Page:Thomas Patrick Hughes - Notes on Muhammadanism - 2ed. (1877).djvu/136

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PRAYER.
115

of no change or variation, whether used for the "time of travelling," in the "time of danger," or in the "time of need," it will be seen that notwithstanding the beauty of its devotional language, it is simply a superstitious rite, having nothing in common with the Christian idea of prayer.

The devotions of Islám are essentially "vain repetitions," for they must be said in the Arabic language, and admit of no change or variety. The effect of such a constant round of devotional forms, which are but the service of the lips, on the vast majority of Muhammadans, can be easily imagined. We believe that the absence of anything like true devotion from these services accounts for the fact that religion and true piety stand so far apart in the practice of Islám.

In addition to the daily prayers, the following are special services for special occasions:

Sulát-ul-Jumaʾ.—"The Friday Prayer." It consists of two rakʾats after the daily meridian prayer.

Sulát-ul-Musáfir.—"Prayers for a traveller."