Monday 

Loosely themed around the days of the week on which they were to be broadcast this series really used the Qur'an to illustrate what I was saying, rather than what I was saying being more of a commentary on the Qur'an.

So it’s the start of another working week, and who’s going to have time for praying now. It’s time to earn a living.

The Qur’an associates prosperity with prayer, but makes it clear that our relationship with the Provider of our prosperity depends not just on our thoughts and words but also our behaviour. “Prosperous are the believers who in their prayers are humble and from idle talk turn away. Those who give in charity…and preserve their trusts and their covenants.”

Living our lives in remembrance of God may turn life into prayer, and prayer itself is just one facet of worship, just one part of living our lives in a way that enhances the experience. Working or playing, whatever we are doing, we do the best we can in service to our Maker.

In the Qur’an, Luqman says “O my son, perform the prayer, and bid unto honour, and forbid dishonour. And bear patiently whatever may befall you; surely that is true constancy. Turn not your cheek away from men in scorn, and walk not in the earth exultantly; God loves not any man proud and boastful. Be modest in your walk, and lower your voice; the most hideous of voices is the ass's."

Along with praying must go a certain code of behaviour, without which the prayer is meaningless, and “Woe to those that pray and are heedless of their prayers, to those who make pious display but refuse charity.” says Qur’an.

If we work and play to the best of our ability in God’s service, however, then formal prayer is just time out, to rest and relax, recover physical and psychological wounds, and focus on our purpose and remember at our ease.

All-Merciful God, help us to remember You in prayer, and to see the signs of You around us in our daily lives, and alone and together help us to enjoy the fulfilment of our purpose. Amen