PRAYER.
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of that devotional service which every Muslim is required to render to God at least five times a day,[1] and which, undoubtedly, exercises so great an influence upon the character of the followers of Muhammad.
It is absolutely necessary that the service should be performed in Arabic; and that the clothes and body of the worshipper should be clean, and that the praying place should be free from all impurity. It may be said either privately, or in company, or in a Mosque—although services in a Mosque are more meritorious than those elsewhere.
It is always preceded by ablution (Wuzu),[2] and, if said in a Mosque, by the Azán and
- ↑ It is remarkable that there is but one passage in the Qurán in which the stated times of prayer are enjoined, and that it mentions only four and not five periods:—Surat-ur-Rum (xxx.), 17, "Glorify God when it is evening (masa), and at morning (subh),—and to Him be praise in the heavens and in the earth,—and at afternoon (ʾashi), and at noon-tide (zuhr)." But all commentators are agreed that masa includes both sun-set and after sun-set; and, therefore, both the Maghrib and ʾIshaa prayers.
- ↑ Wuzu is the ablution of the face, hands, feet, &c., which is necessary before every time of prayer. Ghusal, or the washing of the whole body, is performed after certain legal defilements.
