O those who believe! The Divine wisdom behind the commandment "Don't pray while you are intoxicated" is both profound and compassionate. Prayer is a sacred act, a means of connecting with our Creator, and it requires a clear state of mind to fully comprehend its significance. Intoxication clouds our thoughts, distorts our perception, and impairs our ability to truly understand what we say during prayer. Our Lord in His infinite wisdom wants us to approach Him with utmost sincerity and consciousness, aware of the words we utter.
Moreover, Allah guides us on how to maintain purity when engaging in prayer. Except during travel or certain circumstances like illness or coming from relieving oneself or touching women where water may not be readily available for ablution (wudu), clean earth can be used as an alternative for purification. This demonstrates Allah's mercy towards His believers by making provisions for situations beyond their control.
In essence, this verse emphasizes the importance of mental clarity during prayer while also highlighting the flexibility within Islamic practices that accommodate various conditions faced by individuals. It serves as a reminder that Islam is not rigid but rather adaptable based on different circumstances one might find themselves in. May we always strive to maintain sobriety and purity so that our prayers are accepted by Allah, who is eternally forgiving and merciful towards His creation.
43. O you who believe! Do not approach prayer while you are intoxicated [157], until you understand what you are saying [158]. And do not be in a state of impurity, except when you are passing through, until you have washed yourselves. And if you are ill [159] or on a journey [160] or if any of you comes from the restroom (after relieving himself), or if you have touched women [161] and do not find water, then seek out clean earth and wipe [162] over your faces and hands [163]. Indeed, Allah is Ever-Pardoning, Most Forgiving [164].
Surah Name : An-Nisa Surah Number : 4 Ayat Number: 43