the recitation, remembrance, and supplication, keeping in mind that he is speaking intimately with Allah Most High as though he sees Him. For when a person stands in prayer, he is speaking intimately with his Lord.

Excellence in worship is “to worship Allah as though you see Him; and although you do not see Him, He sees you.” The more the servant tastes the sweetness of prayer, the more strongly he is drawn to it. This depends on the strength of his faith, and there are many means of strengthening faith. Thus the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, used to say:

“Women and perfume from this world of yours have been made dear to me, and the delight of my eyes has been placed in prayer.”

Another hadith records that he said:

“O Bilāl, bring us rest through prayer.”

He did not say, “Bring us rest from it.” Another report states:

“One whose worries persist until he rises to pray has not attained complete faith.”

Or words to that effect. This is a vast subject. People differ enormously in what their hearts contain of knowledge of Allah, love for Him, awe of Him, sincere devotion to Him, fear of Him, hope in Him, belief in what He has conveyed, and other such qualities.

These qualities grow stronger as the servant reflects more deeply on the Quran, increases in understanding and knowledge of Allah’s names, attributes, and greatness, acknowledges his utter need for Him in worship, and occupies himself with Him. He thus feels that his need for Allah Most High as the One he worships and calls upon for help is greater than his need for food and drink. For he cannot be sound unless Allah is the One he worships, in whom he finds peace and comfort, in whose remembrance he takes pleasure, and with whom he finds rest. This can only be attained with Allah’s help. And whenever there is