Page 383 - Neglected Arabia Vol 1 (2)

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14 NliCUiCTIil) .‘IKAMA

A question might arise among Westerners as to whether one should
pass a Muslim friend who is at worship without a word of greeting or
other sign of recognition. A knowledge of the fundamental principle
of the Muslim worship gives an answer to this question. The worship
consists of certain acts and utterances, and any additional acts, and
especially any utterances which are not a recognized part of the worship
are very carefully to be avoided, otherwise the worship will be in­
validated and will have to be repeated. Ordinarily a greeting should be
returned, but since such a return would invalidate the worship, the
greeting should never be given to a Muslim while he is at worship.

I'KAYKK IN THE DESERT

The things mentioned above are all acts of outward observance ia
which it is easy to avoid giving offence to the Muslim. There u
another matter in which Westerners are likely to take offence when
no offence is intended by the Arab. The foreigner is inclined to think,
sometimes, that the Arab is ungrateful for favors received. The Muslim,
however, is forbidden to give thanks to anyone but Allah. Indeed, if
he gives thanks to anyone but Allah he lays himself open to the charge
of shirk, “association,” that is, including someone else along with
Allah even in his feeling of gratitude and obligation. AUCihazzali, u,
discussing the meaning of the phrase, “In the name of Allah the Merci­
ful and Compassionate,” says, “Understand that its meaning is that 4])
matters are by (the act of) Allah, and that what is meant by 'the
name’ here is ‘the One named,* and, if the affairs are by Allah, assurcdlj