Page 30 - Prayer in the Qur'an

28 PRAYER IN THE QUR'AN

of their striving for one another's good is mentioned in many other
verses:

The men and women of the believers are friends of one an-
other. They command what is right and forbid what is wrong,
and establish prayer and pay alms, and obey Allah and His
Messenger. They are the people on whom Allah will have
mercy. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (Surat at-Tawba: 71)
The community of believers also manifests itself in their prayers,
as is demonstrated by the fact that while addressing Allah, believers
often say "we" rather than "I". That is, while asking for anything
from Allah, a believer asks not only for him or herself, but also for
all other believers. No doubt, one may also call on Allah for per-
sonal reasons. One may ask for Allah's help in attaining all sorts of
blessings, in repentance or in avoiding the torment in Hell or being
degraded on the Day of Judgment. However, asking for these things

also for other believers is an attribute praised in the Qur'an. As the
following verses relate :
… Our Lord, do not take us to task if we forget or make a mis-
take! Our Lord, do not place on us a load like the one You
placed on those before us! Our Lord, do not place on us a load
we have not the strength to bear! And pardon us; and forgive
us; and have mercy on us. You are our Master, so help us
against the disbelieving people. (Surat al-Baqara: 286)
Our Lord, do not make our hearts swerve aside after You have
guided us. And give us mercy from You. You are the Ever-

Giving. Our Lord, You are the Gatherer of mankind to a Day of
which there is no doubt. Allah will not break His promise.
(Surah Al Imran: 8-9)
Our Lord, we have faith in what You have sent down and have