“And Allah’s remembrance is of even greater merit. Allah knows all that you do.”
(Al Qur’ān – 29:45)
There is no doubt that Prayer has the potential to prevent acts of indecency and evil. But Allah’s remembrance is of even greater merit. It may be interpreted variously. First, Allah’s remembrance, that is Prayer, is greater and of much higher value than merely its potential to prevent acts of indecency and evil. Far from being only a force to restrain people from evil, observance of Prayer also prompts them to do good and excel others in so doing.
Secondly, remembrance of Allah is an act of great intrinsic merit; it is, in fact, the best of deeds. Man cannot do anything better than engage in Allah’s remembrance. Thirdly, that Allah’s remembrance of man is of an even higher value than man’s remembrance of Allah. The idea that Allah remembers man occurs in the Qur’ān as follows: “So remember Me and I shall remember you.” (al-Baqarah 2:152) Prayer represents man’s remembrance of Allah. When Allah’s servant remembers him, He too remembers His servant.
Apart from these three interpretations, there is also the subtle interpretation offered by Abu al-Darda’s wife who said: “Remembrance of Allah does not consist only of Prayer. Its range is very wide. As one observes fasting or pays Zakah or does any other good act, he is in fact remembering Allah. Likewise, when anyone avoids committing evil, he is prompted to do so by his remembrance of Allah. Thus, remembrance of Allah embraces every aspect of a believer’s life.”