—creatures that enjoy a privilege and distinction over others.

Cursing the rooster sometimes happens when a sleeper is startled by its crow and, in annoyance, begins to revile and insult it. This, however, is prohibited, for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Do not curse the rooster.”

The ḥadīth also indicates that a person should arrange for something that will wake him for the prayer—such as an alarm clock. He ought to own one of these devices so that it alerts him at a time that still allows him to catch the prayer. Many people are negligent in this matter: they retire for the night trusting that they will get up when they wish, yet sleep overcomes them. If you know this tendency in yourself, set an alarm to rouse you for the prayer, for whatever is indispensable to fulfilling an obligation becomes obligatory in its own right, and you will be rewarded for doing so.