"The best way to concentrate in salat is to ponder over the meanings of what you recite"

It was indeed a day at the National Stadium, Lagos today when the renowned Islamic preacher, Dr Zakir Naik mounted the podium to speak on the topic bordering on salat as a programming language for human beings. He likened the human being as a computer machine; a complex one at that. Just like a computer requires programmes to run effectively, the human requires a reminder in form of salat to constantly ensure they are on track. Whenever a computer programme is corrupted by a virus, the programme usually needs to be reinstalled. In the case of humans, we are exposed to thousands of such 'viruses' daily hence necessitating constant re-programming in form of salat...

To allow salat achieve its objectives of reforming people, Dr Zakir advised muslims to learn the meanings of what they recite in their daily prayers. What is the point in a sick person reciting the doctor's prescriptions without actually taking the drugs?? It will amount to nothing. That is Dr Zakir's similitude of a muslim who mechanically recites in his prayers without pondering on the meaning of the verses recited. He talked also on how to maintain concentration in salat, the very many medical and spiritual benefits of regularly observing salat..

Earlier on, his son Fariq Naik did justice (or rather "over-justice", if there is anything like that) to the topic: "Concept of God in World's major religions". He performed excellently for an 18year old. He was just like his father, and even more. He has successfully memorized the entire Qur'an.

The high point of the programme was the question and answer series. Preference was given to questions from the Christain brothers and sisters. The questions were brilliantly answered by the seasoned Lecturer himself, Zakir Naik. He answered them all in a manner that appealed to logic and reason. There were two questioners that were persistent in their questionings however reasonable the proffered answers were. Prominent among them was one Udo Udogha. He challenged Zakir to an intellectual debate and cited one person that had earlier challenged Naik to a debate. Guess what Zakir's answer was; If they can provide 50,000 of their people and bring a "heavyweight" evangelist, he is ready for them, even if the Pope was brought for a debate.. It was apparent, at least from what I saw and heard about Udo, that what he sought was just attention towards himself. There was another questioner that asked about reference to specific rewards for women in the Hadith or Qur'an. He was answered by Naik using the hadith of Aisha (r.a) that Rasullulah (saw) said that the rewards for women in Jannah is such that no eyes have seen and no ears have heard. What a wonderful reward for Women!! Wonderful indeed to the extent that for once I wished i was a woman...

The saga continues tomorrow at the National Stadium Lagos...