Ibadat or worship is not simply the observation of a set of rituals. It is more a profound kind of religious experience. In fact, it is the physical and spiritual expression of the human personality on a higher plane of consciousness.

Addressing man, the Quran says, “Prostrate yourself in adoration and bring yourself closer (to God)” (96:19). The Prophet Muhammad, may peace be upon him, was once asked ‘What is the essence of ibadat? He replied: “The worship of God as though you are seeing Him. Or if you are not seeing Him, He is seeing you.”

There are two kinds of ibadat, or worship, in Islam, the first kind of ibadat have been prescribed at specified times—salat, sawm, zakat, hajj, (prayer, fasting, almsgiving, pilgrimage). These forms of devotion are called the pillars of Islam. Then there are unspecified forms of ibadat, which consists of dhikr and fikr (3:191), meaning to remember God with feelings of fear and love.

This second form of ibadat aims at mental activation of the human soul so that he may be enabled to see God’s signs in everything he comes.

Source: Al Risala January-February 2001