Salat & Zakat

Peace, I understand it as the near part of the night close to these times. That means the beginning of night and the end of night are included in these times that are at the edges of the day as prayer times. So instead of being 4 times they are 2 times ,it is just that the time for the dawn and dusk prayer include the times of night close to dawn and dusk. I put that in bold because this is almost exactly what the verse is saying. Godbless, Anwar

Peace, In Islamic jargon rak&at means a unit of prayer. In pure Classical Arabic it just means 'a bowing' or 'a kneeling.' So firstly Muslims have taken this word beyond what it really means as whenever someone bows once or kneels once this is a rak&at. Thirdly now the word is not in the Quran. However the Quran says Arak&oo which means to bow or to kneel and this it (aatoo azakaata wa-arka&oo ma&a ar-raaki&eena). So all you need to do is bow or kneel and you pray and pray to GOD and you are all good. There is no need for units of prayer and such things. If you want to do this it is on you but this does not make your prayer any more proper than a Christian or a Jew who kneels or bows down and prays to the god of Abraham; God. Godbless, Anwar

Peace all Nevermind, I have figured this out. Peace

I cant believe I never thought of that verse before. Then you haven't read the whole thread. It is mentioned on page 2.

http//www.livescience.com/health/060829_god_spot.html God is in the whole brain In the link Layth presented, the studies started in 1977 and researching for many years, scientists may have analysed and reasoned to believe that there is no "God Spot", as determined in the link above. I reckon, the God notion (whether mono or poly) is instilled in one's mind as evidenced from prehistoric idol worships and continuing until today. The quandary underlined in my previous post seem to be strongly pointing at "the mind created God" scenario. I have painfully extricated myself from all religious pagan ritual practices but still very much believe in the One Creator or One Whole without stamping any attributes. What much of the Quran emphasizes, in terms of fundamental principles and certain governing factors, are universally accepted nonetheless and had been administered eaons ago. As mentioned in another thread that prayers, wishes and miracles are temporary soothers (and offenders) and looked upon from opposing sides to persuade partial effectiveness but lacking substance or its real meaning. And here's another thing one may find intriguing in http//www.livescience.com/strangenews/ap_060330_prayer.html.

Salaam ignoramus, Please go through all the links and discussions referenced in the following post for my current understanding about the timed salaat/connection of the muslimeen according to the Qur'aan http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=14695.msg136559#msg136559 We should be patient and connect with/to The God regularly and study the Qur'aan with an open mind and over time everything will become clear relevant to our guidance to the straight path, God willing. We should use all our God given faculties to study The God's message and pray to Him and ask for His guidance, for only The God can guide. Please see my following post for some advice http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=14773.msg137145#msg137145 Hope that helps.

Salam. Brother Arnold wrote excellent post here, i will, God willing, show them to some of these guys here and i can't hardly wait to see the reaction, because they keep saying that all of you people here are trying very hard to destroy Islam. rotfl God willing, i will show them Arnold's article. May The Exalted God The Most Powerful reward you with Heaven. Peace.

Peace, "They said, 'Shuaib. Does your pleaing make you responsible for us leaving behind what our ancestors served and were devoted to, as well as our doing with our wealth whatever we want? You are the most forbearing and the most most guided!" I put in brackets what can be validly applied to understanding but does not have a literal counterpart in the Arabic text (not counting the verb to be which we all know is understood most times in Arabic). This happens all the time between languages as what one language implies the other doesn't. I did this for your and others sake to show you how I see the Arabic and what it can imply although there is not literal counterpart. I'm sure you are familiar with this phenomenon in your study of the Quran. There are thousands of cases where the Arabic makes no sense literally to English unless you rearrange the English counterparts to the Arabic words and add in the words that Arabic implies or take out those words that English implies. On that same subject 9219 had me stuck for awhile for similar reasons wa maa li-ahadin &andahu min ni&matin tujzaa This was the most backwards way of saying something (considering modern English or even Arabic thinking) that this had me stumped for some time. It is literally 'and there is no one he has from a favor it is payed back/compensated for' It is referring to 'the most prudent' in 9217 It means 'And for him, no-one needs to pay back any favor he has done.' In MSA that would be phrase 'wa &andahu laa tujzaa ayu ni&matin &amalahaa li-ajli-laakhari Godbless, Anwar

peace i'm sorry if the topic was discussed before but... does it actually say in the qur'an what to say while bowing and prostrating? can it be anything as long as it is glorifying and praising God? for instance, i say "Glory be to You, Allah, the All Knowing" and "Praise be to You Allah the Exalted" Salam. With regards to the words spoken during the Salat, we find guidance in the Quran with respect to the following matters FIRST All the words of the Salat should be from the Quran. SECOND Specific Quranic phrases are to be spoken during the Salat. FIRST All the words of the Salat should be from the Quran. 1- "You shall recite what is revealed to you of your Lord's Scripture (the Quran). Nothing shall abrogate His words, and you shall not find any other source beside it." 1827 Since this verse does not specify any one activity, it is understood to cover the Salat as well as normal recitation. 2- "You shall recite what is revealed to you of the Scripture (the Quran), and observe the Salat (Contact Prayers)." 2945 This verse specifically links reading from the Quran with the Salat. Consequently, nothing should be read in the Salat that is derived from other than the Quran. 3- "They are not all the same; among the followers of the scripture there are those who are righteous. They recite God's revelations through the night while prostrating." 3113 This verse speaks of the righteous, they recite the scripture while prostrating. Since prostrating is one of the acts of Salat, the point is made again about reciting the scripture (in our case the Quran) in our Salat. SECOND Specific words to be recited during the Salat. 1- Opening words of the Salat Whenever we read the Quran we are to seek refuge in God from the devil "When you read the Quran, you shall seek refuge in God from Satan the rejected." 1698 The Arabic words are "A'uzu b'Allah min Al-Shaytan Al-Rajeem". And since all the Salat is comprised of Quranic words, thus we must utter these words to start our Salat. 2- Although there is no specific command to read the Key (Fatihah) in particular in the salat, yet since it is the opening of the book and it comprises a call to Allah in all its words, then it is appropriate to read it in the opening of our Salat. Bearing in mind that God informs us that He does not wish us any hardship in practicing our religion, thus it is sensible to read the relatively longer passages (such as the Key) in the standing position rather than the bowing or prostrating so that the ill and old would not over-burden their frail bodies. Consequently, the recitation of the Key (Al-Fatiha) in the standing position is what all Muslims do. 3- The phrase 'Allahu Akbar' is uttered frequently during Salat in compliance with God's command to magnify Him as in 2185 and 17111. 4- 'Sobhan Rabi Al-Azeem' (Praise my Lord the Great). This is in compliance with "You shall glorify the name of your Lord, the Great" 5674. These words of praise are usually spoken in the bowing position as many times as desired. 5- 'Sobhan Rabi Al-Aala' (Praise my Lord the Most High). This is in compliance with "Glorify the name of your Lord, the Most High" 871. These words of praise are usually spoken in the prostrating position as many times as desired. Praising God is encouraged at all times and specifically after prostration "During the night you shall glorify Him, and after prostrating" 5040 6- The Shahada (Testimony of Faith) is the first pillar of Islam and is a declaration of our monotheistic faith. The Shahada may be uttered at any stage in the Salat and any number of times The words of the Shahada are Ash'hadu ana la illaha ila Allah' (I bear witness that there is no God other than God). "God bears witness that there is no god except He, and so do the angels and those who possess knowledge" 318 7- In 17111 we read the following words "Al-Hamdu l'Allah alazee lam yatakhez waladan, wa lam yakun lahu shareek fee al mulk, wa lam yakun lahu waleyon min al zol." These words translate to "Praise be to God who has never begotten a son, nor does He have a partner in His kingship, nor does He need an ally out of weakness" 17111 In 17110 God commands us to use a moderate voice in our Salat, immediately after which God commands us "AND SAY, 'Praise be to God, who has never begotten a son??." The words "AND SAY"at the beginning of verse 111 indicate that the subject is STILL Salat (the subject of 110). This means that God is commanding us to utter these specific words during our salat. It is interesting to note that these 3 phrases have significant meanings 1- "Praise be to God who has never begotten a son," These words purify us from the claim of the Christians who gave God a son. 2- "nor does He have a partner in His kingship," These words purify us from the corrupt Muslims who made Muhammad a partner with God in everything they say or do ........ 3- "nor does He need an ally out of weakness" These words purify us from the Jewish scholars who claim that God is not able to do certain things ... etc In effect, by uttering these words, and constantly being aware of the danger and corruption of these groups, we purify our souls and maintain the purity of our religion. These words must be uttered during our salat. To follow these words we should then magnify God frequently (Allah Akbar) .... 8- The 'ending' of the Salat Since the ending of the Salat conducted by almost all Muslims today does not conform to Quranic teachings, thus this issue will be given special analysis here. The traditional ending spoken by most Muslims today is 'Al-Salamu alaykum wa Rahmat Allah wa Barakatu'. (Peace be upon you as well as God's mercy and His blessings). This phrase is uttered twice at the conclusion of the Salat, once with the head turned to the right and once with the head turned to the left. However, if we were to pause and consider the validity of this phrase we would immediately be faced with the following questions A- Who are we addressing when we utter these words? Surely we cannot be addressing God because we cannot be saying to God, 'may God's mercy and blessings be upon you'! Some will say that these words are addressed to other fellow believers who are praying alongside us. But this excuse is false, simply because these words are spoken by believers even when they are praying all on their own! Some others will say that these words are addressed to the two angels who are recording all our deeds, one of whom is on our right shoulder and one is on our left. Here we must inquire why should we address the angels? After all, our Salat is not directed to them! The Quran makes the point very clear that every word in our Salat should be to God and nobody else "Say, 'My Contact Prayers (Salat), my worship practices, my life and my death, are all devoted absolutely to God alone" 6162 (also see 3911 and 2014) To direct any words in our Salat to any other than God is indeed against the teachings of the Quran and must be totally rejected. B- If these words are not directed to God and must thus be rejected, then what are the correct words to be uttered to end our Salat? As usual, God has once again shown us that the Quran offers explanations to all things (1689). Indeed, God has given us in the Quran the exact words that should be uttered to end the Salat. These are found in the following verse "As for those who believe and lead a righteous life, their Lord guides them by virtue of their belief. Rivers will flow beneath them in the garden of bliss. Their prayer therein is, 'Be you glorified our God' their greeting therein is, 'Peace' and the ending to their prayer is, 'Al-Hamdu l'Allah Rab Al-Alameen (Praise be to God, Lord of the Universe)" 109-10 This verse speaks of the model believers who will be rewarded in the gardens of heaven. We are told about the last words in their prayers 'Al-Hamdu l'Allah Rab Al-Alameen' (Praise be to God, Lord of the Universe). It makes perfect sense that we should follow their example (if we would like to end up in heaven too) and end our prayers in praise of Almighty God and not bidding farewell to the angels! Summary of the Quranic words to be uttered in the Salat 1- First words "A'uzu b'Allah min Al-Shaytan Al-Rajeem" (I seek refuge in God from Satan the rejected." 1698 2- Al-Fatiha (The Key) 3- 'Allahu Akbar' (God is Greatest) to be spoken frequently, 2185 and 17111. 4- 'Sobhan Rabi Al-Azeem' (Praise my Lord the Great). 5674 5- 'Sobhan Rabi Al-Aala' (Praise my Lord the Most High). 871 6- The Shahada (Testimony) "Ash'hadu ana la illaha ila Allah" (I bear witness that there is no God other than God). 318 7- "Al-Hamdu l'Allah alazee lam yatakhez waladan, wa lam yakun lahu shareek fee al mulk, wa lam yakun lahu waleyon min al zol". (Praise be to God who has never begotten a son, nor does He have a partner in His kingship, nor does He need an ally out of weakness). 17111 8- The Salat ends with the words "Al-Hamdu l'Allah Rab Al-Alameen (Praise be to God, Lord of the Universe)" 1010 Peace.

Sunni or Shiah way of salaat is perfectly fine. In fact that is still how I pray. I agree that it does not matter how you perform your salaat. What is in your heart is what is important. However, I believe the whole 'remodification' of salat thing would only add to division among muslims. If everybody had different way of salat, we could no longer go pray standing as high and bowing as low together at the mosques. Therefore, I think it is better for us to preserve Sunni way of salat. peace In my openion there is no problen in praying in sunni way if you omit ameen" and Tashahud from it. !

Salaam siki I think I understand what you mean, and according to my understanding of what I think you are saying. I agree with you ;D Salam samia ;D Great minds think alike ! Hi Siki, alhamdulallah i'm feeling great. I agree ;D you too,, handshake siki

Peace brother IQO, I agree with most of brother Lahri's suggested way to perform salaat but strongly disagree with the "qibla" being a physical building or a physical direction. I have stated this before also but to reiterate, in my understanding the "qibla" is mental and not physical and not ONLY for salaat, according to al-qur'aan. We are asked to keep our target/goal/"qibla" the inviolable institution of obedience/"al-masjid al-haraam" WHEREVER we are (2144, 2149, 2150). It is IMPOSSIBLE to face a physical building WHEREVER one is. For example, we are allowed to establish salaat while walking or riding in case of fear (2239). How can you face a physical building if you are walking or riding on horseback or driving a car away from the direction of a physical building, and wish to establish salaat ? Actually, the "qibla" is not ONLY for salaat, so to face a certain physical direction WHEREVER one is (and not just for salaat) would be physically IMPOSSIBLE. This would mean that we cannot even drive a car or walk facing away from the direction of a certain physical location; we cannot even sit down to watch television or eat while facing away from a certain physical location; we cannot even sit in the restroom while facing away from a certain physical location !! What about when one is on the Moon with the Earth on the other side ? What about when one is IN the certain physical building ? The God is everywhere; piety is not to face east or west, and physical direction is completely irrelevant (2115, 2142, 2177). If "al-masjid al-haram" is interpreted as a physical building/location it will cause a lot of impossibilities as far as "qibla" is concerned, thus causing contradictions/inconsistancies in al-qur'aan. Please see the links at the end for the relevant points. Please keep in mind that since these posts, my interpretation of "al-masjid al-haraam" has changed from "the institution of obedience of the forbidden" to "the inviolable institution of obedience", which is grammatically more correct and has a broader meaning which is in harmony with "al-masjid al-haraam" being defined as the truth from our Lord according to al-qur'aan (2144, 2149). http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=13210.msg111540#msg111540 http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=13210.msg111637#msg111637 http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=13210.msg112157#msg112157 http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=13210.msg110854#msg110854

Salaams Br, if praying helps - carry on , but its not compulsory and if you ask a person who gains by your prayer say an alim who runs a masjid then no doubt he wouldn't want anything closing down his business of which you are a part and so his answer will be your prayer is compulsory. (2125)And (remember) when we made The party of vying with one another for firmness for mankind and safety and take from the standing of Abraham of his counsel and we covenanted with Abraham and Ishmael that they purify/make righteous my party for those wanting to do good and who devote themselves and those who humble the submitting. God Bless.

As-Salaamu Alaikum lahrih19 and forum, Lahri, much of how you have stated to perform As-Salaat here I agree with, and a little I don't. Nevertheless I think there is definitely enough consensus on some items to begin a dialogue for those who agree with this for the most part. So I am inviting those of you on the forum who agree to some extent with what lahri19 has presented here to speak up so that we may know who all of us are. Maybe then we can start a separate thread on here with common ground of those who believe that performing As-Salaat is a physical ritual that leads to mental and spiritual growth, Allah willing. If you are in agreement with at least having a common ground starting point, you don't have to add or subtract from what is given here, but you can just simply reply here to let us know that we are somewhat on the same page. Then we can begin from there, Allah willing. You can read my posts on how to peform As-Salaat here http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=14094.0 , (go down to my 6th post to start)but I have some changes that I would like to make based on continous findings in Al Quran. Although I don't agree to use any words when performing As-Salaat other than those in the EXACT way that they are used in Al Quran, I do believe agreement can be made based on that because there are still a finite number of ayaat that discuss the performance of As-Salaat. If those who see it as a function take our time in studying and dialoguing on those ayaat without interference from those who don't believe it is a "ritual", then we will come to some agreements based on "shura", Allah willing. Therefore if we ever meet together, we will be able to offer As-Salaat in congregation instead of as individuals who don't agree on anything, Allah willing. Looking forward to seeing who is on somewhat of the same page. As-Salaamu Alaikum, peace And just a suggestion Instructions Call to Salaat Recitation and Meaning While standing, recite the Nudiya Lil Salaat (Call to Salat) with each verse 2x (19 x 2) ALLAH HU AKBAR God is Great ASHAHADU ANLAA ILAAHA ILLA ALLAH I bear witness that there is no deity except GOD HAYYA LIL SALAAT Come to the Salaat HAYYA LIL FALAAH Come to the success ALLAH HU AKBAR GOD is Great LAA ILAAHA ILLA ALLAH There is no deity except GOD CALLING TO PRAYER Source text Qur 558; 629 Instructions Ablution Wash your entire face Wash your arms to the elbows Wipe your head from fore head to nape of neck Wipe your feet from toes to ankle ABLUTION Source text Qur 56 Instructions Salaat (Recitation and Meaning) Beginning of Salaat Begin by facing the Masjid Al Haraam in Makkah, Saudi Arabia FACING THE MASJID AL HARAAM AS A QIBLAH FOR SALAAT Source text Qur 2125, 143-150; 2226 RECITING THE SALAAT IN A MEDIUM TONE Source text Qur 17110 Refuge Begin by seeking refuge in GOD and say RABBI AUDHU BIKA MIN HAMADHATI ASH SHAYATIYN O my Lord! I seek refuge in Thee from the evil suggestions of the devils; WA AUDHU BIKA RABBI AN YAHDURUNI And I seek refuge in Thee, O my Lord, from their presence. STANDING IN SALAT Source text Qur 2238; 339; 4102 SEEKING REFUGE Source text Qur 1698; 2397-98 First Unit - (Recitation) It is recommended to recite Surah al Faatihah, which is to be followed by personal readings from the Quraan in the first two units. First Surah (Surah al Faatihah) BISMILLAH AL RAHMAN AL RAHIM. In the Name of Allah, the most Compassionate, the Merciful AL HAMDULILLAHI RAB BIL AALAMEEN. AL RAHMAN AL RAHIM All praises belong to Allah the Cherisher, the Sustainer, Developer and Perfector of the worlds, the most Compassionate, The Merciful MALIKI YAWMID DIN. IYYA KA NA'BUDU WA IYYA KA NASTA'EEN. Master of the Day of Judgement. Thee only do we Worship, and Thee alone do we ask for help IHDI NAS SIRATAL MUSTAQEEMA SIRAT AL LAZEENA AN AMTA ALAY HIM Keep us along the straight path, the path of those whom Thou has blessed GHAIRIL MAGHDHOOBI ALAIHIM WAL LADH DHAL LEEN. Not of those whom Thou art angry, nor of those who go astray. READING SURA 1, FAATIHAH Souce tesxt Quraan 1; 1587; 237 Then read from Quran other chapters/verses where GoOD is the center for rememberence READING QURANIC CHAPTERS/VERSES IN SALAAT Source text Qur 2945; 1778 Ruku Then descend to a sitting position with hands on you knees and say ALLAH HU AKBAR GOD Is Great TAKBEER (Glorification of Allah), Allahu Akbar- Source text Quraan 17111, 2185, 22 37, 743, and 2945 Sit and then say AL HAMDULILLAH ALA DHEE LAM YATA KHID WALAD DAN All praise be to GOD, who has never taken for Himself a child, WA LAM YAKUN LAHU SHAREEK UN FIL AL MULKI Nor to Him is a Partner in the Kingdom (of Heaven) WA LAM YAKUN LAHU WALI UN MIN AD DHULLI Nor to Him is a Protector from weakness. READING VERSE IN SALAAT Source text Qur 17110-111 Sajdah (Go down to sajdah so that the chin touches the place of sajdah directly) and say while descending ALLAH HU AKBAR GOD Is Great TAKBEER (Glorification of Allah), Allahu Akbar- Source text Quraan 17111, 2185, 22 37, 743, and 2945 And say SUB HANA RABBINA IN KANA WADU RABBINA LAMAF ULAAN Glory to our Lord! Verily the promise of our Lord must be fulfilled. SAYING SUBHANA WHILE IN SAJDAH Source text Qur 17110-111 Stand up saying ALLAHU AKBAR God is Greater TAKBEER (Glorification of Allah), Allahu Akbar- Source text Quraan 17111, 2185, 22 37, 743, and 2945 The Second Unit This is exactly the same as the first unit. Of course after Fatihah, (if known) other chapters/verses of Quraan should be recited. TWO UNIT PRAYER Source Text4100-104 End Of Prayer After Sajdah person should rise back to Ruku(sitting position). Sit up and say ALLAHU AKBAR God is Greater TAKBEER (Glorification of Allah), Allahu Akbar- Source text Quraan 17111, 2185, 22 37, 743, and 2945 Then say to end Salaat AL HAMDULILLAHI RAB BIL AALAMEEN. AL RAHMAN AL RAHIM All praises belong to GOD, the Sustainer of the worlds, the most Compassionate, The Merciful ENDNG SALAAT WITH ALHAMDULILLAH Source Text Qur 1010 Again just an idea.. definetly open for feedback.

Thank you, DArgento. peace

one of you can be right. so which one? They both can be right, as long as they are both devoted to the one God does it really matter how they pray? i don't think so...

Salam Yusha, Pakistan is a diverse, interesting and colorful country... are your famlily from Punjab?... what 'gao' does your family belong to? peace! My family is from Multan.

Dr shabbir translates this verse as 'rituals ( ie turning your faces to east or west.)are not piety,but helping humans and upholding human rights is'....

As-Salaamu Alaika lahri19, As Salaamu Alaykum Is amazing how far one can come in a few days of study. I have to admit that for my first 16 years in Islam, even at the point of being a Quraan alone muslim, I was heavily indoctinated by the methodology of practice as contained within the ranks of the Ahlus Sunnah. It really wasn't until only recently that I've come to the position that I have to scrap so much of their sectarian innovation and start fresh. Study al Quraan and derive my practices from the scriptures. I'm still quite concerned with the trends I'm beginning to see within the ummah. I was speaking to ironsky a while back and he said "a Progressive Muslim is one who only adheres to the Quran in his practice. I consider myself a Progressive Muslim." That in my mind is where the danger starts, because thats how the splits we now have in the ummah started. I've decided to back away from posting articles for the time being. I know I need more study before I post my opinions and I want to make sure I'm posting within the right frame of mind as well. I invite any muslim to start a correspondance with me at my email here. To all I wish ALLAH Ta'Ala's peace and guidance. Sincerely, Abdul Latif I understand and respect your observation of yourself as well as your decision for what you think is best for you. I pray that Allah continues to guide and bless you towards the Siratul Mustaqeem, insha Allah. When you are ready to post again, I will look forward to reading them, Allah willing. As-Salaamu Alaikum, peace

Salam Ahmad, I'm not sure why bro IQA missed your question. Perhaps it's his eye problem. To me, the mind can be intoxicated with or without physical drugs. A mind that is overly involved in matters other than the focus that prayer requires could be intoxicated by those matters. In my view, it doesn't even have to be only "dirty" thoughts to cause this. It could be just about anything that over takes the mind's focus off of the Connection process. peace As Salaamu Alaikum, Thanks M-Mehdi! Keep up the good work on editing for my eyesight. P o ;D You are right, I missed Ahmad's question. I apologize Ahmad. But I agree with the answer that M_Mehdi gave. It also indicates that a person doesn't understand what they are reciting, maybe due to the meaning of the arabic language being "hidden or covered" from them. Therefore they would need to educate themselves in the language of Al-Quran so that they could "Iqraa", insha Allah. I hope this helps some Ahmad, insha Allah. As-Salaamu Alaikum, peace