The general conception of Ibadah is the “Roots of Islam”
like salaat, fasting, wealth tax etc. Ibadah
in a nutshell is obedience, submission and humility towards the Creator. It is
the submission to Allah and His Apostle (s.a.w.a.s.), in commands and
prohibitions regarding halal and haram having total love for Him. The open
actions include actions with our
body like prayers, charity, kind behavior towards our kiths and kins specially
our parents, amre bil maruf and nahi anil munkar. The hidden acts include love
for Allah and His Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), fear of Allah’s punishment, patience,
and thankfulness.
Ibadah means the
expression of abasement, the highest form of humility and homage, before his
Creator. Ibadah is the main purpose behind the creation of all beings and the
mission of the prophets both creational (Takwini) world and the legislative
(Tashri’i) world. Surah Az-Za’riyat Ayah 56: “We have created Jinn and human
beings only that they may worship Me
(follow My laws).” The mission of all prophets was to invite people to
worship One Allah as mentioned in Surah
Ayah 36: “To every nation We sent a Messenger who told its people, “Worship
Allah and stay away from Shaytan.”
However, it may be noted that Allah is no need of our Ibadah. On the contrary, the benefits of Ibadah are returned to the
Ibad (worshippers) just like the benefits of studying by a student are returned
to him and the teacher is not
benefitted in any way. As stated in Surah al-Zumar Ayah 7: “If you disbelieve,
know that Allah is certainly independent of you.” Surah al-Baqarah Ayah 21:
“People, perform Ibadah of your Lord Who created you and those who lived before
you so that you may become pious.”
Man is persuaded to Ibadah because of the magnificence
and greatness of Allah, he feels humble, dependence and blessings of Allah.
Moreover, Ibadah is an instinct and a part of human nature.
Ibadah is the complete and unconditional surrender to the
Divine Will and Pleasure. Man and all
his efforts will perish but whatever is done for Allah’s Pleasure will remain
as an asset with Allah as stated in Surah al-Nahal Ayah 96: “Whatever you
possess is transient and whatever is with Allah is everlasting.” If as a true
servant of Allah, a man’s purpose,
motive and intention of his deeds are in accordance with the Will of Allah, his
regular chores like eating, studying, housekeeping, will become spiritual and
Ibadah. This is the Straight Path as mentioned in Surah al-Yaseen Ayah 61: “Did
We not command you to worship Me and tell you that this is the straight path?”
Acts which are beneficial to the people are all acts of
Ibadah.
The Infallible
Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (a.s.) said: “Ibadah is not excessive praying and fasting.
Ibadah is the reflection on the handiwork of Allah (s.w.t.).” (Mizan al-Hikmah
volume 7 page 542)
The Noble
Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “Ibadah has seventy parts, the best of which is to
earn a halal sustenance. The act of seeking knowledge in order to refute
falsehood and turn deviation into guidance is equivalent to 40 years of Ibadah.
The best act of Ibadah is to wait for the relief (with the advent of Imam
Mahdi). Talking about Ali and looking at his face is Ibadah.
Shaytan being our
arch-enemy, always tries to sabotage our Ibadah by making us victims of
ostentations (Riya), self-conceit (ujb), and sins.
The man should strive hard for the acceptance of his Ibadah
and to benefit from his spiritual endeavors. The Infallible commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) said: “Pay
more attention to the acceptance of the act (Ibadah) than you do to the act
itself.” (Bihar al-Anwar volume 71 page 173)
The conditions for
the acceptance of deeds and Ibadah are ;(1) lack of faith as stated in Glorious
Qur’an: “Should any one renounce his faith, his work shall fail.” (5:5) “Whoever
acts righteously, male or female, should he be faithful-We shall revive him
with a good life.” (2) Lack of Wilaya, Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) said: “Whoever
does not accept our Wilaya, his deeds will not be accepted by Allah.” (Al-Kafi
volume 1 page 430) (3) Taqwa: ‘Allah accepts only from God-wary.” (5:27), (4)
Giving people their rights like poor-rate or Zakat. (5) The preservation of
society, brother hood, and wholesome relations among Muslims, are of the utmost
importance. (6) Good behavior towards parents, spouse and other relations. “The
prayer of the one who looks furiously at his father or mother is not accepted
even though his parents had treated him unjustly.” (Usul al-Kafi volume 2 page
349) “Allah does not accept the prayers and good deeds of an ill-mannered and
annoying wife. And the same is true if the husband is such.” (Wasa’il as-Shia
volume 14 page 116)
Sources used: The Glorious Qur’an, WIKIPEDIA, Radiance, secrets,
prayer by Allama Muhsin Qarati
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