Commentary
Then he bound them with what is necessary of truthfulness in faith. He said: ﴿Those who are﴾ meaning with their inner selves and their outward appearances ﴿in their prayers﴾ it was added to them as an encouragement for them to preserve it, because it is between them and Allah, glorified and exalted is He, and He is free of need for it. They are the ones who benefit from it ﴿humble﴾ meaning submissive, calm, humble, and at peace. Their inner selves and outward appearances are in accordance with what they are in; Al-Razi said: fearful with a fear that fills the heart with sanctity, and the morals with refinement, and the limbs with discipline, meaning a fear that their prayers may be rejected. Among that is lowering the gaze to the place of prostration. Al-Razi said: When the servant enters into prayer, he raises the veil, and when he turns, he lowers it. He said: It is a fear mixed with alertness and submission. Then it may be in dealings, preference, kindness, fairness, and moderation. In service, there is presence and submission. In secret, there is glorification, shyness, and sanctity. Humility in prayer is by gathering the resolve for it, and turning away from what is besides it. This is with the presence of the heart, understanding, glorification, awe, hope, and shyness. If this is their state in prayer, which is the closest of acts of worship, then they are more deserving of it in what is besides it. Ibn Kathir said: Humility in prayer is attained by one who empties his heart for it, and engages with it over what is besides it, and prefers it over others. At that time, it will be a comfort for him and a coolness of the eye. "And made the coolness of my eye in prayer" narrated by Ahmad and Al-Nasa'i from Anas, may Allah be pleased with him. "O Bilal! Give us comfort with the prayer" - narrated by Ahmad from a man of Aslam, may Allah be pleased with him.
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