prostrating, and one who ground his nose in the dust—meaning one whose nose touched the dust, which is earth—would likewise be prostrating. This is especially so according to the opponent who maintains that prostration is achieved by placing the nose on the ground without the forehead and without coming to rest. Merely pecking the ground with one’s nose would therefore constitute prostration. It is well known that this is not recognized Arabic usage, just as calling the pecking motion of a crow or anything similar “prostration” is not recognized in their language. Were this so, a person who placed his face on the ground to suck up, bite, pick up, or otherwise handle something lying there would be called one who was prostrating.

Furthermore, Allah has made it obligatory to carefully maintain prayer and remain constant in it, and He has condemned neglecting it and being heedless of it. At the beginning of Sūrat al-Mu'minūn, He says:

“Successful indeed are the believers: those who are humble in their prayer; those who turn away from idle talk; those who give zakat; those who guard their chastity, except with their wives or those whom their right hands possess, for then they are free from blame; but whoever seeks beyond that—it is they who are the transgressors; those who faithfully observe their trusts and covenants; and those who carefully maintain their prayers.” [al-Mu'minūn: 1–9]

It has already been explained that these qualities are obligatory.

Likewise, in the surah “A Questioner Asked,” He says:

“Man was indeed created fretful: when evil touches him, impatient; and when good touches him, withholding—except those who pray: those who remain constant in their prayer; those in whose wealth there is a known right for the beggar and the deprived; those who affirm the Day of Judgment; those who fear their Lord’s punishment—for none can feel secure from their Lord’s punishment; those who guard their chastity, except with their wives or those whom their right hands possess, for then they are free from blame; but whoever seeks beyond that—it is they who are the transgressors; those who faithfully observe their trusts and covenants; those who uphold their testimonies; and those who carefully maintain their prayers.” [al-Ma'ārij: 19–34]

Thus He condemned all mankind except those whom He excluded. Whoever does not possess the qualities specified in the exception is therefore blameworthy, as in His words:

“By Time! Surely mankind is in loss, except those who believe, do righteous deeds, urge one another to the truth, and urge one another to patience.” [al-'Asr: 1–3]