of Nekounam, (Session 1001)
This treatise contemplates the final verses of Surah An-Nis, focusing on the rulings of Salat al-Khawf (prayer during fear), the establishment of prayer under secure conditions, and the status of divine remembrance in the spiritual life of the believer. These verses, akin to a radiant lamp, guide the faithful on the path of worship and perseverance in the face of hardships. The purpose of this work is to elucidate the Quranic concepts with precision and comprehensiveness, employing a lucid and dignified style that simultaneously conveys the spiritual essence and epistemic depth of the verses to the reader. The present text, by examining the nexus between purity, prayer, and remembrance, provides a framework for a deeper understanding of religion and, through the use of allegories, manifests meanings in an appealing and spiritual form.
The Holy Quran introduces prayer as an unparalleled pillar within Islamic religion. This duty is not solely an individual act of worship but also a symbol of spiritual order and discipline in the lives of believers. The verse central to this sections reflections emphasises this status with clear expression:
فَإِذَا قَضَيْتُمُ الصَّلَاةَ فَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ قِيَامًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَىٰ جُنُوبِكُمْ
"So when you have completed the prayer, remember Allah standing, sitting, and lying on your sides."
This verse, like a shining jewel, urges believers to sustain their bond with the Lord through remembrance in every state after performing the obligatory prayer. This injunction signifies the continuity of worship in the life of the believer, as if remembrance is a current originating from the spring of prayer and flowing through all aspects of existence.
Remembrance, as a complement to prayer, preserves the spirit of worship in all states of the believers life. This verse, by referencing the three states of standing, sitting, and lying on the side, demonstrates the breadth of remembrance. These three states, like three branches of a robust tree, encompass all lifes situations: from standing firm against hardships to resting moments of tranquillity. Remembrance is like a breeze that cleanses the believers heart from the dust of heedlessness and polishes it before the divine light.
Islamic religion, like a lofty edifice, rests on three pillars: purity, prayer, and remembrance. Purity is like clear water preparing body and soul to enter the presence of God; prayer is the main pillar of this structure and a symbol of submission before the Lord; and remembrance is like a light that keeps the believers heart illuminated at every moment. These three elements resemble glowing embers which, when fanned by faith, remain ablaze and preserve the believers spiritual life.
Prayer and remembrance are the two wings that enable the believers ascent towards transcendence. Prayer, as a steadfast pillar, imparts order and discipline to the believers life, while remembrance, as a clear stream, extends this order into all aspects of existence. Purity, as a prerequisite for both, prepares body and soul for worship. This section, by elucidating the status of these three elements, clarifies the foundations of Islamic religion.
The Holy Quran, with its infinite wisdom, provides rulings adapted to various circumstances. Following the previous verse, the command to establish the complete prayer during secure conditions is revealed:
فَإِذَا اطْمَأْنَنْتُمْ فَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ إِنَّ الصَّلَاةَ كَانَتْ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ كِتَابًا مَوْقُوتًا
"So when you are secure, establish prayer; indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times."
This verse, like a solid bridge, transitions from the critical conditions of war and fear to tranquillity and the full establishment of prayer. This transition demonstrates the flexibility of Shariah, which offers a ruling appropriate for each situation. In conditions of fear, prayer is performed in an abbreviated form, but in security, full establishment of it is obligatory. It is as if Shariah, like a compassionate mother, embraces believers in every circumstance.
The description of prayer as a decree of specified times in the verse indicates its obligatory and time-bound nature. This characteristic, like a precise clock, governs order and discipline in the lives of believers. Even under exceptional conditions such as illness or inability to attain purity, Shariah facilitates worship through measures such as tayammum (dry ablution). Should a believer miss prayer for any reason, making it up later is incumbent upon them unless special conditions exempt them.
This section, by elucidating the flexibility of Shariah in offering rulings suited to conditions of fear and security, demonstrated the exalted status of prayer as an obligatory and timed duty. These rulings, like guiding lights, lead believers toward worship in every situation and remove obstacles through provisions such as tayammum.
The Holy Quran, continuing, calls upon believers to steadfastness in the face of the enemy:
وَلَا تَهِنُوا فِي ابْتِغَاءِ الْقَوْمِ إِنْ تَكُونُوا تَأْلَمُونَ فَإِنَّهُمْ يَأْلَمُونَ كَمَا تَأْلَمُونَ وَتَرْجُونَ مِنَ اللَّهِ مَا لَا يَرْجُونَ
"And do not weaken in pursuit of the enemy. If you should be suffering - so are they suffering as you are suffering, but you expect from Allah that which they expect not."
This verse, like a thunderous command, ignites the spirit of perseverance in the hearts of believers. The reference to shared suffering between believers and enemies acts as a mirror revealing the truth of the struggle: both sides endure pain, but believers distinguish themselves by hoping for divine reward.
The distinction of believers lies in their faith and reliance upon God. Hope in divine mercy and reward, like a brilliant star, illuminates the path of struggle for believers. This hope functions as a force that fortifies the believers heart against hardships and separates them from faithless enemies.
The verse concludes with the phrase:
وَكَانَ اللَّهُ عَلِيمًا حَكِيمًا
"And Allah is Knowing and Wise."
Divine knowledge, like an infinite ocean, encompasses all matters, and divine wisdom, like a firm edifice, designs the rulings of Shariah with precision and strength. These attributes strengthen the believers trust in the comprehensiveness and efficacy of divine laws.
This section, by elucidating the command to persevere against the enemy and the believers distinction in hope in God, fortified the spirit of steadfastness and faith in the hearts of believers. Divine knowledge and wisdom, like two wings, guide the rulings of Shariah towards perfection and invite believers to trust in their correctness.
Subtle remembrance, like a hidden current in the believers heart, preserves connection with God at all times, even during daily affairs. This form of remembrance invites the believer to perpetual mindfulness, as if an invisible thread continuously links the heart to the Lord.
Establishing prayer, unlike remembrance, requires specific conditions such as facing the Qibla and performing defined actions and postures (standing, sitting, bowing). This distinction highlights the complementary role of remembrance, which is possible at any time, whereas prayer is limited to particular times and conditions.
Establishment is like a carefully and orderly constructed building, whereas remembrance is like a breeze that blows at every moment and place. This distinction illustrates the comprehensiveness of Shariah, which maintains precise order in worship while also exhibiting flexibility through remembrance.
Lying on ones side, as a natural and low-pressure posture, harmonises better with the remembrance of God. Sleeping face down or on the back, due to bodily harm such as pressure on the intestines and spinal vertebrae, is discouraged. This recommendation, like a precious jewel, reflects Shariahs concern for the believers physical and spiritual health.
This section demonstrated the comprehensiveness of Shariah by clarifying the role of subtle remembrance in maintaining continuous connection with God and its distinction from the establishment of prayer. Remembrance, like a clear stream, flows in all states, while prayer, like a steadfast edifice, brings order and discipline to the believers life. The recommendation to sleep on the side reflects Shariahs attention to both bodily and spiritual well-being.
The final verses of Surah An-Nis, like a shining lamp, guide believers on the path of worship and perseverance. These verses, emphasising the establishment of prayer, continuity of remembrance, and steadfastness against the enemy, present a comprehensive framework for spiritual life. The triangle of purity, prayer, and remembrance, like three stars in the sky of religion, directs the believer towards transcendence. The flexibility of Shariah in providing rulings suited to conditions of fear and security, coupled with the emphasis on divine knowledge and wisdom, strengthens confidence in the comprehensiveness of divine laws. This treatise, by precisely elucidating these concepts, endeavoured to convey the spirit and message of the verses in a lucid and engaging manner.
