Prayer
Prayer is an instrument through which novices find their path to God. Thus ablution symbolizes repentance; the Qibla*, a spiritual guide; standing in prayer becomes self-mortification; the recitation of the Qur’an, inner meditation; bowing the head, humility; prostration, self-knowledge; profession of faith, intimacy; and salutation becomes detachment from the world and bondage of stations. *Qibla: The point toward which Muslims turn to pray, which is the Ka'ba, or house of God, in the Grand... Sign in to see full entry.