Welcome to 8th weekly episode of the series Mohammad, Radiant Sun of Guidance.

Usually, hardships and woes are part of the realities of life. The contemporary man, despite all astounding achievements in the global scenes of science and technology, still suffers from numerous mental and psychological crises, various ailments, bloodshed, and terror.

Moreover, despite his welfare, he doesn’t maintain peace of mind and always seeks to find a safe and reassuring haven to liberate himself from the yoke of all of his concerns. Thus, he is disillusioned. He refers to psychologists and psychiatrists.

Nonetheless, he doesn’t feel calm. He consumes sedatives, hoping to rest for a while but he is pushed toward the abyss of addiction, and his efforts to attain peace of mind remain inconclusive. He approaches the rich and the powerful, hoping that their support would alleviate his pain and suffering. But, thereafter, he finds out that all of these shelters are bogus.

All of a sudden, he senses an inner voice which calls on him to resort to the true and reassuring divine shelter. His inner voice urges him to pray and to declare all of his aspirations, hardships, and woes before the one and only creator of the world, God Almighty.

The 8^th ayah of Surat al-Zumar in Holy Quran notes:

“When distress befalls man, he supplicates his Lord, turning to Him penitently.”

God Almighty, in an effort to show his bond with his servants; to blow the spirit of hope within them; and to rescue them from doubts and despair tells Prophet Mohammad (Blessings of God upon him and his progeny): “When My servants ask you about Me, tell them that I am indeed near most.  I answer the supplicant’s call when he calls Me.”

Prayers establish a bond between us and God. Make it possible for us to attain peace of mind, which soothes the spirit of man and brings about an indescribable joy for him.

The Prophet of Islam, Mohammad (Blessings of God upon him and his progeny), noted:

“Prayer is the weapon of the faithful; the pillar of religion; and the light of heavens and earth.”

Reference to prayers as the weapon of the faithful shows that man can face and confront hardships, and overcome them with the tool of prayers. Undoubtedly, one who doesn’t possess such a weapon, falls into despair and gradually is pushed toward the verge of disappointment. Prayers can reinforce religious beliefs. Prophet of Islam refers to prayer as the pillar of religion, which cements belief in God.

Another significant fact in the words of the Prophet of Islam is that he introduces prayers as the light of heavens and earth. As long as man lives in the bleak aura of hardships, he feels anxious and disturbed. He loses hope. However, one who lives in a lively environment feels calm and joy, and makes efforts coupled with love and hope. Prayers can play such an important role in the life of mankind.

The Prophet of Islam also points out: “Prayer is the core of worship of God.”

Sense of need is one of the important factors that incline mankind toward observance of prayers.

The 16^th ayah of Surat al-Fatir in Holy Quran notes: “O mankind! You are the ones who stand in need of Allah, and Allah- He is the All-sufficient, the All-laudable.”

Someone who prays to God should be certain that ultimately his needs would be fulfilled. This is because God has secured his response to the prayers of his servitudes. 60^th ayah of Surat Ghafir in Holy Quran notes: Your Lord has said, ‘Call Me, and I will hear you!’

Prophet Mohammad noted: “Pray to God and be certain that he will fulfill your request.”

 We can never be certain of fulfillment of our requests, if we seek shelter in anyone other than God. The peace of mind which we attain via establishment of a bond with God is unique and one of a kind.

Based on the constructive and original teachings of the sacred religion of Islam, man, throughout his prayers, should not just pay attention to his own requests, and should also take into consideration others’ needs.

Prophet Mohammad practically revived the spirit of convergence in the Islamic community, while always calling on the members of Islamic community to unite.

Mankind has always sensed the need for praying to God, especially to liberate himself from the yoke of hardships, in an effort to attain peace of mind and tranquility.

MR/AS