That such is the true function of prayer, and that it is only a source of greater energy and greater strength to enable man to face difficulties and achieve an end, is shown by the early history of Islām. Holy Prophet Muḥammad and his Companions were undoubtedly the greatest believers in prayer — they are spoken of in the Holy Qur’ān as spending two-thirds of the night, half the night or one-third of the night in prayer (73:20) —, and yet this was the very band of men whose love for work knew no bounds, whose energy was inexhaustible and who faced extreme difficulties with an iron determination. Surely the men who in ten years conquered two of the most powerful empires of the world, who with but the scantiest of resources faced armies double and treble and, on occasions, ten times the size of their own, whatever other charges may be brought against them, cannot be said to have been idle and inefficient. And it is a fact of history that, whenever the great Muslim conquerors were faced with the most critical situation, they fell down in prostration before God, seeking strength from the Source of real strength. Prayer, in fact, transformed the neglected race of the Arabs into the most distinguished nation which history can show, turned an idle and inefficient people into the most zealous and untiring workers for the progress of humanity, in all phases of its advancement. Truly, prayer is meant to awaken, and does awaken, the latent energies of the human soul.

SEC. 2 — THE MOSQUE

No consecration is necessary

In a discussion on prayer, it is necessary to speak of the mosque. The Arabic word for mosque is masjid, which means a place where one prostrates oneself, or a place of worship. It should be borne in mind, in the first place, that prayer can be performed anywhere. No particularly consecrated place is necessary for the holding of the Divine service. To this effect there is an express saying of the Holy Prophet, who, speaking of some of his peculiarities, is reported to have said: “The whole of the earth has been made a mosque for me” (Bu. 8:56). A Muslim may, therefore, say his prayers anywhere he likes. The mere fact that he does so elsewhere than in a mosque detracts in no way