on one object, the realization of the Divine presence. The ablution preceding prayer, the reverential attitude in standing, the bowing down, the kneeling with the forehead placed on the ground, and the reverent sitting posture—all help the mind to realize the Divine presence as a fact; and the worshipper, as it were, finds his heart’s joy in doing honour to the Great Master, not only with his tongue but with his whole body, adopting a reverent attitude. There is not the least doubt that the spirit of humility in man finds particular expression in the reverential postures which must be adopted in prayer. The whole prayer is a most solemn and serious affair during which the worshipper does not turn his attention to anything else, nor does he indulge in any movement which should distract his attention or disturb his prayerful attitude. The prayer is thus an undisturbed meditation on the Divine, and it is for this reason that in Islām it is not accompanied with music but by recitations from the Holy Qur’ān speaking of Divine love, mercy, power and knowledge. In fact, what is considered ritualism in the Islamic institution of prayer is only a way to feel the Divine presence and ponder over His greatness, glory and love by adopting certain reverential postures, and it would be seen that the Islamic mode of worship combines in it all the reverential postures that can possibly be adopted, the posture of standing, sitting, bowing down and prostration.2

It cannot be denied that a particular posture of the body will generate in man feelings of pride and haughtiness while another is suggestive of true humility, and it is only the latter frame of mind that can bring man closer to God. If, therefore, humility is the essence of prayer, the particular postures of standing, sitting, bowing down and prostration are also essential for creating that spirit in man, and any change would be a change for the worse, a change that might well bring about failure to achieve the very end for which prayer is intended.3

Language of prayer

Naturally a man would like to unfold his heart before his Maker by praying in the language in which he can most readily express his feelings, and this is fully recognized in Islām. Not only in private