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"The Invulnerable Fortress" - Sanctuary in Prayer |
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Wed Jan 23
11am-12:00pm
Room 1-135
Fifteenth-century Levantine Muslim scholar Muhammad Ibn al-Jazari compiled a collection of supplications reported from the Prophet Muhammad entitled "The Invulnerable Fortress." The book was so named as Ibn al-Jazari took spiritual refuge in its contents from the bleak landscape of war surrounding him. Today, over a half-millenium later, we may still face turmoil and uncertainty - albeit in varying forms - during the course of our lives, and prayer continues to provide refuge, as well as emotional and responsive help to many.
"And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided." [Qur’an, 2:186]
In this session, we examine the opening section of "The Invulnerable Fortress," which provides an overview and insights into prayer and supplication in Islam (including: the etiquettes of prayer, and how to increase the chance of one's prayers being answered). We also look at a selection of particularly beautiful prayers (in English translation) from the book.
All welcome; no preparation or background assumed.
"[As I write this], all the gates to Damascus are locked, nay shored up with rocks, and all creation is seeking succor at the walls. People are under severe strain due to the siege, water-supplies have been cut off, and [all] hands are raised [in supplication to God]. The outer parts of the city have been burned, and most of it pillaged. Everyone is fearful for his self, property and family, anxious on account of his sins and the evil consequences of his deeds. Each has secured himself with whatever is within [his] capability. I therefore make this [book] my fortress, and place my reliance in God, Exalted be He. He suffices me and is the best disposer of affairs."
Muhammad ibn al-Jazari (d. 1429 CE), Postscript to "The Invulnerable Fortress"
For questions and inquiries, contact Muslim Chaplain:msa_imam@mit.edu, (617)-448-6361
SUHEIL LAHER,