Salok Sheikh Farid, Salok 70 — a life without prayer
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
Farid says: you who never pray, living like a stray dog — this is no good way to live.
You never once come to the mosque for the five daily prayers.
A life that never turns toward the One in prayer is no good way to live.
The words are sharp. Bay nivaajaa kuti-aa: "you dog who does not pray." In Farid's day this was a strong way to scold, and Farid often speaks to himself this way to wake himself up. Ayh na bhalee reet: this is not a good way of life.
Nivaaj, or namaz, is the Muslim prayer said five times a day. Panjay vakhat maseet: the five set times at the mosque. Farid honors them as the practice that keeps a whole day turned toward the One.
Is there a good habit you have let slip that you would like to gently return to?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI