Quranic Concept of Worship

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[29:45] You shall recite what is revealed to you of the scripture, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), for the Contact Prayers prohibit evil and vice. But the remembrance of GOD (through Salat) is the most important objective. GOD knows everything you do. So the Quran contends that Salat restrains from shameful and unjust deeds. As such if the prayer is offered with devotion, solemnity and humility, it would generate the fear of God and that would preclude the worshipper from harbouring obscene and unjust deeds and ideas. The same holds true of all other rituals and acts of worship.

When we know that there is only one God – La Elaha Ella Allah – all deeds that benefit humanity no matter how small become a form of worship. A smile, helping someone in need even if you have to go out of your way, tending to the sick, reading to the blind – everything is being recorded. Even the treatment of animals.

If duties are performed honestly and sincerely, they become a part of worship. Even some acts which we do for our personal enjoyment, may become acts of worship. You bite into a succulent steak and thank God for providing and subduing livestock for us.

This is an act of worship. The only condition is that these acts should be performed for the ultimate aim of seeking the Pleasure of God.

Worship in Islam, whether ritual or non-ritual, trains us in such a way that we love our Creator the most—[2:165] ….Those who believe love GOD the most. We thereby gain an unyielding will and spirit to, God willing, wipe out evil and oppression from society and make the Quran, the Word of God, dominant in the world.

Our worship and prayers must change our thinking and behaviour. If no change and improvement takes place, it may mean that our acts of worship have lost their effectiveness for us and we are no longer receptive to them. It does not mean that worship has lost its inherent effectiveness. It is just like the fire which does not burn wet wood. The fire has not lost its capability but the wood has lost its receptivity.

Our worship of God does not add to God’s glory and honour in the least, for He is high above all needs. God does not depend upon His creatures to be praised. [29:6] Those who strive, strive for their own good. GOD is in no need for anyone.

Jihad (striving) can also be seen as a form of submission or worship. It is to struggle against the daily temptations one faces in life—lying, cheating, stealing, gossiping, giving false witness and creating deliberate misunderstanding between people.

It is to conquer the vices of anger, revenge, greed, vanity, ego, lust and misuse of power. It is to strive for patience, tolerance, courage, and fortitude. It is to fight for justice, to protect the defenceless. It is to strive for the goodness in thoughts, in words and in deeds. It is to strive to reach that goal of closeness to God. It is to please Him in every way in serving humanity. It is to strive for the spiritual companionship of our Lord.

If we adopt an attitude and behaviour of thankfulness and gratitude, it is for our own benefit. In fact, it benefits our soul for a higher rank in the Hereafter.

So, worship God in all thoughts and deeds. Pray for His Everlasting Grace. This is depictive of Islam as an all-embracing religion for humanity.

Alim