Ismaili.NET - Heritage F.I.E.L.D.

The word ibada is derived from the root bd means make or do in the sense of service. Thus ibada refers to the relationship of slave to God. Worship (ibada), according to Islam is a means for the purification of man's soul. The root bd gives us both the widest and the most fundamental word for the approach of man to God. The root bd, which has a primary meaning of "make" or "do," passing into the sense of service. The basis of the ibada is the fact that human beings are creatures and thus bond-servants of God, to Whom they are destined to return. The relationship which exists between slave (abd) and God is that of "worshipper" and the "worshipped." If ibada is the general name for the rites by which the abd express his creatureliness, the most outward observance of this activity is that for which the word salat (ritual prayer) is used.