Islamic concept of worship

Meaning of Ibadah
Ibadah is an Arabic word meaning service or servitude. Ibadah is connected with related words
such as "Ubudiyyah" (slavery), and has connotations of obedience, submission, and humility.
The word linguistically means "obedience with submission"
In Islam, ibadah is usually translated as "worship" and means obedience, submission, and
devotion to God. (Wikipedia)

And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me. (Quran 51:56)

Purpose of Ibadah
The purpose of Ibadah is to establish the relationship between God and Man.
Ibadah denotes servitude. The Holy Prophet SAW said, Allah says: The most beloved deeds
with which my slave comes nearer to me are what I have enjoined on him.
(Al-Bukhaari).

Pre-requisites of Ibadah in Islam

The requisites which constitute together ‘Ibadah' are;

• Fidelity to Allah
• Obedience to Allah
• Respect and reverence for Allah

Forms of Ibadah
• Namaz (prayer,Salaah)
• Roza (fast)
• Zakat
• Hajj

Salaah (Namaaz)
Namaz is the second pillar of Islam. Allah Says,
Verily, the prayer is enjoined on the believers on fixed hours (4:103)
Allah has emphasized on performing Salah in many verses in Quran.
And keep up the prayer and give the stated alms and bow with those who bow ( al-baqarah:43)
And keep up the prayer (al-nur:56)
Salaah is the line that divides Muslims from Non-Muslims. The Holy Prophet SAW said,

“Between faith and unbelief is abandoning the prayer.” (Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah,
Musnad)

Meaning
Arabic meaning of Salaat is prayer, supplication, blessing and commendation (Arabic-English
Lexicon by Lane and Edward Williams)

Impacts of Salaat
Spiritual Impact
1) Remembrance of Allah
“ And establish the prayers (Salah) in order to remember Me.”(Quran 20:14)

2) Closeness to Allah
Prayer draws us nearer to Allah. The Messenger of Allah, said: "A slave is nearer to his
Lord when he is in prostration so increase supplications in prostration. (Muslim).
Allah Says, "Fall prostrate and draw near to Allah!" [Quran 96:19]

3) Cleanliness
The condition for performing Salaat is performing ablution(Wudu). Thus, Prayer is a
source of cleanliness.

O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your
forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles. And if you
are in a state of janabah, then purify yourselves. But if you are ill or on a journey or one of you
comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women and do not find water,
then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and hands with it. Allah does not intend to
make difficulty for you, but He intends to purify you and complete His favour upon you that
you may be grateful. (Quran 5:6)

4) Control & Discipline

The fact that we give up whatever we are doing and line up behind a prayer leader (called
imam) five times a day in the mosque, then go through specific motions and utter special
words at specific times, all the body parts are under control, obeying and worshipping
Allah, installs discipline in life.
 The discipline learned in the prayer is to be acquired in other aspects of one’s religious
and mundane life as well. Just as we should not look around when praying, we should
control our eyes outside of the prayer not to fall on forbidden objects. Just like we use
our tongue to praise Allah, outside of the formal prayers we sho uld not let it backbite or
lie. Just as our hands and feet perform controlled motions, outside of the prayers we
should not use them to steal, buy or eat what is forbidden. We should not walk towards
the forbidden, but away from it. This is the essence of which Allah tells us:

Prayer forbids indecency and evil. (Quran 29:45)

5) Calmness & Serenity

A very important ingredient of the prayer is the state of calmness and tranquillity coupled
with humility achieved by deep concentration. Allah says in the Quran:

“Successful indeed are the believers, those who humble themselves in their prayers.”
(Quran 23:1-2)

Moral Impact
1) Purification of heart

Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated: 'I heard the Messenger of Allah,
say: "If there was a river at the door of anyone of you and he took a bath in it five times
a day, would any dirt remain on him?" They said: Not a trace of dirt would be left. The
Prophet added: "That is the example of the five daily Prayer with which Allah removes
evil deeds." (Al-Bukhaari)

2) Abolishment of indecency and evil

Prayer forbids indecency and evil. (Quran 29:45)

3) Punctuality

Establish regular prayer, for the prayer is enjoined on believers at stated times. (Quran
4:103)

4) Patience & Perseverance

Prayer is a means of seeking assistance in times of adversity and difficulty. It develops patience,
endurance and perseverance. Allah says:
“And take recourse in patience and prayer.” (Quran 2:45)
Social Impact
1) Unification of Muslim community

An eminent American Sociologist and Physiologist, Mr Denison has written in his book Emotion
as the basis of civilization, “Historians have wondered at the phenomenal success of Islam in
conquering the world and have attributed it to the unity and solidity Islam has engaged among
its adherents, but no historian he says could solve the riddle as to how this came to pass”. Mr
Denison says that he has no the least doubt that a great and very effective means of this is the
congregational prayer. The prophet (saw) said,” “The prayer in congregation is twenty seven
times better (in reward) than the prayer offered by person alone.” (Sahih Bukhari – Book 11;
Hadith 618)

2) Greater Social responsibilities

The Quran emphasized that the spiritual fruits of the devotional worships must appear in
the form of greater social responsibility and ethical amelioration of those who perform it.

So woes to those who pray. [But] who are heedless of their prayer. Those who make show
of their deeds. And withhold [simple] assistance. (Quran 107:4-7).

Prayer forbids indecency and evil. (Quran 29:45)

Roza (Fasting)
It is an obligatory worship practice that Muslims hold during the Holy month of Ramadan.
They fast, thus refrain themselves from eating and drinking and immoral activities. Fasting
purifies the soul and edifies one's moral character since it forbids from immoral activities
as well.

• It is mandatory on all Muslims who are healthy and have hit puberty.
• The one who breaks fast has to free a slave or feed 60 homeless poor people or to
fast for 2 lunar months.

Meaning
The Arabic word used for fasting is “Sawm”. The word whose plural is “Siyam” means
refrain. To Muslims, it means refrain from food, drink and sexual activity during the month
of Ramadan from dawn to sunset. It also means refrain from immoral behaviour including
impure thoughts. (Islamic Beliefs and Practices; Britannica Educational Publishing; p 77)

Impacts of Roza
Spiritual Impact
1) Divine nearness
The Messenger of Allah said: “Allah The Almighty Says: "All the deeds done by man are for him,
save fasting, which is for Me, and for which I will give a reward." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

"The fasting person rejoices twice: he rejoices at the time of breaking his fast, and he will
rejoice when he meets his Lord." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

2) Forgiveness of sins
"He who observes the fasts of Ramadan, out of sincere faith, and expecting the reward
from Allah, his previous sins will be forgiven."(Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

3) Shield from evil deeds

"Verily, fasting is a protective shield therewith a servant saves himself from Hellfire." [Ahmad]

4) Eligible of special protocol

There is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Rayyaan, and those who observe fasts will enter through
it on the Day of Judgment through which none except them will enter. It will be said: Where
are those who used to observe fasts? They will get up, and none except them will enter through
it. After their entry the gate will be closed and nobody will enter through it.” [Al-Bukhari and
Muslim]

Moral Impact
1) Refinement of manners
The Prophet (SAW) said,
"Whoever does not abandon falsehood in word and action, then Allah (SWT) does not need
that he should leave his food and drink." (Bukhari)

2) Acquisition of patience & free will

When one fasts, and gives up one's food and drink, and one's marital sexual relations for fasting
hours, one learns restraint and patience.

3) Inculcation of humbleness
Fasting removes false sense of prestige and pride because a hungry man finds himself weak and
naturally turns towards One who is strong. Hunger thus makes a man modest and turns the mind
towards the Almighty for help.
Social Impact
1) Inculcation of uniformity & brotherhood
Fasting, places all men, rich and poor, on the same pitiful plight of hunger, and does not allow
anybody to take food and drink or to have sexual relations in daytime. Also the Taraweeh prayer
which only takes place in Ramadan results in brotherhood.

2) Sympathy for the poor

Fasting teaches sympathy for the hungry. Fasting is the only thing which gives a sense of pangs
of a hungry man in the mind of the rich. Thus this sense creates a spirit of kindness to the poor
and the distressed.

3) Pure society
Ramadan makes the societies purer because, most people abstain from wrong acts in this holy
month.

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “When Ramadan begins, the gates of Jannah are opened,
the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained” (Bukhari).

Hajj (Pilgrimage)
It is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah. It is mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must
be carried out at least once in their lifetime by all adult Muslims who are physically and financially
capable of undertaking the journey, and can support their family during their absence. (Islam: Its
History, Teaching, and Practices; by S. A. Nigosian)

And carry out pilgrimage and visit (to kaaba) for the sake of Allah
(al-baqarah:196)

• The person intending to perform hajj must: Repent from his sins, Restore what he has
taken unjustly, Pay his debts, provide the means for his journey and keep a companion
who will remind him if he forgetful and help him when he remembers. (Ihya-ul-ulum by
Al-Ghazali)

It is performed in the month of “Zil-hajj” and is mandatory for every wealthy Muslim for just once.
Pilgrimage there to is a duty men owe to Allah, those who can afford the journey. (Quran 3:97).

Meaning
Literal meaning of hajj is “setting out”, “tending towards”. (Dictionary of Islam
By Patrick Hughes, Thomas Patrick Hughes).

Impacts
Spiritual Impact
1) Purification from sins
The Prophet, said: "Properly performed Hajj will receive no reward other than Paradise".
(Ahmad)

Whoever performs Hajj and does not commit any obscenity or commit any evil will go back
(free of) sin as on the day his mother bore him”. (Al-Bukhari 1521 and Muslim 1350).

2) Reminder of the hereafter

Hajj reminds of hereafter when all the people come together in one place in Arafah. Because on
the judgement day, all human beings will gather at Arafah.

3) Man’s ascension to heaven

Spiritual journey and affinity with God are some of the advantages of Hajj. The light of God’s
guidance illuminates susceptible hearts, making them detached from the earth and attached to
God. By putting on Ihram, saying Labbayk, circumambulating the House, offering sacrifice, and
doing other acts of worship, man’s heart goes through a spiritual stage. The Holy Qur’an supports
this claim by saying:
(The Holy House is) blessed and a guidance for the nations. (Quran 3:96)

Social Impact
1) Defying of racism & Inculcation of unity
It strengthens the unity of all followers of Islam. Ihram clothing minimizes differences between
Muslims of different nationalities and social classes. The Hajj, by bringing together so many
Muslims in one place at one time, enhances communication and strengthens shared identity. In
this way, Islam through hajj defies racism and promotes unity and brotherhood among Muslim
Nations. The Holy Prophet SAW in his “khutba hajjat-ul-wida” affirmed this:
People come from Adam, and Adam came from dust. No Arab is superior to a non-Arab and no
white man is superior to a black man, except in terms of piety (taqwa).

2) Effective organization
In hajj, every rite(manasik) of it is performed in an organized way. Despite presence of millions
of Muslims to perform this religious obligation and despite being from different nations and
colour, Muslims show no sign of indiscipline and panic. Everything occurs in an organized way
which is due to basic rules set by Shariah for hajj. Allah Says,
Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein
[by entering the state of ihram], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience
and no disputing during Hajj. And whatever good you do - Allah knows it. And take provisions,
but indeed, the best provision is fear of Allah . And fear Me, O you of understanding. (Quran
2:197)

Moral Impact
1) Commitment to the Superior Morality
During hajj, no pilgrim is allowed to do immoral activities and is forbidden from any wrong deed.
Thus, Muslims forbid themselves from any such activity which can endanger their hajj. Allah Says,
Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein
[by entering the state of ihram], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience
and no disputing during Hajj. And whatever good you do - Allah knows it. And take provisions,
but indeed, the best provision is fear of Allah . And fear Me, O you of understanding. (Quran
2:197)

Even the acceptance of hajj is connected with morality. A hadith states that some people asked
Holy Prophet SAW: “What makes Hajj accepted?” Messenger of Allah?” He said, “Providing food
to people and spreading (the greeting of) salam.” (Fath al-Bari, 4/446)

2) Self-sacrifice in the line of duty

The pilgrimage combines both physical and financial difficulties. This serves to combat man's love
for money and his physical inclination to seek comfort. If he triumphs over this, he overcomes
avarice.
And who so is saved from his own avarice such are they who are successful. (Quran 59:9)
Here avarice and miserliness of all kinds are intended, not only with regard to money but also
with regard to not exerting the full effort to fulfil the task.

3) Discipline
Hajj is the world's biggest religious congregation. Despite being huge in number, Muslims show
great discipline.

Zakaat
 • Zakat is an individual obligation upon every Muslim who can afford it.
• Prescribed by the Sharia

• It was ordained, along with fasting, in the second year after Hijrah.

• Wealth which is taken from the rich and returned to poor.

• Importance next to Salaat. And establish prayer and give Zakat. [Quran 2:110]

Meaning
Zakaat means “to purify”. (Wikipedia).

Nisab of Zakaat
Nisab is the minimum amount that a Muslim must have before being obliged to zakaat. Worldly
belongings like gold, silver, wealth and also merchandise, goats, camels, sheep etc if exceed a
certain limit come under Nisab.

All those Muslims whose savings meet or exceed Nisab values are obligated to pay 2.5% of their
total yearly savings to the poor and needy.
Kanz is the hoarded wealth that Allah and his Prophet has condemned.

Masarif-e-Zakaat(Recipient of Zakaat)
Masarif of zakaat are those people who are eligible for zakaat.

Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect
[zakah] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for
those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveller - an obligation
[imposed] by Allah . And Allah is Knowing and Wise. [Quran 9:60]

Time span
Time span for payment of zakat is one year.

Impacts
Spiritual Impact
1) Removal of Greed and materialism
Zakaat attains piety by removal of greed and materialism from one's heart.

And the person will be kept away from hell who is mutaqi (pious) and gives money to clean it.
(92:17-18).

Verily, every nation has a trial, and the trial of my nation is wealth.
(Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2336)

2) Purification of wealth & Soul

Zakat purifies the possessions and the spirituality of one who gives it.
Take alms of their wealth and make them pure and clean. (Quran 9:103).
And the person will be kept away from hell who is mutaqi (pious) and gives money to clean it.
(92:17-18).

3) Protection from sins

But My mercy encompasses all things. So I will decree it [especially] for those who fear Me
and give Zakat. [Quran 7:156]
The Prophet (SAW ) said: “Giving charity wipes away sins just as water extinguishes fire.”
(Bukhari and Muslim). The word charity (sadaqah) here refers to the Zakat as well as the
supererogatory form of charity.

4) Double reward
The Prophet (SAW ) said: “Whoever gives away charity the size of a date, which is earned
lawfully, since Allah only accepts the good lawful things, Allah will indeed take it with His right
hand and cause it to grow for its owner, just as one of you raises up his colt, to the point that
the charity will become like the size of a mountain.” [Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Moral Impact
1) Amelioration of the poor and the needy
Zakaat ameliorates the poor and the needy. It raises their standard of life and give them a better
life.

2) Save society from the evils of poverty

It’s primary objective is the eradication of poverty- which is the mother of all social evils, by
ensuring that the rich live up to their responsibility by distributing a portion of their wealth and
fortune to the poor and the needy of the society at large.
 In his book Al-Muhalla bel-Athar, imam Ibn-Hazm said, "It is a duty over the rich in every country
to provide for the poor. The ruler should even oblige them to do so. They have to be provided by
enough food, proper clothing for the winter and summer, shelter that saves them from rain, heat
of summer, the sun and being seen by the pedestrians." (Muhalla bel-Athar" by Ibn-Hazm.)

3) Balance between luxury and poverty

Zakat is the mean of balancing luxury and poverty. Since zakat takes money from the rich and
gives them to the poor, therefore, it restores a balance or equilibrium between these two. The
rich do not mount their wealth and the poor do not fall under the line of poverty and thus,
balance is obtained. The rich have a responsibility towards the poor, needy and those unable to
earn their living, by giving them from their money. About this, the Messenger (PBUH) said,
“Whoever dies [out of dire need], while there were rich people living by him, then Allah is clear
from them. (Mahmoud Shaltout "Al-Islam wa al-Takaful al-Ijtima'y")

4) Height of piety
With payment of zakat, one attains the height of piety. Hazrat Umar bin Abdul Aziz said,
Prayers carry half way to God, fasting brings us to the door of His palace and alms procure us
admission. (The Koran (1734) 'Preliminary Discourse' sect. 4 by George Sale)

Social Impact
1) Backbone of Islamic economic system
the economic system is supported and predicted by those in power. The rich know when and
how much to give and the poor are assured to have at least their minimum needs met.
Furthermore, the percentage taken from the person’s surplus wealth is unanimously agreed
among various sects that it is 2.5%. Thus the rich only pays from his surplus wealth and will not
be burdened by this small amount and the poor receives sufficient and not left out.

How is Zakah relevant to the modern times and its economic crisis?

“Contrary to the beliefs of both religious and secular Muslims, Prophet Muhammad’s

achievements were based not on ephemeral but on the permanent values of the Quran. He

brought about the greatest revolution, even an economic and political miracle in human history”

(Micheal Hart, The 100, 3-10)

We can observe that Zakah becomes a religious obligation that is to be paid to the Islamic

government for distribution to the needy. This, brings about a much better socio-economic

development if carried out properly, thus to reduce the gap between the rich and the poor and

the best welfare system divinely ordained.

The present global inequality of wealth distribution is one example of the consequences of

leaving out the Divine instructions from economic sphere.

“Elements of monetary discipline in an Islamic economy include stable exchange rates and doing

away with increasing money supply incessantly. This is supported by the principle of prohibition

of interest in an Islamic economy.” (Economic Analysis)

It is noteworthy to mention that all aspects of one’s economic life is affected through payments

that are divinely ordained. This includes all incomes from all sources, being cash, in kind, goods,

etc.

The fact that each person is also obliged to pay Zakah on cash on hand which is not in use for the

business, one is encouraged to invest and thus help make the economic wheel spinning. The

prohibition of interest is also incentive not to let the cash sit idle.

2) Circulation of wealth
Zakat ensures that wealth doesn't remain in one community’s hands. It ensures that wealth is
circulated from one community to the other. That's why Islam recommends to take a part of alms
from the rich and give it to the poor. The Holy Prophet SAW said,
Verily Allah has ordained the payment of zakat on them (Muslims). It will be taken from the
rich and returned to the poor of them. [Muslims]

3) Social solidarity within communities

When the rich pay zakat to the poor, an environment of mutual harmony and solidarity is
produced. The sense of inferiority among the poor is diminished and their standard of life is
raised, thus they feel a part of the community too. In this way, social solidarity is witnessed within
community.

4) Security and Stability

Zakat stables the state, thus makes it secure. Due to strong system of zakat, the economy of state
stay stable since the wealth is possessed by both rich and poor. Since zakat develops mutual
harmony among the rich and the poor, their mutual harmony leads to stability of the state and
thus ensures the security