Welcome to the 7th weekly episode of the series Mohammad, Radiant Sun of Guidance.

Today, we study the concept of monotheism in worships and prayers, and the tradition of the Prophet of Islam, Mohammad (Blessings of God upon him and his progeny) in this domain.

One of the principles of Islamic culture is maintenance of monotheism in worships. In other words, the individual who believes in God should worship the one and only creator of the world based on the guidelines of Prophet Mohammad, and should only be obedient to those, who have been approved by God. All Islamic denominations believe in maintenance of monotheism in worships, and no Muslim denies this principle. Now, the question which springs into mind is what is the meaning and definition of worship. Meanwhile, worship is considered as practical or verbal humility towards God. Any measure which originates from this outlook and sentiment is considered as worship of God.

A number of other thinkers have given a different definition of worship. In their view, worship is rooted in the sense of servitude of God, in which mankind considers God has the owner of the universe, and believes that man’s death, life, honor, and degradation is under God’s authority. Based on this viewpoint, whoever enters the divine and pure world of worship, encounters a world of unimaginable beauty and goodness. There is no trace of bleakness and sadness in the realm of worship of God.

The Prophet of Islam, Mohammad (Blessings of God upon him and his progeny) who was the symbol of servitude of God grants the greatest privilege to those who fully worship the one and only creator of the world.  

Prophet of Islam notes the best of people are those, who wholeheartedly worship God. Upon entering such a spiritual world, this individual has no concern over whether his world is full of hardships or comfort.

The First Infallible Imam of the Prophet of Islam’s Household, Imam Ali (Peace be upon him), who was brought up by the Prophet, elaborates on the elevated status of worshipers, noting: “Angels gather round them, and they have attained peace of mind. The gateways of heavens have opened before them and the never-ending divine blessings have been bestowed upon them. God is aware of their elevated status, which they have gained via servitude of the Almighty. Whenever they call God, they sense the divine forgiveness.”

In addition to major spiritual accomplishments of worship of God; those, who enter this spiritual atmosphere, benefit from its worldly benefits, too. Establishment of a sense of needlessness, maintenance of spiritual security and self-esteem, and longevity are some of the outcomes which monotheists experience in their lives.

The Prophet of Islam, Mohammad (Blessings of God upon him and his progeny) made a major development in the scene of worship of God and made a major shift in thoughts of mankind.

Another development which was shaped in the world of worship in the light of Islamic teachings was an end to the shallow outlooks and incentives toward worship of God, while a group worshipped God for the sake of divine rewards, and another group worshipped God out of the fear of divine punishment. The divine religion of Islam, far from these restricted motivations, has depicted a promising horizon for mankind to wholeheartedly worship God and to truly enjoy worshipping Him. By worshipping God, mankind expresses the best possible gratitude toward the creator of the world, and shows his love toward the Almighty. Undoubtedly there is need for attainment of an in-depth understanding for stepping into this heavenly atmosphere, which in turn plays a fateful role in attainment of spiritual growth.

Certainly, those who believe that God observes their worships are not similar to those, who just fulfill the apparent aspects of worship of God. The other important point in regard to worship of God is that in Islamic culture, worship is not restricted to observance of religious duties, such as observing daily prayers or fasting. Any measure which takes place based on a divine incentive and goal is considered as worship of God. Based on this standpoint, worships cover a huge domain, and can emerge in all personal and social scenes.

One of the main goals of worship is to remember God in life’s ups and downs, which reminds us of our responsibilities in ethical, social, cultural, political, and economic domains. Worship of God is not limited to particular phases of time, and reminds us of God in all times. Some individuals verbally worship God, hoping to make the best of its related rewards. However, no trace of remembrance of God is found in their hearts. So, they move in a direction which does not please God. Thus, the sweetness of remembrance of God should be sensed to attain peace of mind and to achieve a unique joy which cannot be compared to any other joy in the world.

The remembrance of God plays a role in the calculation of our deeds in the Day of Judgment. The other point which is important in the tradition of Prophet of Islam is that all of our worships should be coupled with pure intentions and incentives, and all of our actions and thoughts should be divine in nature.

MR/SS