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Arnold Yasin Mol © 2006
Salat as As-sala meant middle of the back, a horse that is second in a race and is catching up on the first horse, following closely to gain the best position, dependence, adherence, attachment, contact, bond, allegiance, commitment. In the Quran salat acquired the conceptual meanings of devotion, adherence to God and His commands, fulfilling one´s duties and obligations as behoves an ´abd, creature, servant, devotee of God, as integral part of ´ubudiyat, servitude and devotion, made clear in 24:41 which underlines that every creature in the heavens and the earth knows its salat, duties and obligations as in following the Deen, the Divine System. It became to mean prayer, as in contact and bond with God, and also stands for following the Divine commandments, coming from the following closely to gain the best position and there are more meanings of Salat in the Quran. Aqimussallat became establish the System that facilitates the following of Divine Commands or establish the prayer or establish the allegiance.
So Salat has multiple meanings inside the Quran. Salat doesn't mean prayer in all the verses of the Quran. Also in some verses, Salat can mean as well prayer as following the Divine commandments, allegiance and so on. This has created some confusion between certain commentators and translators on which one to choose, but the solution is that it can refer to both or multiple meanings, as God warns us in 25:30 not to immobilize the Quran's message as an animal chained head to foot (mahjoor). See the end of the article for examples. Salat prayer is to create and enforce a bond between you and God, to make a deep contact.
The Salat, following the Divine commandments as well as prayer is observed to commemorate and remember God alone 6:162, 20:14. This remembrance protects Submitters from sins and harming others 29:45. Salaat, following the Divine commandments as well as prayer should be observed continuously until death 19:31 and 70:23,34.
The Quran is complete and fully detailed, containing all the Laws that God deemed necessary to describe for us. This includes all the laws for the Deen as well as for prayer. This article is an observation of the examples of prayer as given inside the Quran.
6:114-115. "Shall I seek other than God as a judge when He has sent down to you this Scripture fully detailed/elucidated ?" Those to whom We have given the Scripture know it is sent down from your Lord with truth; so do not be of those who have doubt. And the word of your Lord has been completed with truth and justice; there is no changing His words. He is the Hearer, the Knower.
12:111. In their stories is a lesson for the people of intelligence. It was not a narration that was invented, but an authentication of what was already revealed and a detailed explanation of all things, and a guidance and mercy to a people who believe.
Also some verses look like they are not connected with Salat, but they can still be used as an example:
17: 89. And We have cited to the people in this Quran from every example, but most people refuse to be anything but a rejecter!
16:89. And We have sent down to you the Scripture as a clarification for all things, and a guide and mercy and good tidings to those who have submitted.
7: 52. And We have come to them with a Scripture which We have detailed with knowledge; a guide and a mercy to those who believe.
6: 126. And this is your Lord's straight path. We have fully detailed the revelations to a people who remember.
Here I will give a rendition of the prayer form as given completely inside the Quran:
Times
Morning prayer Fajr: 24:58
Midday prayer Zuhr: dulooki alshshamsi ,when the sun declines at midday 17:78.
Afternoon prayer Asr: Alssalati alwusta, the middle prayer 2:238. This verse refers to have a balanced Deen, perfect allegiances as well as the middle prayer. Arabic is far to wide in its use to accept only one meaning.
Dusk prayer Magreb: 11:114 and 17:78, where the declining of the sun can refer to declining of the highest point as well as rubbing with the horizon, so it refers to midday and dusk prayer with the same sentence. Dulooki can mean declining as well as rubbing.
Night prayer Isha: ghasaqi allayli, when it becomes dark 17:78. Zulafan mina allayli, at nightfall 11:114. Early part of the night when it gets dark 24:58.
Prayers, unlike fasting, cannot be performed later after they are missed; they must be observed on time.
4:103 .. you shall honour the Salat. Indeed, the Salat for the believers is a timed decree.
The popular story how these times were given to the Prophet(pbuh) , the Miraaj, where it is told God first demanded 50 prayers, and that the Prophet finally bargained it down to 5; is already shattered by that the times are in the Quran. It is obvious God would never make such a demand, as no one would have had any time to rule the Islamic State, and God doesn't want to oppose hardship in our Deen.
22:78. And strive in the cause of God its truly deserved striving. He is the One who has chosen you, and He has made no hardship for you in the Deen, the System, the creed of your father Abraham; He is the One who named you "˜those who have submitted(Muslims)' from before as well as in this. ..
And that all the Prophets performed Salat, it was a known ritual and System.
Abraham:
14:39-40. 'Praise be to God who has granted me in my old age Ishmael and Isaac. My Lord is the hearer of prayers. My Lord, let me establish the Salat, and also from my progeny. Our Lord, accept my prayer.'
Children of Israel:
2:43. And establish the Salat, and contribute towards betterment, Zakat, and bow with those who bow.
Jesus:
19:31. 'And He made me blessed wherever I was, and He charged me with the Salat and towards betterment, Zakat, as long as I am alive.'
All Prophets:
98:4-5. And those who had previously received the Scripture did not divide except after the proof came to them. And they were not commanded except to serve God and be loyal to His system, monotheists, and establish the Salat and contribute towards betterment, Zakat. Such is the valuable system.
So the Salat, prayer and Divine System were given to all the Prophets(pbut) , and not just to Muhammed. So God never would have demanded 50 prayers a day as God clearly says throughout the Quran:
33:62. This is God's way with those who have passed away before, and you will not find any change in God's way.
42:13. He has decreed for you the same System, Deen, He ordained for Noah, and what We inspired to you, and what We ordained for Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: "You shall uphold this system, and do not divide in it." Intolerable for those who have set up partners is what you invite them towards. God chooses to Himself whomever He wills; He guides to Himself those who repent.
Benefits and function of the Salat
29:45 .. For the Salat prohibits evil and vice, and the remembrance of God is the greatest.
So what is the function of prayer? Is it because God demands worship?
4:131 "¦ Even if you deny, surely all that is in the heavens and the earth belongs to God; and God is Self-sufficient and praise-worthy.
3:97 "¦ Whosoever denies, should remember that God is independent of the peoples of the world.
6:14 "¦God the Creator of the heavens and the earth, who nourishes all and is nourished by none.
14:8 "¦"What if you and all the people of the world deny, God is unconcerned and worthy of praise."
27:40 "¦ "This is by the grace of my Lord that He may test me whether I am grateful or I am thankless. Yet if one is grateful, he is grateful for himself, and if one is thankless, then surely my Lord is unconcerned and magnanimous. "
35: 15. O men, it is you who stand in need of God. As for God, He is above all need, worthy of praise.
So God is needless, He doesn't need to be praised. Because being praiseworthy is something different from needing or demanding praise. A good footballer can be praised for his skills, but he doesn't need the praise to have those skills. So why do we pray then? What do we do? Well, we request something, we ask to be guided and not be the ones who are straying. We acknowledge God to be Rahman and our Rabb, that He is in full control of the results of our deeds. One of the meanings of Salat is contact and bond, which is exactly the situation that is created through prayer. So it enhances our peaceful mindstate and our feeling that God is Ever-present. We repeat these things at least 5 times a day out loud, as a verbal statement has more dominance in our mind then an expressed thought. Through this, it becomes part of our subconciousness and becomes a dominant part in it. A compulsive liar can't distinguish the lies from reality anymore, he believes his own lies. He has told them so many times, the self-produced memories becomes part of the real memories. There are also reports of suspects of a crime, who were interrogated. The accusations were repeated so many times by the officers, the persons started to believe themselves they had committed it even though they had nothing to do with the crime. So powerful is repetition. Now you can see why repetition is part of the prayer. The physical movements are a confirmation of the verbally expressed submission. When you are really happy, you express this physically as well as verbally. When you love somebody, you say you love the person and you enhance the expression with a hug or a kiss. The same accounts for sadness, anger and so on. The physical expression enhances the verbal statement and acknowledgement. So it is clear prayer is for ourselves and has a real important psychological and also in group-prayer, a sociological meaning. By saying everyday Lord don't let me stray, it becomes more then a request, it becomes part of your subconciousness, it becomes a goal.
Ablution
To observe prayer, congregations or private, one must make ablution as given in 4:43 and 5:6. Ablution is nullified only by sexual intercourse or passing urine or defecation. Ablution remains valid even if one has passed gas, shaking hands with the opposite sex, or a woman is menstruating. A menstruating woman may observe contact prayers, contrary to cultural beliefs which mostly come from Jewish purity rules. See 2:222, only refers to sexual intercourse. Ablution is a psychological preparation as well a physical cleansing. Blood and other bodily fluids fall under the sick/diseased and so require cleansing as far as possible. When a woman is to ill to pray because of her menstruation, she can decide for herself to participate or not. As 22:78 clearly says there is no hardship in the Deen.
That passing gas will nullify ablution is a non-quranic law. The word used for toilet in verse 5:6, literally means a hole in the ground. In the old days, people made a hole in the ground so they could cover the feces when done. This prevented smell, spreading of diseases and flies. So this can only refer to real substances that can be contained in a hole. So only urine and feces can apply to this and not gas. The modern toilet is also still a literal hole in the ground.
5:6. You, you those who believed, if you started up to the prayers, so wash with water your faces, and your hands to the elbows, and rub/wipe with your heads and your feet to the two joints/ankle bones, and if you were impure, unclean , so be purified/cleaned , and if you were sick/diseased or on a journey, voyage or one of you came from the safe hidden depression in the ground (toilet), or you touched and felt repeatedly the women, so you did not find water, so wipe your hands and face with pure dust, so rub/wipe with your faces and your hands from it, God does not want to put on you hardship, and but He wants to purify you mentally and physically and to complete His blessing on you, perhaps you be grateful.
4:43. O you who believe, do not approach the Salat while you are intoxicated, until you know what you are saying. Nor if you have had intercourse, unless traveling, until you bathe. And if you are ill, or traveling, or one of you has excreted feces, or you had sexual contact with the women, and could not find water, then you shall select from the clean soil; you shall wipe your faces and hands. God is Pardoning, Protector.
Be In a Sober State of Mind
4:43. O you who believe, do not approach the Salat while you are intoxicated, until you know what you are saying. "¦
Be totally devoted to God alone, and be humble in prayer
6: 162. Say: "My Salat, and my offerings, and my life, and my death, are all to God the Lord of the worlds."
23: 2 Those who are humbly submissive in the Salat.
Dress Code
Verse 7:31 clearly says to dress nicely/decent at every place of worship. This includes your house or anywhere you pray.
7:31. O Children of Adam, dress nicely at every place of worship and service, and eat and drink and do not indulge; He does not like the indulgers.
Verse 5:6 tells us exactly which parts of the body may be covered and which not. The uncovered parts are: your faces, and your hands to the elbows, and rub/wipe with your heads and your feet to the two joints/ankle bones. These parts of the body are allowed to be uncovered, the rest of the body should be covered, this is for men and women.
Call for gathering of Salat
5:58. And if you call to the Salat, they take it as fun and games. That is because they are a people who do not understand.
62:9. "O you who believe, when the Salat is called to at time of gathering, then you shall hasten towards the remembrance of God, and cease all selling. This is better for you, if you only knew.
There is no specific call given, so this is determined by mutual consultation. As long it is focused on God alone 6:162.
72:18. And the places of worship and service are for God, so do not call on anyone with God.
72:20. Say: "I only call on my Lord, and I do not associate anyone with Him."
It is not allowed to call upon any name next to God's, not that of the Prophet, not anyone.
39:45. And when God Alone is mentioned, the hearts of those who do not believe in the Hereafter are filled with aversion; and when others are mentioned beside Him, they rejoice!
Organization within groups
4:102. And if you are with them and you perform the Salat for them, then let a group from amongst them stand with you "¦
It is clear from this verse one person must take the lead in the prayer that leads in all the mechanics and recitations as can be seen at another part of the verse:
4:102 ..and when they have prostrated then let them stand guard from behind; and let a group who has not yet pray come and pray with you"¦
Qibla
Individuals or groups holding the Salat must conform to a unifying direction which is faced.
10:87. And We inspired to Moses and his brother: "Let your people leave their homes in Egypt, and let these homes be your focal point(Qibla) , and perform the Salat. And give good news to the believers.
2:144. We see the shifting of your face towards the sky; We will thus set for you a focal point(Qibla) that will be pleasing to you: 'You shall set yourself towards the Restricted Place of Worship; and wherever you may be, you shall all set yourselves towards it.' Those who have been given the Scripture know it is the truth from their Lord. And God is not unaware of what you do.
Congregation
Believers, men and women, once a week are invited to a particular location to pray and discuss together every Juma (Congregational) Day. They go back to their work and normal daily schedule after the Congregation which could be led by either man or a woman, as they are equal.
9:71. And the believing men and women, they are allies to one another. They order good and deter from evil, and they honour the Salat, and they contribute Zakat/Islamic economic system, and they obey God and His messenger. God will have mercy on them; God is Noble, Wise
62:9. O you who believe, when the Salat is called to at the time of public gathering, then you shall hasten towards the remembrance of God, and cease all selling. This is better for you, if you only knew
The places of gathering should be dedicated to God alone, thus, the invitation should be restricted to worship God alone, and no other name should be inscribed on the walls of masjids and none other than God should be commemorated 72:18-20. Those who go to masjids, places of service and worship, should dress nicely and modest since masjids are for public worship and meetings 7:31. These congregations are for prayer as well as for discussion matters which are important to create the best society. Masjids or places of gatherings are not meant for worship alone but serve also as the community center. Also the Quran doesn't give any specific day for gathering. It doesn't matter if it is on Friday, Sunday or twice a week. This is determined through mutual consultation.
Standing in rows, although not connected with Salat, they are a perfect example to be used:
18:48. And they are displayed before your Lord as a column, in rows.
89:22. And your Lord comes with the Malikah row after row.
The women are not be in the back of the lines, but men and women must form 2 groups. As such:
Man-man woman-woman
Man-man woman-woman
This is in my eyes the best solution where modesty is kept and equality is maintained. The Islamic State must determine this and the gatherings through mutual consultation. Interesting to note is that this line up is also to be found in ancient records on the procedures of the congregations of the Prophet in Medina.
42:38. And those who have responded to their Lord, and they establish the Salat, and their affairs are conducted by mutual consultation among themselves, and from Our provisions to them they give.
Also people must be quiet during the recitation.
7:204. And if the Quran is being recited, then listen to it and pay attention quietly, that you may receive mercy.
Positions for Prayer
One should start the Salat prayer in standing position 2:238, 3:39, and 4:102. The mental submission to God is expressed in physical bowing and prostration as in 4:102, 22:26, 38:24 and 48:29. This physical ritual is not required at the times of emergencies, fear, and unusual circumstances such as travelling in a car or plane and so on 2:239.
Standing before prostration:
4:102. then let a group from amongst them stand with you "¦
3:39. The Malikah called to him while he was standing praying in the temple enclosure..
First bow before prostration:
22: 26 ..and those who bow and prostrate.
22:77. O you who believe, bow and prostrate and serve your Lord and do good that you may succeed.
48:29 .. You see them bowing and prostrating, they seek God's blessings and approval. Their distinction is in their faces, as a result of prostrating.
(Sujood also can mean to obey, to prostrate, to humble one self and Rukuu can also mean kneeling, be humble and obeying next to bowing. As I approach these verses from the Salat prayer point of view in this article, I approach them as physical movements.)
2 units per prayer:
4:102. And if you are with them and you perform the Salat for them, then let a group from amongst them stand with you and let them bring their weapons; and when 1. they have prostrated then let them stand guard from behind; and let a group who has not yet pray come and 2. pray with you"¦
As can be clearly seen in the above verse is that the Prophet performed 2 units of prayer. The men, because of the war only performed one unit as given in verse 4:101.
4: 101. And if you are on the offensive in the land, then there is no harm that you shorten from the Salat, if you fear that the rejecters will try you. The rejecters are to you a clear enemy.
So in the normal situation it is always 2 units. Whether it be in congregation or individual prayer, and this is the same for all 5 times. There is no prostration- kneeling- prostration mentioned in these verses. Only one prostration per unit, nothing more. You prostrate and stand up immediately. Of course there is no harm at all if a person desires to perform more units then 2 units in individual prayer, as the Salat prayer is for the remembrance of God.
20:14. "I am God, there is no god but Me, so serve Me and perform the Salat for My remembrance."
The prayer can be shortened or physical mechanics can be neglected under certain circumstances as given above in 4:101 and 2:239, and also at the end of 4:102. Where it is permitted to not perform any physical mechanic due to rainfall, muddy and dirty grounds or sickness.
4:102 "¦There is no sin upon you if you are impeded by rainfall, or if you are ill, that you keep from placing down your weapons. And be wary. God has prepared for the rejecters a humiliating retribution.
2:239. But if you are in a state of worry, then you may do so while walking or riding. If you become secure, then remember God as He has taught you what you did not know.
Use a Moderate Tone
The person leading the prayer must use a moderate tone, be it individual or private.
17:110 .. And do not be too loud in your Salat, nor too quite; but seek a path in between.
Recite from the Quran
29:45. Recite what is inspired to you of the Scripture, and establish the Salat. For the Salat prohibits evil and vice, and the remembrance of God is the greatest. God knows everything you do.
Recitation is performed standing before prostration:
32:15. The only people who believe in Our revelations are those whom when they are reminded by them, they fall prostrating, and they glorify the praise of their Lord, and they are not arrogant.
The first chapter of the Quran, Surah Al-Fatiha is the best and most logical chose for prayer. It is the only chapter completely devoted and adressed to God, is not too long and doesn't begin with "˜qul/say', which are meant for normal doea's/prayers and not Salat prayer. Also this verse refers to the 7 verses of Al-Fatiha, although this has several other meanings as well, it is an important verse on this matter.
15: 87. We have indeed given you the seven oft-repeated, and the majestic Qur'an.
Before you start praying, we must seek refuge against anything distanced from God. Shaytan comes from shaat, meaning long rope.
16:98. When you read the Quran, you shall seek refuge with God from the thing distanced from God and goodness, the expelled.
A'UZUBILLAHI MIN ASHSHAYTAN IR RAJIM
I most humbly seek to shelter myself with Allah against the promptings of all evil sources including my own Ego.
Then you do the Takbir; 'Allah hu akbar', which can be done between and during all positions.
17:110 ..And glorify Him greatly .
Then you start reciting the Al-Fatiha. It is important you recite it in Arabic. Special notification is that you close your mouth exactly 19 times while reciting this chapter, with every B and M, this also makes the chapter special as it falls under 74:30.
BISMILLAHIR RAHMANIR RAHIM
With the Glorious Name of Allah, the Source of Instant and Eternal Beneficence and Mercy Who embraces the entire Universe in His fold, nourishing and taking care of all things for what they are meant to be, just as a mother's womb nourishes the embryo without any returns.
['Rahm' in 'Rahman' and 'Raheem' encompasses all the meanings rendered.]
1:1 Alhamdu lillahi Rabi alAAalameena
All Praise is due to Allah, the Eternal Source of Life of the Universe and everything therein.
1:2 Alrrahmani alrraheemi
The Source of Instant and Eternal Beneficence and Mercy Who embraces the entire Universe in His fold, nourishing and taking care of all things for what they are meant to be, just as a mother's womb nourishes the embryo without any returns.
1:3 Maliki yauwmid- deen
He is the Absolute Owner of the Day when all creation shall have completed their journey of existence, evolution and action to the Ultimate Just outcome. And He is the Supreme Appointer of the Way of Life that mankind may live by in order to attain success in both lives - and this System will most certainly prevail in this world. The Divine Law of Returns takes mankind to the Day of Final Judgment in His Court to account for all they did with the gift of life. This is a Day whose advent is beyond any doubt.
(Yauwme=time/ era, Deen=order, system, cause and effect, requital)
1:4 Iyyaka naAAbudu wa-iyyaka nastaAAeen
we affirm to obey You and we ask You to help us (as we do that).
1:5 Ihdina alssirata almustaqeem
Guide us to the Straight Path, that leads us to real success as individuals and nations,
1:6 Sirata allatheena anAAamta AAalayhim
The Path of those upon whom You bestow the blissful benefits deriving from conscious obedience to Your Commands.
1:7 ghayri almaghdoobi AAalayhim wala alddalleen
Not of those who earn the bitter consequences of rejecting Your Commands, nor of those who fail, by deviating from the Road.
The common practice of saying "˜Ameen' after the Al-Fatiha is non-Quranic. The word doesn't even occur anywhere in the Quran. It comes from the Christians and Jews, and was taken over by the Muslims, as many early converts were Christians, Jews and Persians who brought several rituals and beliefs into Islam from their former religion. Ameen has an Egyptian origin, and refers to the idol Amon. This was taken over by the Hebrews, and lost its original meaning. Ameen means Amon and was said after certain rituals to praise and ask Amon to fulfil that which the ritual was performed for , while in Hebrew it became to mean let it be. So in Hebrew it got the meaning of why it was said. Next to the idolatrous background, it also disturbs the harmony of closing your mouth exactly 19 times, as Ameen would add an extra m. And the recitation would not fall anymore under 74:30.
74: 30. Upon it is nineteen.
After the recitation you bow, during bowing and prostrating you can say several things as long it is for praising God alone. It is not allowed to focus on any Prophet, family or any creation, as Salat is for remembrance of God alone.
20:14. "I am God, there is no god but Me, so serve Me and perform the Salat for My remembrance."
72:20. Say: "I only call on my Lord, and I do not associate anyone with Him."
56:74. You shall glorify the name of your Lord, the Great.
87:1. Glorify the name of your Lord, the Most High.
50:39-40. So be patient to what they are saying, and glorify the grace of your Lord before the rising of the sun and before the setting. And from the night glorify Him, and after prostrating.
Also during the changes of positions and the positions themselves, you glorify God.
17:110 ..And glorify Him greatly .
The Shahada or testimony of the prayer is clearly given in 17:111. In 17:110 it gives the tone of voice during the Salat, and 17:111 is also meant for the Salat as can be seen by the AND between 110 and 111.
17:110-111. And do not be too loud in making your Salat, nor too quite; but seek a path in between. AND Say: "Praise be to God who has not taken a son, nor does He have a partner in sovereignty, nor does He have an ally out of weakness." And glorify Him greatly.
Prayer is to commemorate God, and God Alone 72:18-20, 6:162, 20:14 and 29:45.
All other mechanics as the raising the index-finger and saying salam alykum to the angels are all non-Quranic, and by thus not part of the Deen. Also greeting the angels is deviating from remembrance of God alone. Also the Tashahhud where peace and honour is asked for the prophet, his family and his followers, is non-Quranic. Again it deviates from focussing on God alone. So this is and cannot be part of the Salat.
And this ends the prayer. After the prayer we are also obliged to do this:
4:103. So when you are done making the Salat, then remember God while standing, or sitting, or on your sides; then, when you are relieved, you shall honour the Salat. Indeed, the Salat for the believers is a timed decree.
62:10. Then, once the Salat is complete, you shall disperse through the land and seek God's provisions, and remember God frequently, that you may succeed.
Other Views
There have been many discussions on the timings of Salat prayer. Some say it is 3, other say it is 2. There have been convincing evidences with some claims, but till now it is still inconclusive. Although it must be thoroughly investigated and not ignored because it differs from the mainstream acceptance of 5 times, I'm not convinced on any of the claims. So verse 17:36 warns me not to follow it till we have attained certainty. But these people may not be mocked for their views, as the majority view of 5 times is not the criterion.
6:116. And if you obey the majority of those on Earth they will lead you away from God's path; that is because they follow conjecture, and that is because they only guess.
Also there are some who believe the prayer has existed outside of the Quran, since the time of Abraham, and that the Quran only corrects the deviations. But for me this also doesn't hold any water. The prayer performed by the Sunni's was formed later through Jewish and Persian influences, where every school had it's own details. And the Quran says it is complete and contains the full details of the complete Deen. Also the people have lost the Salat as told in 19:59, this doesn't refer to some small details, but to the whole correct ritual.
19:59. Then generations came after them who lost the Salat, and followed desires. They will find their consequences.
There is also the argument that the Salat prayer is scattered throughout the Quran and not given in a clear order, but this is again not a good argument as every subject is scattered throughout the Quran. From Inheritance Laws (2:180-182, 233, 240; 4:7-14, 19, 33, 176 and more), to Prohibition on food ( 2:168, 172-173; 3:93; 4:119; 5:3, 87; 6:119, 138-140, 143-146; 10:59; 16:112-118; 22:30). All the laws, stories and wisdom are all spread out over the Quran, so this argument also doesn't hold water. Also that the prayer has a pattern in it with 19 I don't accept as it is information from outside of the Quran. I myself believe people are tested with this, if they fall for seemingly interesting patterns in something outside the Quran, or belief God who says the Quran is complete and laid out detailed.
12:111. In their stories is a lesson for the people of intelligence. It was not a narration that was invented, but an authentication of what was already revealed and a detailed explanation of all things, and a guidance and mercy to a people who believe.
And the Quran contains every kind of example:
17:89. And We have cited to the people in this Quran from every example, but most people refuse to be anything but a rejecter!
The Difference between Salat prayer and Doea prayer
Doea literally means calling, as Salat refers to contact and bond between you and God. So these have 2 different functions. Salat is meant to strengthen and create the bond between you and God. And doea makes use of that bond. Doea can be done any time, any place without ablution.
2:186. And if My servants ask you about Me, I am near answering the calls of those who call to Me. So let them respond to Me and believe in Me that they may be guided.
31:32. And when waves surround them like mountains, they call on God, sincerely devoting the system to Him. But when He saves them to the shore, some of them revert. None discard Our signs and verses except those who are betrayers, unappreciative.
We must also encourage our family to pray
20:132. And instruct your family to establish Salat, and be patient for it. We do not ask you for provision, for We provide for you. And the good end is for the righteous.
And we must be constant in our prayers
23:9. And those who maintain their Salat.
24:37. Men who are not distracted by trade or sale from the remembrance of God and performing the Salat"¦
Hadith do not explain Salat prayer
For people who still doubt that the Salat prayer is completely inside the Quran alone, and say that the Hadith contain the details, I will quote Parwez first, and then Dr.Shabbir who show the contradicting Hadith about Salat prayer and that Hadith don't explain the Salat prayer at all. It is sad to note that Parwez missed the complete Salat prayer inside the Quran, he was just at the beginning era of following the Quran alone, and as told in the beginning of the article, only saw one meaning for Salat instead of understanding the multiple applications of the word. But his remarks in this part are very enlightening and important.
From G.A.Parwez's book "˜Muqaam-e-hadith' , The actual status of Hadith.
HOW MUST WE PRAY WITHOUT HADITH
"Let us examine another issue that seems very powerful and is the cause of frustration to many believers. It is usually said that if we do not believe in the Hadith, how are we to apply the tenets of the Holy Quran on ourselves. For example, it is mandatory to pray. Now nowhere does the Quran explain, as to how must we pray or what ought to be the manner and text in our prayers etc, etc. All we know, the Holy Messenger enacted on this mandate from God and we must follow in his foot-steps.
First of all it is absolutely incorrect to say, 'what if we do not believe in Hadith...' No one is denying the deeds or words of the Messenger. Hadith books are available from every where. Actually the question ought to be rephrased that, "If we do not believe in the verity of Hadith, then how are we supposed to pray?"
We all know that Shia's way of praying is different from that of a Sunni. And both claim to be following in the foot-steps of the Messenger. When we look at Sunnis, their 'Ahl e Hadith' sect's way of praying is different from the 'Hannafi' sect. And everyone knows that. Again both of these sects claim to be in the foot-steps of the Messenger. The question is, whose way of praying ought we to consider as a true and a genuine version of the Messenger, when various different hadiths stand witness to every sect's way of praying. Our important question to you all is, are there any means existing today, by means of which we may know the exact manner, how the Messenger offered his prayers?
The answer to this question that these people give is, besides the Shiites, the differences in various factions of Sunni Muslims are flimsy and of no significance. Otherwise the procedures and manner of praying in all are the same. First of all it is all bunkum to say that these are flimsy differences and have no significance. The followers of one sect, leave alone the fact that they do not pray together, if by any chance a soft tone Quran reciter enters into the mosque of a high volume reciter, if they will not refurbish the floor of that mosque, it will at least be washed ten times and blessed ten times more.
What we read and listen now and then, to the riots in the mosques and between various sect members..... . what does that mean? Or when we come to know that a certain Imam (headpriest) has been murdered, members getting at each others throats, the interference of police and the government locking up and sealing the mosques..... . are these all due to trivial differences? And when these fanatics say that these differences are of no significance, it is sheer escapism from actual facts and an excuse to avoid the real meanings of a prayer.
It must be observed when a command or law is promulgated by the God (or His messenger), then the principle and its corollaries both are given their due importance; no way are these supposed to differ, by any means. For example, let us take the principle of Wadhu (ablutions) which is stated in the Quran that, we must wash our face and our hands upto the elbows. Now, if a person washes his hands upto the wrists and another upto the elbows, would you say that both of them are correct in doing so? As it is a trivial difference, is not the principle the same? It would certainly be incorrect to say that! Only he/she will be correct whose deed is according to the Quran. So to say that if anyone lifted his hands upto the ears or not, folded his arms on his chest or below the belly button, the space between his/her feet while standing for prayers, was too little or too much? Whether he recited to himself the sura 'fatiha' from the Quran after the Imam or not, and what phrases were uttered in a prayer? During the Ramadan, did he recite the 'Tarawi' eight or twenty times? How many was the number of 'Takbeers' in Eid prayers, so on and so forth, you are insinuating, are all matters of no significance? It is nothing else except escapism. If these people really believe that these trivialities are of no consequence, then just ask a staunch member of Ahl e Hadith sect to offer his prayers like the Hannafi sect does... He will not do so!
Can we who believe in Hadith, in all honesty say that our way of prayers is the genuine and true method of the Messenger MuhammadPBUH? Yet, each and every one of these sects claim that their way was the only way of the Messenger. And it does not make sense that all sects are correct. Are you prepared to believe that? Are you sure that during the times of the Messenger, some disciples offered their prayers like the Sunnis while other disciples offered their prayers like the Shiites do? Or that some prayed like 'Ahl e Hadith,' while others prayed like 'Hannafis'? Or that the Messenger himself offered his prayers like the Sunnis at one time, while at another time he offered like the Shiites? Or sometimes like 'Ahl e Hadith' and sometimes like 'Hannafis'? Obviously, we all know that it could not have been possible or behooving of the Messenger to adopt different manners at various times. There must have been one and only one way of praying by the Messenger and all his disciples must be offering prayers in one manner also. In Quran's language difference between sects means the wrath of God and bifurcation in the DEEN of Islam. If that was the state of affairs in those times of the Messenger, is it possible that we in anyway, again can unite the Muslim brotherhood and see them praying in unison? Unfortunately, we think this shall not be possible, as long as you all will believe in the hadiths to be the true and authentic words of the Messenger. Until then it is not possible to achieve this unanimity. As every sect in Islam has his own hadiths and every one of them claims to be in the foot-steps of the Messenger. Leaving aside the question of uniting these Muslims, in the present scenario, we are faced with an even bigger dilemma, of which there is no panacea at all. "
And Dr.Shabbir makes a good summary of Hadith which show that they don't explain the Salat:
The "Imams" Mock Namaz!
Namaz is another word for the Salat prayer.
"THE QUESTION IS: Do the 1.4 million Ahadith give us a complete, unified, method of NAMAZ (How to pray, "˜perform' or "˜offer NAMAZ)? The answer is a resounding NO!
- Please remind yourself of the famous, weird tale of the Prophet (S) ascending to heavens to meet with Allah, the so-called Me'raaj (the word is non-existent in the Qur'an). Is not Allah Omnipresent?
The "Imams" of Hadith want us to believe that Allah ordained 50 ritual prayers daily for Muslims on that occasion. As the exalted Prophet was descending from the highest sky, Prophet Moses told him of the impossibility of the situation and sent Muhammad (S) back again and again. Imagine the Prophet (S) bargaining with God! Repeated visits to and fro then bring the number down to 40, 30, 20, 10, (elsewhere, from 50 down to half and again to another half and so on), finally to 5! Allah also said, "These are five and these are fifty. I do not alter My Word." Moses a. s. wanted him to make one more trip but Muhammad (S) said, "I feel shy of my Lord" (to go back and bargain any further.)
Was this Hadith, in addition to promoting ritualism, fabricated to prove the superiority of Moses a. s. over Muhammad (S) and enen God? Only an extremely gullible mind would accept this nonsensical story. (See Bukhari vol 1 Kitab-us-Salat pg 215 Hadith 339 for exact details)
So, neither Allah nor Rasool had any idea of human limitations. Had Moses not intervened, the Ummah would be praying a non-stop 24 hours day and night. Thank Moses a. s. for being the instructor of Allah and Rasool. Thank him for saving Islam from their blunder. What mockery! Think! Allah also said, "These are five and these are fifty. I do not alter My Word."
But the story has just begun. Let us see a little more closely what Hadith has to offer about teaching us NAMAZ.
- Hazrat Anas said: The Prophet (S) used to do a new Wudhu (ablution) for every Namaz. (Bukhari vol 1 pg 35)
- Contradiction - Hazrat Ibn Abbas said: Rasool (S) slept for a while "“ went to the Masjid and prayed ("˜offered' Namaz) without Wudhu. (Bukhari, Kitabul Wudhu)
- The Sahaba of Rasool (S) used to "˜perform' Namaz without Wudhu after waking up from sleep. (Muslim with Fathil Mulhim pg 500)
Is Ghusl (bath) mandatory after intercourse?
- Hazrat Usman said: If a man withdraws before ejaculation, let him wash the genitals and make Wudhu (No bath necessary). (Bukhari, vol 1 Kitabul Wudhu pg 164 Hadith 176)
- Bath becomes mandatory after penetration. (Muwatta pg 22)
- Rasool (S) said: When a man sits between the woman's legs and pushes hard, Ghusl (bath) becomes mandatory with or without ejaculation. (Muslim vol 1 Bab-il-Wudhu pg 485)
- Ubbi bin Ka'ab asked Rasoolullah (S), "If a man engages in intercourse and withdraws before ejaculation, should he take bath?" He replied, "He should do Wudhu and pray."
[Now what conclusion can we reach if any?! Would the great men who conquered 1/3rd of the world and their hearts and became teachers of humanity, indulge in such trivia and nonsense?]
- Rasool (S) said, "Renew Wudhu after eating anything cooked on fire." (Muslim vol 1 pg 486)
- BUT "“ Ibn Abbas says, "Rasoolullah ate a roasted goat shoulder and then prayed without ablution." (Same vol 1 pg 488)
- Hazrat Bilal was ordered to say two Takbeers in Azaan and one in Iqaamat. (Muslim vol 2 pg 2) Why do Muslims say two Takbeers in Iqaamat? There must be another Hadith contradicting this one.
- When asked what to recite after Surah Fatihah in Namaz, Abu Hurairah said, "Reciting any Surah is good but Al-Fatihah is sufficient." (Muslim vol 2 pg 31) The Imams of FIQH maintain that Al-Fatihah is not sufficient.
- Hazrat Umar used to recite "Subhaanakallahumma ---" loudly. (Muslim vol 2 pg 38) The Imams tell us to recite it in the heart.
- Hazrat Anas said, "I prayed behind Rasoolullah, Abu Bakr, Umar and Usman. They used to begin Namaz with Al-Fatihah." No Subhanakallahumma ---. (Muslim vol 2 pg 38)
- When the pulpit was built in Masjid Nabawi, the Rasool climbed on it, turned to the Qiblah, said Takbeer and people got arranged in columns. After recitation, he bowed on his knees, then came down, prostrated on the ground, then again climbed on the pulpit. He did bow (did rukoo') again and then came down for prostration on the ground. (Bukhari vol 1 pg 53) What! Say that again.
- Rasoolullah picked up his daughter Zainab's little girl Amama and began praying. When he went into Sajdah (prostration) he placed her on the ground and when he got up, he picked her up again. (Bukhari vol 1 pg 69)
- If someone passes in front of a praying person, stop him. If he doesn't stop, kill him because he is Shayitaan. (Bukhari vol 1 pg 68)
- But: Abdullah Ibn Abbas said, "I rode a she-ass to MINA. Rasoolullah (S) was leading the prayer. I passed before some praying ones and got off from the animal and joined the prayers. None objected. (Bukhari vol 1 pg 107)
- Hazrat Sa'd bin Abi Waqaas used to pass from in front when the prayers was on. (Muwatta 55)
- No harm is done to prayers if someone passes from in front. (Muwatta 55)
- Rasoolullah said, "The prayer is broken if a woman, a donkey or a dog come in front." (Muslim vol 2 pg 111)
THE HADITHI PUNCH LINE CONTINUED AND DEMOLISHED!
AGAIN, THE QUESTION IS: Do the 1.4 million Ahadith give us a complete, unified, method of NAMAZ (How to pray, "˜perform' or "˜offer NAMAZ? The answer is a resounding NO!
- Hazrat Ayesha said, "You (narrators) have made us donkeys and dogs. By Allah! I used to be lying in front on the rug while Rasoolullah prayed. (Muslim vol 2 pg 111)
- Bukhari (Kitab-us-Salat, vol 1 pg 93) narrates four Ahadith that the Rasool (S) used to raise his hands up to the ears before bowing and also on rising from "˜Attahayyaat --.' Why don't the majority of Muslims do it?
- Rasoolullah used to combine Zuhr, "˜Asr, Maghrib and "˜Isha prayers without duress or travel. (Muwatta 51, Muslim vol 2 pg 265) Why can't we do it? Because of other contradictory Ahadith and the Fuqaha, the 'Jurists'.
- Mu'aawiyah bin Hakam was praying with Rasool (S). A praying one sneezed and I said the customary blessing, "˜Yahamakallah' . The Rasool (S) told me after prayers, "Human words are not permissible during Salat." (Muslim vol 2 pg 126)
- BUT "“ Once, the Satan came before Rasoolullah during Namaz and the Rasool (S) said three times, "Allah's curse upon you!" (Muslim vol 2 pg 131) Human words, how's that? And how about depicting the "Satan" as a physical entity rather than the Qur'anic "˜selfish desire'?
- The Rasool (S) was praying "˜Isha. After rising from rukoo' he said, "O Allah! Have mercy on 'Ayyaash bin Abi Rabia'ah and other poor Muslims. Grasp the Al-Mudhar Tribe and send famine on them." (Muslim vol 2 pg 236) Human words, aren't they? The exalted Prophet never prayed for infliction. He always prayed for guidance of people and wished well for all.
- Rasoolullah never used to raise hands in prayers except when praying for rains. (Bukhari vol 1 page 125)
- He always raised hands during any du'a. (References too many to point)
- Rasoolullah used to offer prayers with shoes on. (Bukhari vol 1 pg 55) [Can we? The Mullah drives out even a non-Muslim from the Masjid if he is wearing shoes]
- Sahaba used to pray even when bleeding from an arrow. (Bukhari vol 1 pg 32, Ibn Majah, Muslim, Nisaai & many other sources)
- Oozing of blood from anywhere in the body nullifies Wudhu or Salat. (Same sources and Fuqaha)
- Hazrat Anas states that Rasool (S) used to pray the briefest complete Namaz. (Muslim vol 2 pg 86)
- The Rasool (S) used to scold people who led long prayers. (Two Ahadith, Muslim vol 2 ppg 84, 85)
- BUT, Hazrat Anas states that Rasool (S) stood still so long after bowing (rukoo') that the watcher thought he forgot (to proceed). The same used to happen after Sajdah (prostration) . (Muslim vol 2 pg 87)
- Abu Saeed Khadri narrates: Rasoolullah's prayer used to be so long that supposing the noon prayer has begun. A man walks to the graveyard of Baqee', comes back home, makes ablution and goes to the Masjid. And he finds him still leading the first raka'at (unit). (Muslim vol 2 pg 48)
Then there are innumerable contradictions in what du'as the exalted Messenger used to recite and teach at each point in Namaz. (See Bukhari vol 1 ppg 99 to104, Muslim vol 2 ppg 43, 48, 90)
So, this is what the Hadith teaches us about Namaz:
1. If you have been snoring in sleep, you need not do Wudhu. Sorry, you do need Wudhu.
2. Cooked food will break your ablution, but, the roasted goat won't.
3. Bleeding does not spoil Wudhu or prayers. Sorry, it does.
4. If there is no ejaculation, bath is not necessary. Sorry, it is necessary.
5. You can combine the noon, afternoon, evening and night prayers. Sorry, you cannot.
6. Don't lift your hands for du'a. Do lift your hands for du'a.
7. Before Rukoo', raise your hands to the shoulders. No, don't.
8. Pray two units after "˜Asr. No, don't.
9. You can pray with your child in your lap. You can't do that (FIQH)
10. You can keep climbing up and down the stairs during Namaz. (No way! FIQH)
11. Only Al-Fatiha is enough for Namaz. Sorry, it's not enough.
12. "˜Allahhumma' can be read aloud. No, it cannot be read aloud. But, you can pray without it. No, never! You can't pray without it.
13. You may curse the Satan during Namaz and pray for others. No, never!
14. Say anything after At-Tahiyyat that you want. No, only say this and this.
15. Kill anyone passing in front of the Namazis, but leave alone Hazraat Abdullah Ibn Abbas and Saad bin Abi Waqas.
16. If a woman, donkey, or dog passes from in front, the Namaz is broken. But if your wife is lying down on your prayer rug right in front, never mind.
So, this is the Salat or Namaz of Hadith. Can you pray at all according to Hadith? You claim Hadith tells you the method of Namaz. Then, which is the greater riddle; Hadith or your excellency?! "
It can be clearly seen that no group inside Islam and no Hadith can really teach us Salat prayer. Also, as Parwez points out, the differences and the disputes about the details has created sects and groups inside Islam which is strictly forbidden.
6:159. Those who have divided their system and become sects, you are not with them in anything. Their matter will be with God, then He will inform them of what they had done.
The only way to unite is following the Quran alone, which will take away all the differences between the various groups. Also between the various groups that do follow Quran alone must be reminded of this verse and clear away their differences.
3:103. And hold firmly to the rope of God, all of you, and do not be separated. And remember God's blessing upon you when you were enemies and He united your hearts, then you became with His blessing as brothers; and you were on the verge of a pit of fire and He saved you from it; it is thus that God clarifies for you His signs that you may be guided.
31:6. But among people, there are those who invest their time in HADITH which is unfounded, so as to lead those without knowledge away from the Path of Allah, making mockery of it (the Qur'an). For such there is shameful punishment in store.
77:50 In what Hadith, after this, will they believe?
6:114-115. Say, "Shall I seek for Judge and Ruler someone other than Allah? He it is Who has revealed this Book, well expounded in detail for you." Those whom We have given the Book know that this is revealed in Truth from your Lord. Be not among those who argue for the sake of argument. Perfected is the Word of your Lord in Truth and Justice. None can change His Words and His Laws. This announcement comes to you from the Profound Hearer, the Knower.
17:36. And do not uphold what you have no knowledge of. For the hearing, eyesight, and mind, all these you are responsible for.
Examples of different translations of Salat
2:43. And establish the Divine System, and set up the Just Economic Order in the society. And bow with others who bow to these Commands.
[9:119, 89:27-30 'Salat' = To follow closely, like a runners-up (Musalli) follows the winning horse (Saabiq). 'Aqimussallat' = Establish the System that facilitates the following of Divine Commands. 'Zakat' = The Cooperative Economic System where everyone works according to his capacity and is compensated according to his needs. In the interim, people spend on others whatever is more than their needs 2:219. The System of Zakat is managed by a Central Authority that ensures the development of the individuals and the society.
4:77 Have you seen those who have been told, "Curb your hands, and establish the Divine System(Salat) and set up the just Economic Order?" But as soon as the Command came to fight, some of them feared men as they should have feared Allah, or even more. They say, "Our Lord! Why have You ordained fighting for us? If only You had granted us a little more delay!" Say, "Brief is the enjoyment of this world, whereas the life to come is the best for those who walk aright. None of you shall be wronged a hair's breadth."
Compare these translations with the ones I gave above in the article:
29:45. (O Prophet) convey to people all that is revealed to you of the Book, and establish the Divine System. For, verily, establishment of the Divine System will shut off lewdness, stinginess and behavior contrary to the Divine Values. This is so, because Allah's Law is the Greatest Law that can give you eminence. And (O People) Allah knows whatever you contrive on your own. (21:10, 21:24, 23:70, 43:43-44, 70:21-27 - "˜Fahasha' includes miserliness and "˜Munkar' is all behavior that goes against Divine Values given in the Qur'an).
6:162. Say, "All my duties to the Divine System, the ways to discharge them, my living and my dying are for Allah alone, the Lord of the Worlds.
6:162 Say: "My oath, and my offerings, and my life, and my death, are all to God the Lord of the worlds."
17:110. Say, "Call Him Allah, or call Him Rahman, the Beneficent; to Him belong the best names. By whichever name you call Him, His are all the best attributes of perfection. And be not too loud in your call to the Divine System, nor speak in too low a voice, but follow a way in between.
2:238. While describing some important marital Laws, it is reiterated that, your Central Duty remains the guarding of the System in which individuals and families can develop their potentials to the maximum. Stay alert in the obedience to Allah.
2:238. Maintain the allegiances, and the centermost oath of allegiance. And stand devoutly for God.
17:78. You shall strive in the Divine Cause from morning to night. The Qur'an springs forth the Light for you to witness your objective and your way. Its likeness is the Dawn that brings light after a dark night.
11:114. Strive to establish and consolidate the Divine System, day and night. Actions that create balance in the society remove the ill effects of inequities. Good deeds remove bad deeds. This is a reminder for those who pay attention.
All these translations fit into the context and are correct translations. So Salat can't mean one thing only in these verses. The Quran is revealed in Arabic which is a wide and versatile language. We must be careful to fix meanings and understandings as told in 25:30. As long as it fits the context and the Arabic, and it is a view that will better our existence, we must accept it as God tells us:
39:18. "The ones who listen to what is being said, and then follow the best of it. These are the ones whom God has guided, and these are the ones who possess intelligence."
7:145. And We wrote for him on the tablets from everything a lesson, and detailing all things. Take it with strength and order your people to take the best from it. I will show you the abode of the corrupt.
I will give verse 25:30 as the example.
25:30. And the Messenger will say, "O my Lord! These are my people, the ones who had made this Qur'an mahjoor."
Mahjoor means in arabic; to desert, to avoid, to shun, separate oneself from, taken as nonsense, taken as of no account, immobilized it like villagers who bind a cow by tying her front foot to her horn.
So which meaning is it? Let's see which one will fit the context.
25:30. And the Messenger will say, "O my Lord! These are my people, the ones who had made this Qur'an of no account."
25:30. And the Messenger will say, "O my Lord! These are my people, the ones who have deserted this Qur'an ."
25:30. And the Messenger will say, "O my Lord! These are my people, the ones who treated this Qur'an as something to be avoided."
25:30. And the Messenger will say, "O my Lord! These are my people, the ones who have separated themselves from this Qur'an."
25:30. And the Messenger will say, "O my Lord! These are my people, the ones who have shunned this Qur'an."
25:30. And the Messenger will say, "O my Lord! These are my people, the ones who have taken this Qur'an as nonsense."
25:30. And the Messenger will say, "O my Lord! These are my people, the ones who have immobilized this Qur'an as a cow bound foot to horn."
What to do now? They all fit! So which one do you choose? The best as is ordered in 39:18. But they all are the best. So the best solution is not to choose one, but to accept them all. As mahjoor means all those things, and God chose Arabic not for nothing. I myself believe He chose Arabic exactly for this quality. It is so versatile, all the meanings can fit. So we would end up with this:
25:30. And the Messenger will say, "O my Lord! These are my people, the ones who had made this Qur'an of no account, have deserted it, treated it as something to be avoided, have separated themselves from it, have shunned it, have taken it as nonsense and immobilized and fixed its meaning as a cow bound foot to horn."
This verse becomes so wide in its message, and every word in it is correct. The same technique can be applied on numerous words. And I believe the same can be applied to the word Salat, not every meaning can fit in some verses, as this is determined by the context. But I hope I have made my point clear. The Arabic is to wide and to versatile to fix it to one meaning. And as clear in 25:30, we are also warned not to do it. So here are some examples with Salat.
17:110 "¦And be not too loud in your call to the Divine System, commitments and in prayer, nor speak in too low a voice, but follow a way in between.
6:162. Say, "All my duties to the Divine System, my commitment, devotion and my prayer, the ways to discharge them, my living and my dying are for Allah alone, the Lord of the Worlds.
29:45 .. For the Divine System and prayer prohibits evil and vice, and the remembrance of God is the greatest.
All the meanings fit perfectly, and are not to be rejected. No preference to one meaning, only the context and the best meanings are the criterion. This will open up new doors to the Quran, or rather re-open new doors, as I believe the Prophet and his followers approached it in the same way.
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