Introduction and Preface to: HOW TO PERFORM AS-SALAAT ACCORDING TO THE QUR?AN...

unknownuser

Salaamun alaika brother IQO,

Thank you for a well written preface !

For the book, all occurrences of "ayah" should be changed to "ayaat", and it should be spelled "shiite" instead of the way it is currently spelled, and "tashahud" should be spelled "tashahhud".

It is not considered necessarty to do so now, although there is no problem in proving each of them innovations to the Deen of Al-Islam as given in Al-Qur?an.

It should be "necessary" and "those" and "in the Deen".

The sentence needs to be rephrased to "there is no problem in proving from Al-Qur'an each of those innovations in the Deen of Al-Islam". Otherwise the way it is currently written makes it appear that Al-Qur'an contains the innovations in the Deen !!

Salaam

ImamQuranonly

As Salaamu Alaika Tanveer bro,

Thanks a million again for pointing these out. Appropiate changes will be made, Allah willing. I guess it should be clear by now that I am not a professional writer! ;D And to think that I proof read it before posting! rotfl I would hate to post something without proof reading it.

As Salaamu Alaikum, peace

Salaamun alaika brother IQO,

Thank you for a well written preface !

For the book, all occurrences of "ayah" should be changed to "ayaat", and it should be spelled "shiite" instead of the way it is currently spelled, and "tashahud" should be spelled "tashahhud".

It should be "necessary" and "those" and "in the Deen".

The sentence needs to be rephrased to "there is no problem in proving from Al-Qur'an each of those innovations in the Deen of Al-Islam". Otherwise the way it is currently written makes it appear that Al-Qur'an contains the innovations in the Deen !!

Salaam

unknownuser

As Salaamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullah

I'm sorry brother Quranonly that it took me a little longer then expected to reply. It is said, "Life stops for no one." How right that is.
I read the excerpts from your book. I have also read some of the other posts online as well as other forums and websites.
Frankly within this movement, if one should favor to call it so, I've seen alot for which concern is warranted. For the last 1300 years, al Diynul Islaam has been as a dusky jewel. Covered with the various opinions of generations of scholars, the various madhabs, the fatwas, and of course needless to mention thousands of baseless/genuine hadith obscurred the beauty of Submission. After Rashad Khalifa came and from 1974 onwards, the traditional understanding and theological framework of Ahlus Sunnah Islam has slowly eroded. We find ourselves here in the present era of this movement, this Quran alone restoration of Islam.
Fortunately, we find ourselves in the information age where data streams travel thousands of miles a minute and connect people from Los Angeles to Lahore, Boston to Bangladesh. Alhamdulillah for that. Yet, unfortunately, the internet has allowed alot of mentally unstable individuals, opportunists, and for lack of a better description lifeless losers to pour into this common well any opinion they find suitable.
These days we have among the muslims, individuals who speak no arabic, individuals who have not gone through the rigorous labors of studying al arabiyyatul fusha min al quran, nor through any theological training acting as internet imams disseminating fatwas all over the place. Individuals denouncing other individuals as incorrect who could not read nor understand the Arabic in modern arabic, yet alone Classical arabic and relying on Lane Arabic Lexicons and internet arabic dictionaries.
An essential piece of information, a comprehensive understanding, is lacking in today's Quran alone movement Islam is a system (319, 85; 53 see below)

This day have I perfected for you your religion and completed My favor on you and chosen for you Islam as a din(system).
T
he word Din is the semitic root for legal action, judgment, court. Islam has certain laws to be followed, certain manasik (observances) to be upheld. These are not up for debate, nor compromise. They are what they are.
What most muslims have also forgotten, is why the Quran was revealed. Allah says

And We have not revealed to you the Book except that you may make clear to them that about which they differ, ind (as) a guidance and a mercy for a people who believe. (1664)

Having laid the groundwork as to how I approach questionable subjects in the light of Al Quran, here is my answer

I applaud your effort to approach the Salat question and seek a clear answer from the Quran. I also appreciate the time and effort put into your work. I found seveal pieces of your presentation interesting, and I am restudying the 3 salat question as a result. Having said that, I disagree on several points

a) Allah says in the Quraan

Recite that which has been revealed to you of the Book and keep up prayer; surely prayer keeps (one) away from indecency and evil, and certainly the remembrance of Allah is the greatest, and Allah knows what you do. Qur 2945

It is this verse for which most Quran alone Muslims/submitters derive the justification to change the standard pattern of salaat and devise new methods of salaat drawn from the Quran alone. The problem with this understanding is they don't read the next verse

And do not dispute with the followers of the Book except by what is best, except those of them who act unjustly, and say We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you, and our God and your God is One, and to Him do we submit. 2946

It is being propagated to take your words from the Quran alone based on the word "wa" which connects the two thoughts "Atlu M 'iya 'Ilayka Mina Al-Kitbi" and "Wa 'Aqimu A-alata". If that is so, and we use the same logic applied tehn we must also admit the thought "Wa L Tujdil 'Ahla Al-Kitbi 'Ill Bi-At Hiya 'Asanu 'Ill Al-Ladhna ?alam Minhum (And do not dispute with the followers of the Book except by what is best, except those of them who act unjustly) is also a part of Salaat.

Also the following verse is used
Keep up prayer from the declining of the sun till the darkness of the night and the morning recitation; surely the morning recitation is witnessed. 1778
(in transliteration 'Aqimi A-alata Lidulki Ash-Shamsi 'Il? Ghasaqi Al-Layli Wa Qur'na Al-Fajri 'Inna Qur'na Al-Fajri Kna Mash/hdan )

And it is therefore postulated that since the term qurana al-fajri is used in conjunction with the salatul fajr then that also means salat is to be derived solely from the Quran. What is ignored however is that like all arabic words, even quran has a meaning
In Arabic, the word qur'n means "reading" or "recitation". Grammatically, it is the verbal noun (madar) of the Arabic verb qara'a " read" or " recited". The word qur?n may convey the meaning, not merely of reading or recitation, but of diligent reading or recitation, because the vocalic template (wazn &#1606 of the word is the fu'ln form, which indicates excessiveness, diligence or devotion in doing the act. (Compare the verb ghafara ?to forgive?, whose verbal noun, ghufrn , also in the fu'ln form, means an excessive or diligent act of forgiveness.)

In the Qur'an, the word "qur'n" can have the generic sense of "reading", "recital", as in 7518

And when We read it, follow thou the reading (Pickthall's translation)

So translating the Quran at dawn, as the progressive muslims are want to do, while an acceptable translation is not the only translation. The translation of the "morning recitation", or the reciting of the salat at dawn flows much better in the context of the verse and the overall context of Quran. Even if we agree that it means to recite the Quran at dawn, then that is also satisfied in the recitation of Suwratul Fatiha in the salaat.

b) As Islam is a system, Salaat is one of its laws. The modern progressive muslims and Quran alone muslims who take the stand that every word of our practice must be derived from the Quran alone are ignorant of certain realities. One of those is that Muhammad is commanded in the 3rd chapter revealed (73 in today's uthmani division) to
...and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate and offer to Allah a goodly gift, and whatever of good you send on beforehand for yourselves, you will find it with Allah; that is best and greatest in reward; and ask forgiveness of Allah; surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. 7320

Now this was the third chapter revealed after Suwrah 96 (Al Alaq) and Suwrah 68 (Al Qalam) neither one of which contain a detailed manner or description of how to make Salaat. So where did Muhammad learn how to make Salaat? The Submitters say It was handed down from Abraham (835; 954; 16123; 2173; 2227; 2827 among many verses). They postulate that the salaat was handed down word for word from a Chaldean named Abram (who spoke Akkadian at a time when arabic didn't exist yet) all the way to Muhammad, and that he cleaned up a few messes the Quraish made along the way. They neglect, however this verse

But if you are in danger, then (say your prayers) on foot or on horseback; and when you are secure, then remember Allah, as. He has taught you what you did not know. 2259

So if they, and at this time Muhammad was still in Makkah among the Quraish, didn't know the Salaat that blows the whole Submitter idea out of the water (and casts some serious doubt on the traditional understanding of those verses).

Yet if we go back to the verse from the begining

And We have not revealed to you the Book except that you may make clear to them that about which they differ, ind (as) a guidance and a mercy for a people who believe. (1664)

We get a better picture. The basic structure of Salaat existed from Abraham's time down (as can be found in many places through out the bible on how the old testament prophets prayed Standing, bowing, prostrating). The two descendants of Abraham, Ishmael and Isaac, took with them the practices of their father (one becoming judaism, the other the basis for the practices of Islam). When Muhammad came he was taught by Allah (see above) how to properly perform it and how to purify it

How to perform ablution (443;56)
What Qiblah to face (2142-150)
What tone of voice to use (17110)
What is the order of the Salaat (4101-103)
When not to and how to approach the Salaat (443)
When in abnormal circumstances (2239)
In what units to perform the Salaat (4101; 3446)
Certain additions/reformations (such as al fatiha 1587; what to say in sujjud 17107-111)
Additional adiya (duas) to be performed after Salaat (3191-194;4103)
Additional spiritual practices (Al Tahajjud)

Allah corrected that "in which they differ" and set it straight. That being said, the basic structure of Salaat was kept in place.

c) lastly Allah has warned us

And be not like those who became divided and disagreed after clear arguments had come to them, and these it is that shall have a grievous chastisement. 3105

and

Surely they who divided their religion into parts and became sects, you have no concern with them; their affair is only with Allah, then He will inform them of what they did. 6159

and

But they cut off their religion among themselves into sects, each part rejoicing in that which is with them.

Therefore leave them in their overwhelming ignorance till 353-54

As quran alone muslims, quranists, submitters, tolu-e-islam, progressive muslims, ahlul quran, and countless others are either starting to do or are actually doing spllitting into different camps drawn along separate understandings. They are doing as Allah had mentioned

Or have you a book wherein you read,

That you have surely therein what you choose? 6837-38

By each of us
a) pulling verses out of context
b) picking and choosing how we are going to observe and what are we going to observe
c) telling others that our manner of observance is right or argiung that another's is wrong
d) naming ourselves into groups
e) drawing up membeship lists and constitutions

We are becoming new sects and schisms and inventing our own Islam (Astaghfirullah).

In conclusion

To ImamQuranOnly while I humbly respect your work, I disagree with it.
To we muslims as a whole let us stick to the manner for which Allah has given us to solve disputes consensus. Lets not be like the jews and christians and countless other nations who went astray seeking after their own wants and understandings.

As Salaamu Alaykum
Your brother in Islam Abdul Latif

Samia

Salaam Abdul Latif

Thanks for the good post

Additional spiritual practices (Al Tahajjud)

Any relevant verse?

Allah corrected that "in which they differ" and set it straight. That being said, the basic structure of Salaat was kept in place.

And what's the basic structure of Salaat? I think this is the billion-dollar question!!

Wakas

peace Abdul, all,

Fortunately, we find ourselves in the information age where data streams travel thousands of miles a minute and connect people from Los Angeles to Lahore, Boston to Bangladesh. Alhamdulillah for that. Yet, unfortunately, the internet has allowed alot of mentally unstable individuals, opportunists, and for lack of a better description lifeless losers to pour into this common well any opinion they find suitable.
These days we have among the muslims, individuals who speak no arabic, individuals who have not gone through the rigorous labors of studying al arabiyyatul fusha min al quran, nor through any theological training acting as internet imams disseminating fatwas all over the place. Individuals denouncing other individuals as incorrect who could not read nor understand the Arabic in modern arabic, yet alone Classical arabic and relying on Lane Arabic Lexicons and internet arabic dictionaries.
An essential piece of information, a comprehensive understanding, is lacking in today's Quran alone movement Islam is a system (319, 85; 53 see below)

I agree with the gist of the above. We should also bear in mind that no matter how learned one is in Classical Arabic, Arabic grammar and 'al quran' etc one can still have poor logic and analytical skills. In fact, these rank greater than any knowledge of Arabic ever could... and that is why you'll never read in 'al quran' "those who know Arabic" will somehow understand 'al quran' better. It always mentions those who are knowledgable (including knowledge of Arabic but not the only knowledge!), those who think/reflect, have sincerity etc.

All that knowing Arabic does is improve one's chances of rendering a verse better. Like I've said in the past, no harm in trying to improve one's chances though.

unknownuser

This reply is meant to be brief in its stucture.

The million dollar question of what is the structure of Salaat can be weaned from a few sources.

a) That it came from before Muhammad
As I wrote before, Salaat came from before Muhammad as it was given to Ibrahim and Ismail

b) There was a definite salaat system in place in Muhammad's time
As we know the Salaat was being performed in Muhammad's time and Allah had revealed several verse in relation to it.

c) Differences arose after Muhammad passed away
As the two schools of thought, Ahlus Sunnatun Nabi and Ash Shi'atul Ali developed, the methodology of observances and practices began to change as well. We know that thousands of hadith were forged during this time, even before that stretching back to Muhammad's time, favoring different approaches. The manner of salaat and adhaan thereby became corrupted as well.

d) As Muslims the best manner is by Shura or counsel
As Allah has told us
? The 38th verse of 42nd Sura refers to the habit of consultation between all believers. It says
Those who hearken to their Lord, and establish regular Prayer; who (conduct) their affairs by mutual consultation; who spend out of what We bestow on them for Sustenance.
? The 159th verse of 3rd Sora orders Muhammad to consult with believers. It says
Thus it is due to mercy from Allah that you deal with them gently, and had you been rough, hard hearted, they would certainly have dispersed from around you; pardon them therefore and ask pardon for them, and take counsel with them in the affair; so when you have decided, then place your trust in Allah; surely Allah loves those who trust.
Muslims are not permitted to just make up their own practices and rites. We are instucted to question by the light of Quran and by consensus of practice.
e) Applying deductive reasoning will clarify the issue
All we should have to do then is to examine how the Salaat is made, especially by the sunni?s and shia?s. Then we research as to where the additions came from (are they in the Quraan or are they attributed to hadith). Once we weed out the additions and corruptions, then we examine the base structure by the quraan and see if is in agreeance with or dispute with the Quran. Once we?ve cleared that, then we can practice. In my research I?ve come to this standard practice

Face Makkah Sunni yes, Shia yes
Make Intentions for Salaat Sunni yes, Shia yes
Make Takbir Sunni yes, Shia yes
Recite Al Fatiha Sunni yes, Shia yes
Recite voluntary Suwrah Sunni yes, Shia yes
Make Ruku w/ Takbir Sunni yes, Shia yes
Say Subhana Rabbi Al Atheem Sunni yes, Shia yes
Raise up from Ruku Sunni yes, Shia yes
Make Sajdah w/ Takbir Sunni yes, Shia yes
Say Subhana Rabbi Al Ala Sunni yes, Shia yes
Raise up from Sajdah w/ Takbir Sunni yes, Shia yes
Make 2nd Sajdah w/ Takbir Sunni yes, Shia yes
Say again Subhana Rabbi Al Ala Sunni yes, Shia yes
Raise up from Sajdah w/Takbir Sunni yes, Shia yes
Repeat all the same steps in second rakaat Sunni yes, Shia yes
After second Sajdah raise up w/ Takbir Sunni yes, Shia yes
Make Tashahud (Ashahadu Anlaa Ilaha Illa Allah) while in Jalsah Sunni yes, Shia yes

Now we examine the salaat timings by the light of Quraan

Fajr 2 rakaat Sunni yes, Shia yes
Dhuhr 4 rakaat Sunni yes, Shia yes
Isha 4 rakaat Sunni yes, Shia yes

(I will avoid the the whole how many Salaat we should perform question, eventhough through the light of prayer and Quran I?ve come to agree with the three salaat structure)

There we have the baseline of performance.

Now will some pull away and still make Salaat however they want, yes. Will some continue to violate Al Quraan and make up their religion, yes they will. Will some fabricate or alter translations of the Quran to support their views, yes. That?s just how it goes, Shaytaan promised he would lead those of the Ummah he could astray. Allah guides whom He will and misguides whom He wills. What?s important for us to do as believers is to begin to form networks in our communities that are like seedlings for a jamaat where we practice our diyn communally. Allah will provide al huda.

unknownuser

Peace all,

The basic structure of salaat is given in al-qur'aan in COMPLETE DETAIL.

The above post seems to have missed this option !

There we have the baseline of performance.

According to THE AUTHOR'S OPINION, not necessarily supported by al-qur'aan.

The author of the above post seems to imply that HIS OPINION is the final word !

Now will some pull away and still make Salaat however they want, yes. Will some continue to violate Al Quraan and make up their religion, yes they will. Will some fabricate or alter translations of the Quran to support their views, yes.

Does the author of this quote realize that the above quote can apply to HIS OPINIONS about the structure of salat too ?

ImamQuranonly

As-Salaamu Alaikum Forum,

I pray that you are all doing well, insha Allah. I have been away because my computer is down and I don't have access to all of my research or the internet at home for the moment. I fully intend to respond to all of the comments that are relavent as soon as I am able to get back online with my own computer, Allah willing. Until then, keep studying and keep up the good work. I hope no one took my absence or non response as a sign that I agree or disagree with whatever they posted. ;D

As-Salaamu Alaikum, peace

unknownuser

Peace brother Tanveer,

I think that is very nice article by brother Abdul. But if you have better detail about the issue I would love to read that.

God Bless, Hamsa

unknownuser

As Salaamu Alaykum

I have placed my opinions, which are exactly that MY OPINIONS, in the arena for consensus.
Having said that I will also state that I have no intentions of joining with those who treat Islaam as buffet style religion.
My best wishes to all sincere muslims.

al hajji Abdul Latif Abdullah Al-isbani

unknownuser

Peace brother Hamsa,

It's your prerogative to consider someone's OPINIONS without any supporting evidence from al-qur'aan "NICE".

if you have better detail about the issue I would love to read that.

I have posted my understanding about the various aspects of the timed salaat of the muslimeen/mumineen with the supporting evidence from al-qur'aan many times in the relevant threads. Please read some of the recent threads on this issue. For example

http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=14094.msg123833#msg123833

http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=14080.0

http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=14083.msg124173#msg124173 (please read the complete thread).

Please also read the following articles for a better understanding of the "qiblah" issue

http//free-minds.org/articles/history/ayman1.htm

http//free-minds.org/articles/gods_system/name.htm

Also do a search in the forum for various discussions about salat and "qiblah" and Mecca etc.

To find better detail, however, I would urge you to read al-qur'aan. It has ALL COMPLETE DETAILS about "aqeemus-salaat". Verify everything you read before accepting/following it.

unknownuser

Peace brother Tanveer,

I have no problem with anyone's understanding, we are all students of Quran and I consider all you brothers sincere. And yes I do verify with Quran, but according to my humble understanding the issue of salaat is not 2+2=4. Or may be its my inability to comprehend. Anyways, thanks for the links, I'll surely read them.

May God bless all you brothers! Hamsa

unknownuser

Peace brother Hamsa,

I do have a problem with someone's understanding WHEN NO SUPPORTING EVIDENCES FROM AL-QUR'AAN ARE CITED AS REFERENCE.

For example in the following portion of the above post, the supporting evidences/references from al-qur'aan are CONSPICUOUS BY THEIR ABSENCE.

As you can note, the basic premises of the following post are taken from the sunni's and shia's way of salaat (which is based on unverifiable hearsay) and then supposedly compared with al-qur'aan instead of using al-qur'aan as the only source of guidance reference "aqeemus-salaat".

The last I checked, al-qur'aan is fully detailed (6114, 12111, 1712), contains every example (1789, 3927) and clear explanation of everything (1689) relevant to our guidance and is enough for our guidance (2951) and the Prophet followed only the Qur'aan (1015, 4105). What behooves me, then, is why do we need to even consider the sectarian method of salaat (based on unverifiable hearsay), despite these clear signs from al-qur'aan ?

All we should have to do then is to examine how the Salaat is made, especially by the sunni?s and shia?s. Then we research as to where the additions came from (are they in the Quraan or are they attributed to hadith). Once we weed out the additions and corruptions, then we examine the base structure by the quraan and see if is in agreeance with or dispute with the Quran. Once we?ve cleared that, then we can practice. In my research I?ve come to this standard practice

Face Makkah Sunni yes, Shia yes
Make Intentions for Salaat Sunni yes, Shia yes
Make Takbir Sunni yes, Shia yes
Recite Al Fatiha Sunni yes, Shia yes
Recite voluntary Suwrah Sunni yes, Shia yes
Make Ruku w/ Takbir Sunni yes, Shia yes
Say Subhana Rabbi Al Atheem Sunni yes, Shia yes
Raise up from Ruku Sunni yes, Shia yes
Make Sajdah w/ Takbir Sunni yes, Shia yes
Say Subhana Rabbi Al Ala Sunni yes, Shia yes
Raise up from Sajdah w/ Takbir Sunni yes, Shia yes
Make 2nd Sajdah w/ Takbir Sunni yes, Shia yes
Say again Subhana Rabbi Al Ala Sunni yes, Shia yes
Raise up from Sajdah w/Takbir Sunni yes, Shia yes
Repeat all the same steps in second rakaat Sunni yes, Shia yes
After second Sajdah raise up w/ Takbir Sunni yes, Shia yes
Make Tashahud (Ashahadu Anlaa Ilaha Illa Allah) while in Jalsah Sunni yes, Shia yes

Now we examine the salaat timings by the light of Quraan

Fajr 2 rakaat Sunni yes, Shia yes
Dhuhr 4 rakaat Sunni yes, Shia yes
Isha 4 rakaat Sunni yes, Shia yes

(I will avoid the the whole how many Salaat we should perform question, eventhough through the light of prayer and Quran I?ve come to agree with the three salaat structure)

There we have the baseline of performance.

unknownuser

Peace brother Tanveer,

ok, Actually whatever article I've read before about deriving the method of Salaat from Quran alone was nothing more than twisting the verses of Quran. When I ask Sunnis that why you need to know how to step out of home, which step first when going to toilet, they reply because Islam is the complete code of life so it tells you every detail. I tell them that Quran is full detailed and explain everything. They say that where we find such details as I just mentioned.

What I am trying to say is that ofcourse Quran is fully detailed that doesn't mean that it tells you everything but whatever was necassry to reveal has been revealed in full detail with all necassry explanations! What I have concluded, after reading all Quran alone salaat methods with twisting the vrese, that these details are not necassry or may be the Salaat we've been fighting since ages is unfounded!

This is my humble understanding and ofcourse I am open to consider any new understanding 100% thanks God. Let me read the links you provided with, and I hope InshaAllah I would get my understanding of The Book better and better with the help of you brothers.

With Respect, Hamsa

unknownuser

After diligent research (actually 8 hours or so of it) I've come to see my last post was in error.
Thanks for the ilm brother Tanveer.

Masalaam

unknownuser

Peace Brother Tanveer,

In your post somewhere you wrote

Allah not telling us the exact wordings of "nidaa" to al-salaat in al-qur'aan, therefore, can only mean that He left it up to us to arbitrarily choose any set of words/phrases for the purpose of "nidaa" to al-salaat, either based on al-qur'aan or common sense.

I agree with you on that, and this is my main point that we do not need to twist the verses of Quran in order to derive every single detail (Not only for Salaat but for other matters as well) from the Quran. Whatever detail is not given is left to us, and whatever left to us doesn't mean that Quran is not fully detailed. That is my understanding!

I couldn't follow the chain reaction of the posts in the links you provided with, but whatever I could read from those posts, I couldn't find a method of Salaat according to Quran alone as per your understanding. Do you have any one article which shows

How to start the salaat
Positions in salaat
Number of salaat each day (Some Quran alone believe 3 prayers per day and they have verses to back thier claim.)
Number of units in each salaat
Bowing down and prostrating (with their repetition in each unit)

If you could provide any complete article of yours about the whole method it would be of really great help. Beacuse its really interesting that I haven't read any article before in my life which shows the complete method of salaat from start to end! And if someone claims so then am ready to understand it!

Please brother give a complete article because I cannot follow the chain reaction of posts! You can say I have a disability for that. It is purely meant for understanding. I hope you won't mind.

With Respect, Hamsa

unknownuser

Peace brother Abdul,

Alhamdulillah. You are most welcome brother. All ilm and praise belongs to Allah, for without His help we are nothing. May Allah guide us all to the straight path so we can submit peacefully to Him according to His will.

Can you please share with us the results of your research when you have time so we can all benefit from it insha Allah ? I know aqeemus-salaat is a long subject but maybe a few salient points on only a few aspects will help. I really admire your willingness to study al-qur'aan, learn and improve your understanding mashaa Allah.

I apologize if you thought I was being a bit harsh about your post. It is just that I try to undertake an evidence based communication with relevant evidence from al-qur'aan.

Massalaam

unknownuser

Peace brother Hamsa,

Whatever detail is not given is left to us, and whatever left to us doesn't mean that Quran is not fully detailed. That is my understanding!

YOU GOT IT ! Alhamdulillah.

I couldn't follow the chain reaction of the posts in the links you provided with, but whatever I could read from those posts, I couldn't find a method of Salaat according to Quran alone as per your understanding.

If you could provide any complete article of yours about the whole method it would be of really great help. Beacuse its really interesting that I haven't read any article before in my life which shows the complete method of salaat from start to end! And if someone claims so then am ready to understand it!

Please brother give a complete article because I cannot follow the chain reaction of posts! You can say I have a disability for that. It is purely meant for understanding. I hope you won't mind.

I am sorry the order of my posts confused you a bit. Its just that I think establishing al-salaat is a personal act between an individual and Allah and thus the complete way one person establishes al-salaat may not necessarily be exactly similar to another person's way. The mental and physical aspects clearly mentioned in al-qur'aan, however, should be the same, comprising of the pre salaat washing, studying the signs of al-qur'aan by reciting them in a moderate tone and understanding them, being in a state of humility and obedience to Allah, remembering, praising, and glorifying Allah, praying to Allah, standing, and performing ruku and sujood etc.

The exact words used could be different for each person. The exact physical way one stands, and performs ruku and sujood could also be different for each person as long as one "falls" in ruku (for example kneeling with humility), and one "falls" TO the chin in sujood. Falling to the chin does not mean falling "upon" the chin, so the chin does not necessarily have to touch the ground, and even if it touches the ground it should be ok as one is still falling TO the chin in sujood. Also, in my understanding, there are 2 units in each salaat, each unit comprising of standing, ruku, and sujood, unless the salaat is shortened because of fear or war.

I would encourage you to customize your own complete method of salaat, as long as it conforms to the basic important points mentioned in al-qur'aan. That is why I don't believe in writing a complete method of salaat because I think Allah left the fine details up to the individual, otherwise He would have mentioned the fine microscopic details if they really were important.

For GROUP SALAAT, however, we need to reach at a consensus using mutual consultation (4238, 3159), so that all the people in the group establish salaat in a uniform manner. Obviously, in a group salaat, the leader will recite al-qur'aan in a moderate tone while the others listen to it silently.

Having said that, I will try to give you my understanding on some of the points you brought up

How to start the salaat

Do the pre salaat washing according to al-qur'aan and have mental clarity (56, 443). Then stand facing any physical direction (2115, 2142, 2177) (as long as your mental focus is on abstaining from the forbidden and obeying the commandments of Allah - 2144, 2149-150) and start reciting anywhere from al-qur'aan (4103 - "kitaban mawqootan"/timed BOOK, 1778 - "qur'aana al-fajri"/dawn reading, 17106-110) in a moderate tone (17110, 111). Recite any number of signs while understanding (443) them. If Arabic is not your first language, then recite the signs in Arabic (using transliteration) and then reading their translation so you understand what you are reciting. You could be doing it from memory or holding al-qur'aan in your hand, it does not matter.

17111 should always be recited in al-salaat. The first chapter is also a good choice for each unit, followed by any other signs from al-qur'aan, preferably the ones you haven't yet studied, or onwards from the last signs studied in the previous salaat.

The last utterance should be "alhamdu lillahi rabbi al-3alameen" (see 1010).

The direction should be a mental direction towards "masjid alharam"/institution of obedience the forbidden (2144). The focal point is not just during salat, but wherever one is (2149, 2150) and the evidence confirms it is non-physical (2115, 2142, 2177) (sectarians face their idol in Makkah/Mecca). Thus the physical direction could be in any direction.

Please see the following for more details

http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=13210.msg110854#msg110854 (please read the entire thread for studying the arguments presented by all parties).

http//free-minds.org/articles/history/ayman1.htm

http//free-minds.org/articles/gods_system/name.htm

Positions in salaat

Standing position (4102, 339, 2238, 4142). You could have your forearms on the side or folded or holding al-qur'aan with your hands, it does not matter.

Kneeling position (555, 3824). Remember and praise and glorify Allah (2945, 2014, 17110-111) using your words of choice from al-qur'aan and mention His beautiful names/attributes (17110) any number of times. If your understanding is that "falling in ruku" is "bowing" instead of kneeling then I think that should also be ok, as long as one performs physical ruku with humility in any way.

For a discussion on the physical ruku please see the following

http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=13496.0

Prostration TO the chin (17107, 109). Could be any physical way. For example flexing your neck and lowering your head until the chin rests on upper chest, or flexing your spine and lowering your head so the chin is nearer to the ground, or lowering your chin all the way until it touches the ground with your hands resting on ground, it does not matter as long as one is lowering and falling to their chins. Remember and praise and glorify Allah using your words of choice from al-qur'aan and mention His beautiful names/attributes any number of times.

Please see the following for a discussion about physical sujud

http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=12918.msg107735#msg107735

Probably that is why the disbelievers will not know how to perform sujud on the Last Day, and they will be dragged by their lying and errant foreheads (6842, 9615-16).

The physical ruku and sujood should be accompanied by mental humility and state of obedience/submission to Allah which is the more important aspect of ruku and sujood.

One can also offer "dua"/prayer to Allah at a position of one's choice, any number of times, using suitable signs from al-qur'aan or one's own words in one's own language.

Number of salaat each day (Some Quran alone believe 3 prayers per day and they have verses to back thier claim.)

There are 2 obligatory salaat each day according to al-qur'aan. Salaat al-fajr (dawn) and salaat al-isha (dusk). For evidences and proof from al-qur'aan, see the following discussions

http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=12200.msg92976#msg92976

http//free-minds.org/articles/quranic/salat2.htm

http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=7727.0 (for a detailed discussion on "al-salaat al-wusta&quot

http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=9110.msg107691#msg107691

http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=13595.msg115426#msg115426

http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=13595.msg115538#msg115538 (proof from grammar)

Those who claim there are 3 obligatory salaat per day, get their understanding by misinterpreting and twisting the meaning of "al-salaat al-wusta" in 2238 in an illogical manner, and then misinterpreting 1778 to fit their misinterpretation of 2238 as explained in some of the above links. Some other people deliberately mistranslate 11114 into "near part of the night" instead of the correct "near parts (plural) of the night" to get an extra salaat after dusk (see http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=12074.msg114433#msg114433). Thus even the proponents of 3 salaat differ in which 3 times. Interestingly, the former category claim dawn, noon, and dusk and the latter claim dawn, dusk, and night, but no one claims 4 salaat (dawn, noon, dusk, night) !!

Please see the following links for very interesting info on where the "5 times" came from, and how corruptions crept into "salat" and how muslims "lost" the salat

http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=10099.0

http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=8250.0

http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=7992.0

http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=9226.0

http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=7918.msg15417#msg15417

The hadeeth writers were mostly Zoroastrian converts (Iranians) and they merged the belief and practices of Zoroastrianism with the islam and corrupted it.

Number of units in each salaat

There are two units in each salat, please see the following discussions

http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=12981.msg106616#msg106616

http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=14109.0

In case of fear or war, the salat can be shortened to one unit, and can also be performed while walking or riding (4101, 2239).

Bowing down and prostrating (with their repetition in each unit)

Ruku and sujood once in each unit. Please see above for details.

Please read my following discussion once again for some other aspects that I haven't mentioned in this post

http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=12074.0

Hope that helps. Please let me know if your research from al-qur'aan gives you a different understanding on any of the above issues or if something is not clear in my post or you have a question on some other aspect of establishing al-salaat.

May Allah guide us all to the straight path and help us understand His signs.

unknownuser

Peace brother Tanveer

That is why I don't believe in writing a complete method of salaat because I think Allah left the fine details up to the individual, otherwise He would have mentioned the fine microscopic details if they really were important.

So we both agree on that! good

With having that in mind, I always believe that we shouldn't waste our time fighting about those differences which are not important at all or depend on each individuals rather we should be more concerned about the following

4213 He has made plain to you the religion which He enjoined upon Noah and We have revealed to you, and which We enjoined on Abraham and Moses and Jesus that To Establish Deen and not to be divided therein.

With Respect, Hamsa

Samia

With having that in mind, I always believe that we shouldn't waste our time fighting about those differences which are not important at all or depend on each individuals rather we should be more concerned about the following

4213 He has made plain to you the religion which He enjoined upon Noah and We have revealed to you, and which We enjoined on Abraham and Moses and Jesus that To Establish Deen and not to be divided therein.

Salaam Hamsa

While I agree with you in general, I just have to disagree on the "fighting" thing. We discuss in order to come to a better understanding. I agree that there are the odd fights, but that's normal in this environment and with the number of participants, maa shaa'llah. Maybe we are doing hajj without knowing!!