2:238 - evidence FOR/AGAINST a 'middle' prayer
-
Peace, people!
In 3017 and 3018
3017 (Asad) EXTOL, then, Gods limitless glory when you enter upon the evening hours, and when you rise at morn;
3018 (Asad) and unto Him is due all praise in the heavens and on earth, in the afternoon as well, and when you enter upon the hour of noon.that's 4 times, right?
Peace
Do you mean salat? If so, where do you see that word in the above verse?
-
good point!
So at the other times, you just say it in your head or out loud?You've got it. Just do what the Quran says. If it says praise God at a certain time, praise Him. If it says establish salat at a certain time, establish salat. However, I want to add that you can praise God, pray to Him, etc. whenever you want, needless to say.
-
Peace to all
Thank u Wakas for opening this topic,
When I started reading Quran with free-minds translation I never felt the meaning of the 2238 verse has got any thing to do with routine or obligatory salat which one should perform after having ablution at prescribed times. In an earlier discussion one year ago a brother who started reading Quran for the first time brought up the following meaning of those disputed verse. Perhaps he was not yet moulded with the pre-assumptions to match the meanings of the verses with those similar to the traditional beliefs.
Later I used to follow that method of deriving the meaning of Quran without any pre-assumptions even though it was difficult for me to come out of the mould created by the sediments of traditions practised for almost 30 years.
If you examine these verses from 2221 to 240 all the verses are about marriage, relation ships in the marriage and then divorce/death and again remarriage outlined in a particular sequence.
In 2221 we get an idea about whom we generally should marry then goes to the subject of sexual relation ship ie sexual relationship to be avoided during menstruation 2222and says we can approach them once they are clean as how God taught us. The approach or relation ship towards the woman is given by an example 2223? as an approach similar to a cultivation and towards goodness. Then slowly go to the topic of disputes in the relation ship- 2224/225 says not to be strict on casual oaths in which couple often interchange words. Then comes to the point of serious oaths of divorce 2226. bythe following verse Allah gives the guide line for ending the relation ships in different circumstances , First divorce which u can remarry and the duration abstaining from them and then second divorce again in which you can remarry- gives guidelines to settle the dowry. Then gives the laws of third divorce- at this point one can remarry only after she is married to a third party and after getting divorced. Next verse gives the guideline how to treat them after the divorce that they should not be prevented from remarrying. Then goes to the topic of the children they give birth in terms of suckling and the responsibilities of husband and wife.
Then it deals with the topic of women in 2234 where they loose their husband by death and in 2235 it teaches how to propose to those widows and getting married to them.Then again comes to the topic of special divorce where women get divorced before the sexual relation ship. 2236-237
This is a very special circumstance where a woman get married and getting divorced before/after fixing the dowry but before any sexual contacts. This is not a normal thing to happen but again Quran is fully detailed and nothing is missed out.
Let us try to examine the next verses.
2238 Maintain the bonds; and a balanced bond; and stand for God dutifully
2239 But if you are in a state of fear, 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.
And then next verse 2240 And for those of you whose lives are terminated and they leave widows behind; a testimony to them that they may enjoy for one year without being made to vacate. If they leave then there is no sin upon you for what they do to themselves in goodness; and God is Noble, Wise.If the sequence of narration is about marriage, relation ship, divorce ,death and then special divorce then 2238 and 239 also should talk about the same subject and not about daily routine or obligatory salat which one should perform after having ablution at prescribed times, since 2240 is again dealing with topic of the woman whose husband lives are terminated.
Now when we look at this peculiar situation of some body getting married as in verse 2236-237 and he gets a call for war. There is no guarantee he will comeback alive. So whoever in the situation of fear of death or war can divorce their women if he has not entered into a sexual relation ship with his wife and there is no sin on him.
On this context if we read the verse 2238 Maintain the bonds; and a balanced bond; and stand for God dutifully (? do not use the meaning? prayer? or ?blessings ? for salat) . This bond is talking about the bond between the woman who got divorced and her husband who divorced her beacuse of his life is in fear . This bond should be a moderate/balanced (al wusta) one and be dutiful to God ( ie fear God) that means not to exceed the limits or boundaries - do not get into deep relationship or not to hurt them by taking back all the dowries.
Once the fear is over
2239 But if you are in a state of fear, then you may do so while walking or riding.(they can do the bonding) If you become secure, then remember God as He has taught you what you did not know.That means once fear of death is over he can always comeback to her as how God has taught us in the previous verse, ie the remarriage. If he dies woman is allowed to remarry without the prescribed period of 4 months and 10 days.
Next verse 2240 further details about a woman who did not get divorced and looses her husband while in fear.
2241 says about how to treat a divorced woman.So think about the circumstance somebody gets married and before having a sexual relationship he has to go for a war and he dies. What happens to the woman if she was not divorced before the war she has to wait for 4 months and 10 days before she can remarry.
This is a very important topic where Allah has set out the guide lines so that these women do not suffer. These circumstances might have been common in those times when they had frequent wars.I don?t think Almighty suddenly brought the subject of routine salat in between the subject of marriage, relation ship , divorce/ death and remarriage. Here when we use word ?bonding? instead of ?prayers? or ?blessing? for salat ( which also suits in other contexts where it is used in Quran) the verse talks about the bonding between a couple who gets divorced before having a sexual relationship.
So the question of third timing of routine salat does not exist.
abdu
-
Peace,
After looking thoroughly into the conditions of "al salaatu al wustaa", I see how this can be translated as "middle prayer" and "best/most excellent prayer". Since the word "wustaa" is used in a comparitive form, it makes sense for this to mean "the most excellent communion". However, in light of the mainstream idea that "salaat" is ritual prayer, and ALL of them are obligatory, being 2, 3, or 5, which one is the best one? Does it make sense for us to regard one salaat observance as "better" than another?
The only thing I've seen that supports this idea is the hadiyth concerning daily salaat
It was narrated that Ibn ?Umar said The Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said ?The best prayer before Allah is Fajr prayer on Friday in congregation.? (Narrated by al-Bayhaqi in Shu?ab al-Eemaan; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami?, 1119)
I don't completely agree with this idea, at least not regarding to it occurring specifically on Fridays, especially not based on the idea that Adam was created on Friday, expelled from the garden on Friday, he died on Friday, and the day of Judgement will occur on Friday... So, what is the "best" salaat, and how is it viewed in relation to the "salawaat" mentioned previously in the same passage?
Peace,
Ahmad
-
Peace to all
Thank u Wakas for opening this topic,
When I started reading Quran with free-minds translation I never felt the meaning of the 2238 verse has got any thing to do with routine or obligatory salat which one should perform after having ablution at prescribed times. In an earlier discussion one year ago a brother who started reading Quran for the first time brought up the following meaning of those disputed verse. Perhaps he was not yet moulded with the pre-assumptions to match the meanings of the verses with those similar to the traditional beliefs.
Later I used to follow that method of deriving the meaning of Quran without any pre-assumptions even though it was difficult for me to come out of the mould created by the sediments of traditions practised for almost 30 years.
If you examine these verses from 2221 to 240 all the verses are about marriage, relation ships in the marriage and then divorce/death and again remarriage outlined in a particular sequence.
In 2221 we get an idea about whom we generally should marry then goes to the subject of sexual relation ship ie sexual relationship to be avoided during menstruation 2222and says we can approach them once they are clean as how God taught us. The approach or relation ship towards the woman is given by an example 2223? as an approach similar to a cultivation and towards goodness. Then slowly go to the topic of disputes in the relation ship- 2224/225 says not to be strict on casual oaths in which couple often interchange words. Then comes to the point of serious oaths of divorce 2226. bythe following verse Allah gives the guide line for ending the relation ships in different circumstances , First divorce which u can remarry and the duration abstaining from them and then second divorce again in which you can remarry- gives guidelines to settle the dowry. Then gives the laws of third divorce- at this point one can remarry only after she is married to a third party and after getting divorced. Next verse gives the guideline how to treat them after the divorce that they should not be prevented from remarrying. Then goes to the topic of the children they give birth in terms of suckling and the responsibilities of husband and wife.
Then it deals with the topic of women in 2234 where they loose their husband by death and in 2235 it teaches how to propose to those widows and getting married to them.Then again comes to the topic of special divorce where women get divorced before the sexual relation ship. 2236-237
This is a very special circumstance where a woman get married and getting divorced before/after fixing the dowry but before any sexual contacts. This is not a normal thing to happen but again Quran is fully detailed and nothing is missed out.
Let us try to examine the next verses.
2238 Maintain the bonds; and a balanced bond; and stand for God dutifully
2239 But if you are in a state of fear, 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.
And then next verse 2240 And for those of you whose lives are terminated and they leave widows behind; a testimony to them that they may enjoy for one year without being made to vacate. If they leave then there is no sin upon you for what they do to themselves in goodness; and God is Noble, Wise.If the sequence of narration is about marriage, relation ship, divorce ,death and then special divorce then 2238 and 239 also should talk about the same subject and not about daily routine or obligatory salat which one should perform after having ablution at prescribed times, since 2240 is again dealing with topic of the woman whose husband lives are terminated.
Now when we look at this peculiar situation of some body getting married as in verse 2236-237 and he gets a call for war. There is no guarantee he will comeback alive. So whoever in the situation of fear of death or war can divorce their women if he has not entered into a sexual relation ship with his wife and there is no sin on him.
On this context if we read the verse 2238 Maintain the bonds; and a balanced bond; and stand for God dutifully (? do not use the meaning? prayer? or ?blessings ? for salat) . This bond is talking about the bond between the woman who got divorced and her husband who divorced her beacuse of his life is in fear . This bond should be a moderate/balanced (al wusta) one and be dutiful to God ( ie fear God) that means not to exceed the limits or boundaries - do not get into deep relationship or not to hurt them by taking back all the dowries.
Once the fear is over
2239 But if you are in a state of fear, then you may do so while walking or riding.(they can do the bonding) If you become secure, then remember God as He has taught you what you did not know.That means once fear of death is over he can always comeback to her as how God has taught us in the previous verse, ie the remarriage. If he dies woman is allowed to remarry without the prescribed period of 4 months and 10 days.
Next verse 2240 further details about a woman who did not get divorced and looses her husband while in fear.
2241 says about how to treat a divorced woman.So think about the circumstance somebody gets married and before having a sexual relationship he has to go for a war and he dies. What happens to the woman if she was not divorced before the war she has to wait for 4 months and 10 days before she can remarry.
This is a very important topic where Allah has set out the guide lines so that these women do not suffer. These circumstances might have been common in those times when they had frequent wars.I don?t think Almighty suddenly brought the subject of routine salat in between the subject of marriage, relation ship , divorce/ death and remarriage. Here when we use word ?bonding? instead of ?prayers? or ?blessing? for salat ( which also suits in other contexts where it is used in Quran) the verse talks about the bonding between a couple who gets divorced before having a sexual relationship.
So the question of third timing of routine salat does not exist.
abdu
Thanks for this intelligent analysis, this makes thinks much clearer and keeping things in context is definitly the best approach.
regards
-
peace abdu,
Thanks for your analysis, however it has its problems, two points
You bring up the man being in fear issue and apply it to 2238 before it is mentioned in 2239. Note the conjunctive "fa" (so/then).
Your explanation of 2239 does not fit as it is about remembering God, not a past wife etc, making it an insertion/extrapolation.In my view, in addition to what I have already said, it simply means whilst one is guarding/preserving bonds (in life there are many), remember to guard/preserve the most balanced bond, and that is to God and His system etc. If this is done, then all other bonds will inevitably be straightened and preserved etc, and even when in fear, then it goes onto discuss death of spouse etc.
-
Excellent points, Wakas.
I'd say that "qoomoo" can refer both to physical standing (because of the contrast to walking and riding in 2239) and to persisting.A possible translation
2238 Guard over the bonds, especially/most importantly the most balanced/excellent bond (i.e. to God), that is, by means of standing/persisting to God dutifully (i.e. having utmost concentration and dedication).
Peace
-
In my view, in addition to what I have already said, it simply means whilst one is guarding/preserving bonds (in life there are many), remember to guard/preserve the most balanced bond, and that is to God and His system etc. If this is done, then all other bonds will inevitably be straightened and preserved etc, and even when in fear, then it goes onto discuss death of spouse etc.
So, what are the "specific times" for these bonds?
-
Peace Ahmad
So, what are the "specific times" for these bonds?
Bonds/"salawat" is a general term that does not specifically have anything to do with the timed bond/"salat" - it can refer to all sorts of bonds/"salawat".
As Wakas has said
In my view, in addition to what I have already said, it simply means whilst one is guarding/preserving bonds (in life there are many), remember to guard/preserve the most balanced bond, and that is to God and His system etc. If this is done, then all other bonds will inevitably be straightened and preserved etc, and even when in fear, then it goes onto discuss death of spouse etc.
Note that the context of 2238 is marriage life (i.e. the bonds of marriage). One must guard over these, but never forget about God, to whom is our most balanced/excellent bond.
-
Perhaps it means Guard over (hafithoo aala) the acts of going/turning towards (i.e. bonds) (al salawat), especially/but most importantly/and/but (wa) the act of going/turning towards (al salat) the moderation/balance/best/excellence (al wusta), that is/and (wa), standing/persisting/stand (qoomoo) for/to (li) God (Allah) qaniteena (dutifully)
So basically "al salat al wusta" = the act of going/turning towards the moderation/balance/excellence
Just a thought...
-
Excellent points, Wakas.
I'd say that "qoomoo" can refer both to physical standing (because of the contrast to walking and riding in 2239) and to persisting.A possible translation
2238 Guard over the bonds, especially/most importantly the most balanced/excellent bond (i.e. to God), that is, by means of standing/persisting to God dutifully (i.e. having utmost concentration and dedication).
Peace
Salaam
Standing MUST refer to a physical one because the other sign goes on
2239 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.
It's crystal clear that salavat refers directly to bonds of couple (...And do not forget the favor between you... 2237) and salat is timed READING / CONTACT which was done by prophet.
But I can't figure out "this fear".
-
Peace Progressive,
Bonds/"salawat" is a general term that does not specifically have anything to do with the timed bond/"salat" - it can refer to all sorts of bonds/"salawat".
I can agree that, in this passage, "wusta" is used in a comparitive sense; in other words, it means best or most excellent. However, your argument is still contradictory, since "salawaat" is the plural form of "salaat". Therefore, you can't make "salaat" about one thing and "salawaat" about something else, especially in the same verse. For example, if this was (hypothetically) relating to prayer, it would say this
Guard the prayers, and (or especially) the most excellent prayer...
Guard the bonds, and (or especially) the most excellent bond...
Guard the connections, and (or especially) the most excellent connection...Either way you translate this, it is referring to the same principle of discussion, since "wusta" is used comparitively. It's illogical to make "salawaat" about the marriage bond and then make "salaat" about our communion with Allah, and it makes the idea of the passage unreasonable. If you placed this concept of "salawaat" as referring specifically to the marriage agreement, then the "best bond" would also have to be related to the marriage bond. Otherwise, it must be talking about the timed salaat observance.
As Wakas has said
Wakas' argument is partial to the subject at hand. There is nothing in 2238 or 2239 that say that, once we preserve the marriage bond, and THEN the bond with Allah, that all of our other bonds will be straightened. If anything, it refutes this logic, since 2239 speaks of the people being in fear, meaning their bonds (with humanity) were not straightened... Also, the end of 2239 enforces to us that AFTER WE ARE SECURE, then we should "remember Allah" as He taught us. So, what way is this? There's no specific way to preserve a bond, and there's no different in preserving a bond when we're safe or when we're in danger. In fact, the Qur'aan actually says that people, when in fear, call upon Allah to save them, and they turn away from Him after He saves them from their calamity. Based on this, why would we be told to remember Allah the way He taught us AFTER WE ARE SAFE?
After examining all the details, it becomes clear (at least to me) that "salaat" must be a physical action, something that we do, directed solely toward Allah. Therefore, the "salawaat" (plural of salaat) must also be something we do (or "things" we do), which should be directed toward Allah alone. When 4103 said that the salaat is at specific times, it's talking about ALL forms of salaat, which means that it should all be directed to a human. The Qur'aan is very careful with it's wording, never making any mistakes or causing any inconsistencies. The salaat, according to the Qur'aan, whether you believe it to be a bond, a service, or a prayer, shouldn't be directed to anyone other than Allah, and it should occur at specific times. Therefore, the concept of preserving (or guarding) a 'marriage salaat/bond' is inconsistent with the rest of the scripture...
-
Peace Ahmad,
I can agree that, in this passage, "wusta" is used in a comparitive sense; in other words, it means best or most excellent. However, your argument is still contradictory, since "salawaat" is the plural form of "salaat". Therefore, you can't make "salaat" about one thing and "salawaat" about something else, especially in the same verse. For example, if this was (hypothetically) relating to prayer, it would say this
Guard the prayers, and (or especially) the most excellent prayer...
Guard the bonds, and (or especially) the most excellent bond...
Guard the connections, and (or especially) the most excellent connection...Either way you translate this, it is referring to the same principle of discussion, since "wusta" is used comparitively. It's illogical to make "salawaat" about the marriage bond and then make "salaat" about our communion with Allah, and it makes the idea of the passage unreasonable.
You are mistaken. The reason why you think it is "contradictory" is because you think that slw refers to a connection to God only. This is clearly not the case - it can be a bond between anything.
After examining all the details, it becomes clear (at least to me) that "salaat" must be a physical action, something that we do, directed solely toward Allah. Therefore, the "salawaat" (plural of salaat) must also be something we do (or "things" we do), which should be directed toward Allah alone. When 4103 said that the salaat is at specific times, it's talking about ALL forms of salaat, which means that it should all be directed to a human. The Qur'aan is very careful with it's wording, never making any mistakes or causing any inconsistencies. The salaat, according to the Qur'aan, whether you believe it to be a bond, a service, or a prayer, shouldn't be directed to anyone other than Allah, and it should occur at specific times. Therefore, the concept of preserving (or guarding) a 'marriage salaat/bond' is inconsistent with the rest of the scripture...
Again, you are mistaken.
Slw does not specifically refer to something that is "directed solely toward allah", as you said.
3356 Inna Allaha wamala-ikatahu yusalloonaAAala alnnabiyyi ya ayyuha allatheenaamanoo salloo AAalayhi wasallimoo tasleeman
3356 The God and His angels yusallona unto the prophet. O you who acknowledge, you shall salloo unto him, and become peaceful/comply completely.
2157 Ola-ika AAalayhim salawatunmin rabbihim warahmatun waola-ika humu almuhtadoona
2157 Unto these will be salawat from their Lord and a mercy; they are the guided ones.
Slw is something GENERAL, which has the basic meanings of "going/turning towards", "remaining attached", etc.
You are confusing the timed bond ("al salat" with "salawat" and slw in general. -
So, you're saying that S-L-W is not relating to "salaat"? You're saying that "salawaat" is NOT the plural form of the word "salaat", but it means something totally different?
Maybe I'm missing something, but I don't see how "salaat" must be directed toward Allah alone, while "salawaat" (the plural form of salaat) can be directed towards anybody. Am I misunderstanding you or something? The word "salaat" (or salah) is singular, while "salawaat" is plural. Therefore, if "salaat" (SINGULAR) means bond, then "salawaat" means bonds (PLURAL). If "salaat" can only be directed to Allah, then "salawaat" can also only be directed to Allah, since they are the same things...
-
Ahmad,
So, you're saying that S-L-W is not relating to "salaat"? You're saying that "salawaat" is NOT the plural form of the word "salaat", but it means something totally different?
Note slw = sad-lam-waw
I never said that slw is not related to "salat". I also never said that "salawat" is not the plural form of "salat".
Where did you get that from?Maybe I'm missing something, but I don't see how "salaat" must be directed toward Allah alone, while "salawaat" (the plural form of salaat) can be directed towards anybody. Am I misunderstanding you or something? The word "salaat" (or salah) is singular, while "salawaat" is plural. Therefore, if "salaat" (SINGULAR) means bond, then "salawaat" means bonds (PLURAL). If "salaat" can only be directed to Allah, then "salawaat" can also only be directed to Allah, since they are the same things...
What I was saying that "salat" is a GENERAL word meaning "bond" (literally "act of going/turning towards in a close/positive manner"/"act of following closely"/etc.)
While slw is predominantly used with reference to God (i.e. a bond to God/following God's laws closely/etc.), it is used in other contexts as well (e.g. bonding unto the prophet/commiting to him in 3356, 2157 talking about certain people recieving bonds/acts of going/turning towards from their Lord, and marriage bonds in 223.
I also said that you are confusing the timed salat, which is "kitaban mawqatan" (a timed record/decree) for the believers (see 4103) and is to be directed towards God alone, with slw in general, which is a general concept.
Once you have understood that slw is a GENERAL thing, you will understand 2238 much better.
While guarding over the bonds (the context is marriage, so it is talking about marriage bonds) we are never to forget about the most balanced/excellent bond, which is to God. Reply 17 would be useful to read. -
Hi all, Peace,
I was re-reading and I am still hanging with this little issue, "then you may do so while walking or riding"
Once the fear is over
2239 But if you are in a state of fear, then you may do so while walking or riding.(they can do the bonding) If you become secure, then remember God as He has taught you what you did not know.That means once fear of death is over he can always comeback to her as how God has taught us in the previous verse, ie the remarriage. If he dies woman is allowed to remarry without the prescribed period of 4 months and 10 days.
It seems "if you fear"
then "do that= walking or do that = riding",
if you are not in fear
then remember God the way He taught us.I think "remember God the way He taught us" , is acting the way He taught us regarding marriage and divorce in the contexte of 2221/241.
But in the other hand why do we have do it "walking or riding" ?I do not understand why "we can or have to do it walking or riding" can this have another meaning????
I am guessing something like "take it or leave it" but when you are sure then do it the way God taught us? Does it make sense?
from P-R-L
Ra-Kaf-Ba = to ride, embark, mount, be carried, go on board of a ship, voyage on (the sea), walk on (a road), commit (a fault). rakbun - caravan. rukban (pl. of rakib) - one who rides, mounted. rikab - camels. rakub - use of a beast for riding. mutarakibun - laying in heaps, ridden on one another, close growing, cluster over clustered, layer upon layer. tarkabunna - to pass on, rise, ascend.Ra-Jiim-Lam = to go on foot, urge with foot, walk, tie by the feet, let (a female) suckle her young, be curly (hair), set free with his mother. rajjala - to comfort anyone, comb the hair, grant a respite. tarajjala - to go down without rope. rijlatun - vigour in walking. rijlun - foot, soldiers, good walker, tramp. arajil - hunters, pedestrian. rajulun - male human being, man, a person with heir. rajilun - foot, footmen (slow walkers). rijlain - two feet. arjul (pl.) - feet.
Thanks for your help and input
-
Salaam
Standing MUST refer to a physical one because the other sign goes on
2239 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.
It's crystal clear that salavat refers directly to bonds of couple (...And do not forget the favor between you... 2237) and salat is timed READING / CONTACT which was done by prophet.
But I can't figure out "this fear".
Salaam bornagain
The word fear might have other meanings. I'm still waiting to see where this discussion will continue to.
Heres the root of that word
PRL Kh-Waw-Fa = To fear, to be afraid/frightened/terrified, to put fear into another, diminish or lessen or take from, to take little by little from a thing, take from the sides of a thing, slaughter or fight.
