Fourth ray:

So, O my lazy soul. The reality of the daily prescribed prayers (a kind of Ascension) is like a soldier being admitted to the royal Presence as a pure favor; like being admitted to the presence of the All-Majestic One of Grace, the All-Gracious One of Majesty, the True Object of Worship, as an instance of pure mercy.

Declaring "God is the Greatest," this world and the next are left behind in spirit and imagination, or by intention. Transcending matter's restriction, you rise to a universal rank of worship (or a shadow or form of it). Being honored with admission to the Divine Presence, you are favored (according to your capacity) with the most exalted attainment of addressing God directly: You alone do we worship (1:5). Through repeating "God is the Greatest" in its acts, the prayer is a sign of attaining higher spiritual ranks, of rising from being an insignificant, particular being to a universal one. It is a concise title to the perfections of God's Grandeur, which are beyond our knowledge. It is as if each "God is the Greatest" shows the attainment of a new degree on the way to Ascension. To attain to a shadow or a ray of the prescribed prayer's reality in spirit, intention, or imagination is a great happiness.

This is why "God is the Greatest" is frequently repeated during the Hajj (pilgrimage to Makka), an act of worship at a most comprehensive level. For example, a private can participate in a special occasion like a festive or celebration day held by the king, and can receive his favors. Like a saint who has left behind many ranks, a pilgrim turns toward his Lord as the Mighty Lord of Earth. He is honored with universal worship.

The Hajj is the key that opens up many degrees of the Divine universal Lordship's manifestation to pilgrims. It reveals horizons of Divine Grandeur that they otherwise would not see. The ensuing awe and amazement, feelings of majesty in front of Divine Lordship (caused by the spheres of worship and servanthood), and levels of ever-unfolding displays to their hearts and imaginations (brought on by viewing the Hajj's rites) can be quietened only by repeating: "God is the Greatest." Only this phrase can announce such degrees of manifestations to humanity.

After the Hajj, this meaning is found in various elevated and universal degrees in other prayers, such as the religious festival (‘Id) prayers, and the prayers for rain, during solar and lunar eclipses, and in congregational ones. That is why Islam's public symbols and rites, including the sunna (supererogatory types of worship) ones, are so important.

Glory be to Him Who has placed His treasuries between Kaf and Nun.[1] Glory be to Him in Whose hand is the dominion of everything, and to Him You are being brought back. Glory be to You. We have no knowledge save what You have taught us. Truly, you are the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. Our Lord, do not call us to account if we forget or unintentionally do wrong. Our Lord, cause not our hearts to stray after You have guided us, and bestow upon us mercy from Your Presence. You are the Bestower.

Bestow blessings and peace upon Your most noble Messenger, the object of Your Greatest Name, and upon his Family, his Companions, all brothers and sisters in religion, and followers. Amin, O Most Merciful of the Merciful.

[1] Kaf and Nun are the letters forming Kun, meaning Be!, which symbolizes God's creation of things. (Tr.)

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