The Sixth Ray

The Sixth Ray

[This consists of only two Points]

In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate.

[This Sixth Ray consists of two answers to two questions about two points concerning the formulas in the ‘tashahhud’ section of the ritual prayers (ṣalãt) which begin “Salutations, blessings, benedictions and supplications, and good words-all are God’s.” [^1] Postponing to another time an explanation of the other truths of the ‘tashahhud,’ here we shall explain only two points out of hundreds.]

[^1]:“al-Taḥiyyāt al-mubārakāt al-ṣalawāt al-tayyibāt lillāh.” Bukhāri, Adhān, 148, 150; al-Amal fi’l-ṣalat, 4; Isti'dhān, 3, 28; Da’wāt, 16; Tawḥīd, 5; Muslim, Ṣalāt, 56, 60, 62. Etc.

First Question

F i r s t   Q u e s t i o n: The blessed phrases of the tashahhud were spoken by Almighty God and His Messenger (Upon whom be blessings and peace) on the night of his Ascension, so what is the reason for their being recited in the ritual prayers?

T h e   A n s w e r: For all believers, the five daily prayers are a sort of Ascension. The words of the tashahhud, which were fitting for the Divine presence, were spoken during the Supreme Ascension of Muhammad (Upon whom be blessings and peace), and by reciting them, believers recall that sacred conversation. Through the recollection, the meanings of those blessed words cease being particular and become universal; their sacred, comprehensive meanings are, or may be, conceived of. Through such a conception, their value and light are enhanced and expanded.

For example, instead of giving the greeting of “peace” that night to Almighty God, the Noble Messenger (Upon whom be blessings and peace)