Sol 5.6

  1. A composition—precious pearls arranged in a strand—

    asks about one who makes for a mosque to remember God.

  2. There is no doubt that remembrance, in every place

    and in every circumstance, is firmly established by Sacred Law.

  3. The transmitted reports attest it, explicitly and plainly,

    and the text of Scripture repeatedly affirms it.

  4. So far as I know, no restriction has come upon its universal scope,

    nor any qualification limiting its unrestricted wording—

  5. provided it causes no disturbance of mind

    to one absorbed in worship in his prayer niche,

  6. and does not reach the pitch of screaming, like

    the call of a deaf man who knows nothing of calling;

  7. and provided it is not accompanied and tainted by an innovation

    that leaves the eye of Sacred Law inflamed.

  8. Whoever says, “Gathering in a mosque is not permitted

    for remembrance,” tell him: “Bring the solid proof.”

  9. For its practice is reported from the best of creation;

    consult, if you wish, both mursal and fully chained reports about it.

  10. Among his sayings, too, it is authenticated in more than one volume,

    and on that occasion he rose to perform it, guiding others.

  11. What dispute can there be over guidance from Muhammad

    that has reached us? May my life and wealth ransom Muhammad!

  12. If he says, “Describing it as aloud necessarily makes it inno—”

    “—vation,” then leave such a bare assertion behind.

  13. It is indeed reported from a group of the Companions that it

    was upheld by the words and deeds of God’s Messenger.

  14. And through it came recognition, by which joy is completed—

    thus spoke the learned scholar in finely fashioned words.

  15. The ugliest thing is to forbid a servant drawn near to God

    who wishes, in the heart of night, to keep vigil in prayer.

  16. He rises toward the prayer niche while the people sleep,

    to bow awhile before the Creator and prostrate.

  17. Such forbidding is, by universal agreement, reprehensible,

    and the Lord of creation has threatened punishment for doing it.

  18. To prevent a servant’s prayer without due cause

    is vile when that servant has made for a mosque.

  19. Indeed, the best of messengers—unless excused—

    would continually go forth toward the prayer ground.

  20. Nor is superior virtue incompatible with permissibility:

    for his august station, the guides deem the highest guidance most fitting.

Sol 5.6