In Naguib Mahfouz's Cairo Trilogy, the author explores the tension between emotional experiences and the routines of everyday life. He suggests that when the joys of the heart and body become entangled with habitual actions, they can lead to a kind of tragedy. This implies that a repetitive lifestyle can dull genuine feelings and diminish one's awareness of spiritual and emotional depth.

Mahfouz emphasizes the idea that habitual behaviors can overshadow true emotional connections, transforming once-vivid experiences into mere memories. The reference to a "verbal prayer" points to the potential for these habits to serve as a superficial expression of spirituality, lacking authenticity and conscious engagement. Ultimately, this commentary reflects on the complexities of human emotions and the risks of becoming detached from heartfelt experiences.