusing on combat seem to be the primary concerns. However, Allah the Exalted, with His infinite wisdom, commands believers to perform prayer even under such circumstances. The purpose of war in Islam is the defence of divine values, particularly the establishment of prayer. This injunction, like a light in darkness, demonstrates that worship must be preserved even during the most critical moments.
The Quranic verses emphasise that performing prayer on the battlefield is a factor contributing to victory. This worship acts as a pure spring, quenching the spirits of the believers and increasing their endurance against the enemy. Firm faith and reliance upon God, realised through prayer, bestow upon believers both spiritual and material power that brings about triumph.
Thiqal al-Salat, meaning the heaviness or difficulty in performing prayer, is an indication of an internal spiritual problem within the individual. This state often arises from sins such as consuming unlawful earnings or deviation in lifestyle. The believer must engage in self-examination and reflection to identify and correct inner faults so that this heaviness does not lead to complete abandonment of prayer.
Deliberate abandonment of prayer results in disbelief: Whoever intentionally abandons prayer has committed disbelief. Even neglect due to laziness or lack of faith leads the individual towards immorality. Within the Islamic value system, prayer is the primary criterion for assessing faith. On the Day of Judgment, the records of those who have abandoned prayer will be set aside without examining their other deeds, as though the pillar of their faith has collapsed.
On the Day of Resurrection, even sins such as murder are of lesser significance compared to neglecting prayer. This emphasis indicates the unparalleled position of prayer as the pillar of religion. Islamic narrations regard prayer as the foundation of religion and interpret its abandonment as the collapse of all virtuous deeds.
So let a group of them stand with you, and let them take their arms.
This verse outlines the practical structure of performing Salat al-Khawf. The believers are divided into two groups: one group performs prayer with the Prophet (peace be upon him), while the other group remains engaged in defence. This division demonstrates the balance between worship and defence, as if the believers maintain their connection with God while preserving their military vigilance.
And when they prostrate themselves, let them be behind you.
After the first group prostrates, they move behind the Prophet, and the second group takes their place to perform the second unit (rakah). The Prophet (peace be upon him) completes two full units, but each group only follows one unit in congregation. This method exemplifies the flexibility of Shariah in critical conditions, as if the Shariah is a garment tailored to fit diverse circumstances.
And let them be cautious and take their weapons.
The repeated emphasis on retaining weapons highlights the constant danger of the enemy. Believers must remain vigilant even during worship and must not lay down their arms, as if they are awake sentinels ready to defend amidst the warstorm.
Those who disbelieve would love for you to neglect your weapons and your baggage so they could come down upon you all at once.
This verse serves as a clarion call warning believers against negligence towards the enemy. The enemy lies in ambush and any moment of negligence can lead to a great disaster, as if in the midst of war, a single blink opens the path for the enemys onslaught.
And there is no blame upon you if you put down your weapons because of rain or sickness. But take precaution.
This verse reflects divine mercy in difficult situations. If heavy rain or illness affects the believers, they may put down their weapons but must remain cautious. This facilitation is like a cool breeze amid the heat of war, bestowing the mercy of God upon the believers.
In todays world, where wars are conducted with modern and remote tools, the traditional form of Salat al-Khawf is less applicable. However, the spirit of this divine command remains firmly rooted in preserving worship under all circumstances. These verses, like an eternal torch, illuminate the path to maintaining connection with God in every time and place.
Currently, due to sins and materialistic influences such as the consumption of unlawful earnings, many individuals suffer from Thiqal al-Salat. This has diminished the true value of prayer and congregational worship within society. Some collective acts of worship, due to their dependence on non-spiritual structures, have deviated from their original essence. This critique is an invitation to return to purity and sincerity in worship.
Reports from traditions state that some religious scholars considered missing even one unit of night prayer a great sin and would weep for years over it. These examples, like stars in the sky of guidance, illuminate the way for believers to engage more earnestly in their acts of worship.
The holding of expensive and ostentatious ceremonies for Quranic recitation, such as employing large groups with exorbitant costs, diminishes the spiritual authenticity of this act. Recitation of the Quran must be performed with sincerity and purity, not relying on outward appearances and formalities. This critique acts like a mirror, reflecting the necessity of returning to the inner essence of worship.
Narrations relate that the Quranic recitations by the Infallible Imams (peace be upon them), such as Imam Hasan and Imam Sajjad (peace be upon them), possessed such depth and purity that even passersby were deeply affected. This impact is like a celestial breeze guiding the hearts of listeners towards God.
The believer must engage in self-examination to discern whether they are afflicted by Thiqal al-Salat or not. This self-awareness requires no external instruments and is achieved through reflection on deeds and inner reform. This process resembles a journey towards the self that guides the believer towards spiritual elevation.
The Quranic verses concerning Salat al-Khawf shine like a radiant torch, illustrating the path to maintaining connection with God under the most difficult conditions. These verses, by elucidating the practical structure of performing prayer on the battlefield, emphasize the unparalleled importance of this obligation. The flexibility of the Shariah in providing facilitations for difficult situations is a sign of divine mercy, guiding believers towards worship under all circumstances. The critique of the current state of worship and emphasis on returning to sincerity and purity is an invitation to inner reform and reconsideration of lifestyle. This essay, through a profound examination of these verses, endeavoured to convey their deep meanings with a dignified and clear language for its audience, thus illuminating the path to felicity and spiritual elevation like a guiding lamp.
Supervised by Sadegh Khademi
