It is a simple dignified form of worship following a set formula of postures
and devotions (petitions and responses faintly suggesting an unintoned
Litany in the English Church Service). The worshippers do not bare their
heads, they remove their shoes or sandals, perform certain ritualistic
ablutions, and then assemble to form a long line facing Mecca (the Ka'ba),
the leader taking up a position a little to the front of them in the centre.
Posture 1 -They stand in a reverent way, with the palms of their hands
raised to the ears. Affirmations and prayers in a low reverent voice."God
is greater than all else."
Posture 2.-Still standing, the arms are lowered and the right hand placed
over the left one.
"Glory and praise to Thee, O God! Blessed is Thy name and exalted is Thy
Majesty. There is no one worthy of worship and service but Thee. In the
Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate. Praise be to God the Lord
of the Worlds, the Merciful, the Compassionate, the Master of the day of
Judgement. Thee, O God, Thee only do we worship, and Thee only do we beseech
for help. Guide us into the right path, the path of those Thou host blest,
not of those with whom Thou art displeased, nor of those who have gone
astray." Amen.
The worshipper then recites a portion of the Kur'an he has committed to
memory, e.g.-
"Say.' `Verily my prayers and my worship, my life and my death are unto
God, the Lord of the Worlds. No associate has He. Thus have I been commanded
and I am the first to surrender myself un to Him.'
"God is greater than all else,"
Posture 3.-Bodies are bent forward at right angles, the hands are lowered
and placed on the knees.
"Glory to my Lord, the Exalted. "(Repeated thrice.)
Posture 4.-The standing position is resumed .
"God accepts him who is grateful to Him. O our Lord! All praise be to Thee.
God is greater than all else."
Posture 5.-The worshippers next kneel down, their bodies bowed over, supported
with the hands on the ground, palms downwards, their heads bowed reverently,
so that their brows touch the ground.
"Glory to my Lord, the Most High." (Repeated thrice.) A bow that is repeated
once more, with the same words and ending
"God is greater than all else."
Posture 6.-A sitting-kneeling position follows with the hands resting on
the knees.
"Glory to my Lord, the Most Exalted." (repeated thrice).
"God is greater than all else."
This concludes the first phase of the devotions, and is called a Rakat.
Prayers are some of two, some of three, some of four Rakats. To end with,
a prayer is said for the Prophets, the Faithful, and for the worshippers
in some such form as the following:
"Homage be to God and all sincere worship is unto Him.
"Peace and the mercy of God and His blessings be upon thee, O Prophet!
peace be upon us and all righteous servants of God.
"I bear witness that there is but one God and that Muhammad is His servant
and His messenger".
"May it please Thee,O God, to be gracious to Muhammad and the followers
of Muhammad as Thou wast gracious to Ibrahim and the followers of Ibrahim
and to bless Muhammad and the followers of Muhammad as Thou didst bless
Ibrahim and the followers of Ibrahim, for surely Thou art Praised and Magnified."
This
is usually followed by:
"O Lord! Grant that I may always observe my prayers and that my offspring
may do so also, and accept, O our Lord, this supplication of mine. Our
Lord! Forgive me and forgive my parents and all believers on the day of
reckoning."
And finally
the worshippers turn their heads to right and left with the greeting-
"Peace
be with you, and the mercy of Allah."