Prayer is one of the most important acts of worship through which Muslims express their devotion and servitude to Allah. However, the meaning and awareness at the core of this act of worship have, unfortunately, over time been reduced to a merely formal ritual. In this article, we will focus on the importance of knowing what we say during prayer, within the context of verse 43 of Surah An-Nisa. In Surah An-Nisa (4:43), Allah says: «“O you who believe! Do not approach prayer while you are intoxicated until you know what you are saying, nor in a state of impurity—except when traveling—until you have washed.”» It is claimed that this verse was revealed before the complete prohibition of alcohol in the early period of Islam, and it clearly states that a state of intoxication is incompatible with worship. Here, intoxication is defined as a condition that disables the mind and causes a person to lose awareness of what they are saying. In this context, intoxication is not limited to the consumption of alcohol alone. Performing prayer without knowing what one is saying is, in a sense, a form of mental intoxication. If a person does not understand what they are saying while worshiping Allah, how can they grasp the meaning of the act of worship? The surahs, supplications, and remembrances we recite during prayer represent a turning toward Allah both with the tongue and the heart. However, a prayer performed without understanding these words and reflecting upon them may be outwardly correct, but inwardly deficient. Allah looks beyond the external form of worship to the heart and intention of the individual. When reciting Surah Al-Fatiha, reflecting on its deep meanings, and truly comprehending the greatness of Allah during bowing (ruku) and prostration (sujud) are essential to fulfilling the true purpose of prayer. For example:
- When we say “All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds,” do we truly understand that all praise belongs only to Allah?
- When we say “Glory be to my Lord, the Magnificent” (Subhane Rabbiyal Azim), do we genuinely comprehend Allah’s عظمت (greatness)?
- When we say “Glory be to my Lord, the Most High” (Subhane Rabbiyal A‘la) in prostration, do we feel His exaltedness in our hearts? If we merely utter these expressions with our tongues while remaining disconnected from them in our hearts, the depth of our worship becomes questionable. Unfortunately, many Muslims today view prayer as an obligation bound by outward form, neglecting its meaning and reflection. This can lead to a state of unconsciousness in prayer, comparable to intoxication. However, Allah’s command—“Do not approach prayer while you are intoxicated until you know what you are saying”—emphasizes that worship must be performed with awareness. In this context, one must question how a person who does not grasp the spirit and meaning of prayer can truly benefit from it. Prayer is not merely a physical act; it is also a mental, spiritual, and emotional orientation. Some religious authorities may claim that prayer can be performed without understanding its meaning. However, this approach does not align with the spirit of Allah’s command. A person who worships without knowing what they are saying cannot fulfill the conscious servitude that Allah expects. In such a case, it is important to recognize the responsibility of those who encourage people toward unconscious forms of worship. Solution: Steps Toward Conscious Worship
- Praying in One’s Native Language: Performing prayer in a language one does not understand is no different from praying without knowing what one is saying. Throughout history, all messengers were sent in the language of their people: «“We did not send any messenger except in the language of his people so he might make things clear to them…” (Surah Ibrahim 14:4)»
- Learning the Meaning: Understanding the meanings of the surahs and supplications recited in prayer helps us experience worship more deeply.
- Reflection (Tafakkur): Reflecting on each word during prayer transforms it from a routine act into a meaningful experience.
- Harmony of Tongue and Heart: What is spoken by the tongue during worship must be affirmed by the heart. Prayer is not a mere ritual; it is a profound connection between the servant and Allah. What strengthens this connection is knowing and feeling what we say during worship. Allah’s command about not approaching prayer while intoxicated highlights the importance of awareness and meaning in worship. Therefore, we should not see prayer as merely a series of physical movements, but rather perform it with consciousness and heartfelt reflection on every word and action. This approach elevates prayer from a formal ritual to a spiritually enriching experience. Let us remember: Allah does not look at the outward form of worship, but at its sincerity and awareness.
