Some Aspects of Mystical Prayer in Islam

Abstract

To be deprived of prayer (duz'') would be for a much greater loss than to be deprived of being heard and granted 1). This word of Abu H.azim al-Makki, an early sufi, is the keynote for an understanding of the moderate sufic point of view concerning prayer. Prayer is an intimate conversation 2) between man and God which consolates the afflicted heart even if it is not immediately answered. Only the stern quietist mystics-in Islam as well as in all other religions 3)-have put the question if it is possible and lawful to utter any prayer at all: God, they thought, is too mighty to be joined by prayer, or to be separated from by omitting to pray 4), and there is no recollection worthy of Him. 5) They hold that silent patience in all afflictions would be more suitable than prayer 6). It is about fifty years that I have not prayed nor wished that anyone should pray for me 7), said 'Abdallah ibn Mubarak, who belongs to the Persian school of asceticism and is famous for his book of self-denial (kitdb az-zuhd) 8). All things follow the course preordained by the Lord in eternity, and may

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