If Allah wants things to be easy for us, why so much confusion about salat?
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Salaam,
All Allah's Prophets were Muslims & as far as I know they all prayed.
Maybe we should find out how they prayed and apply it to ourselves using what information we have in the Qur'an?
Just a thought!Selam
If we knew that, their would be no debate, no discussion.
Peace
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So there's no mention in the Bible &/or the Torah of how the Prophets prayed?
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Salam
for me no matter HOW you pray as there isn't any specific way in the great Reading that describes How you pray, except this
1- Standing up
2- bowing
3- prosternating
For timing i believe in the three daily salat as mentioned in the great reading.
For what to say while praying any invoking sequence from the great reading should be good. it doesn't make any sens that you recite verses from the quran (while callin' upon GOD) where HE speaks to the messenger (like the "they ask you about ...then SAY" Verses)
for Duration of the prayer left to everyone's will when prayin' alone, and ruled by the leader of the prayer in congregational prayer.
This is my understanding of the great reading by now, hope it helps.
May God guide us to the straight path, HIS path !
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Prayer according to the Quran
Dua To call upon Allah.
Salat Contact prayer with Allah based on the timed ordinance given in the Quran.
We call upon Allah in our contact prayer/salat.Prayers were not passed down Surah 835
Muhammad (pbuh) was taught prayer Surah 2239
We are to pray salat the way Allah taught us Surah 2014
?Muhammad is the Apostle of Allah, and those with him are firm of heart against the unbelievers, compassionate among themselves; you will see them bowing down, prostrating themselves, seeking grace from Allah and pleasure; their marks are in their faces because of the effect of prostration; that is their description in the Taurat and their description in the Injeel; like as seed-produce that puts forth its sprout, then strengthens it, so it becomes stout and stands firmly on its stem, delighting the sowers that He may enrage the unbelievers on account of them; Allah has promised those among them who believe and do good, forgiveness and a great reward.? Surah 4829Ablution Surah 443, 56
What to wear Surah 726, 731-33, 2430-31, 3333-35, 3359
Remove shoes on holy ground Surah 2012Times for prayer
Obligatory
Morning prayer Fajr/Dawn ? Ebkar/Sahab/Morning 341, 11114, 1315, 1778-79, 1911, 2458, 3017-18, 4055, 5039-40, 7625-26,
Midday prayer Zuhr/Noon ? Ghaeloona/Midday 2238, 11114, 2059, 2458, 3017-18, 5039-40,
Evening prayer Maghrib/Twilight ? Isha/Masa/Evening 341, 11114, 1315, 1886, 1911, 2458, 3017-18, 4055, 5039-40, 7625-26,
Non-obligatory
Night prayer Lail/Night ? Tahajjud/Vigil 1778-79, 2564, 3017-18, 5039-40, 732, 736, 7320, 7625-26Direction for prayer
Masjid Al-Haram Surah 2125,143-150, 2226Positions for prayer
Standing Surah 2238; 339; 4102
Bow down/prostrate Surah 3191, 4102; 2226; 3824; 4829Surah 4102 describes prayer with Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
Purpose of prayer
To study the Word of Allah, the teachings of Muhammad (pbuh), the Quran Surah 2121, 3113, 1698, 2792, 2945, 3529, 373, 732-4, 7320, 961
Declare submission to God Praise God, thank Him Surah 11-7; 2014; 17110-111; 245
Pray to God and God alone Surah 7218; 2945, 6162; 2014
Communicate with God Surah 443, 17110-111
Reverence Surah 232
What to ask for (but not limited to) Surah 2201, 2286, 3147, 3193, 11-7
Pray in moderate tone, do not pray to boast Surah 17110-111Examples of prayer Surah 11-7, 2201, 2250, 2286, 38, 338, 3147, 3191-194, 475, 583, 723,155-156, 747, 7126, 1085-86, 1141,1147, 12101,1440-41,1780,1810, 2025-28, 20114, 2183,87-88, 2329, 2397-98,118, 2574, 2719, 2816, 407-9, 4615, 5410, 5910, 605, 7128, 113 (all), 114 (all)
Proof Prayer
http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-6uPfKxk60 -
Peace everyone,
I discovered Islam 5 years ago now and yet I'm still not 100% sure about salat. What is puzzling to me is that if it is so important, why didn't Allah make it ABSOLUTELY clear as to how to pray? Meaning, if it is as crucial to being a Muslim as MOST say, why is it not listed in the Quran perfectly detailed, without any room for questions? Why must we flip around to different chapters piecing the directions (ie times/amounts, etc) together in order to do something that we are "required" to do? Some say that the word salat does not mean prayer, and more explanations of the term are cited adding to the confusion. And please, don't try to say it's very clear, 27 pages of questions/comments on this forum within the "Salat & Zakat" section does NOT show that it's clear. So far, it is the only thing in the Quran which I cannot ,for the life of me, wrap my head around. And one post within this section actually criticizes us for so many of us questioning the exact meaning, that is an insult to my intelligence.
lf
Peace,
Respectfully.Read in The Quran how people before prayed.
There are several examples.
I believe that the reason why the movements of the prayers (if that's what is confusing...?) are made to be throughout The Quran, is for us to be active and seek.God knows best.
Peace. -
Peace,
Has anybody come across a particular interpretation suggesting that salat can refer to commitment in many places amongst the traditional meanings, and also the word zakaa to mean purification/purify?
It's a good starting point, for commitment is a good word which really does in essence relate to the various traditional methods of connecting to God and the meaning of the word can include our dedication towards the praising and remembrance of the Most High through a limitless amount of actions, but I am not an expert on the topic, this interpretation can be found in the 'Mental Bondage' pdf on aididsafar.com website. Also the orthodox bowing and prostrating translation is humbly submitting in this document.
The writer has truly disowned and not compromised with the traditionalists whatever religion they may be from with regards to some of the rituals and traditions which he/she feels have no basis in the Quran. He does refer to verses and uses a system of cross referencing and so is worth the read for checking the techniques used, but an open mind is needed and alot of study to confirm yourself. Personally I haven't confirmed all of this, but I follow the best interpretation available to myself, and in the case of salat, if commitment is used as a meaning, at least it leaves an individual free in a sense to praise the Most High and remember Him in the ways they personally do best.
With a variety of cultures within mankind, I cannot expect a religion or a messenger sent to mankind as a whole to come with a law from God through the Angel Gabriel for the whole world to be so narrow with the diversity of methods to worship. So I feel if the word Zikr has a loose meaning of remembrance or purification which can encompass many methods then why should the meaning for the word salat be so specific and not encompass more than just a ritual prayer, whether physical or a mental ritual or both as in tradition.
But then again I may be very wrong, for me personally Islam makes life easier and I don't want to limit my self to a very specific and unflexible method of CONNECTING so to say. Certainty is not something easily attained, and I pray the Provider for this in my life and will always remember that with hardship comes ease, and understanding the truth may not always be any easy thing, especially on this matter.
Though the writer of 'Mental Bondage' does not support facing the Kaabah as a focal point, personally I don't see why God would punish me for turning to the East (I'm west of Mecca) and making a wish as long as my intentions are pure. Anyway this is not a time for opinions, more a subject that requires hard evidence from the Books of God whether they be Quran, Bible, or anything attributed to Him, at the end of the day ignorance may be bliss but Muhammed was not the only man with a message, lots of men have and had a message, lots of faiths teach methods to 'CONNECT', just as lots of brands sell different clothes and writers books.
Therefore I feel the messages of the Prophets should be used as only a guideline to help us keep to the straight path, we were not there during Mohammeds time to know how he prayed, the Quran does not provide you a video of how he did things, however there are many other sources though not Divine that tell us about the lives of the Prophets and should be considered, I notice a tendency to disregard everything else as obsolete, but isn't this Quran a confirmation and a clarification or restoration of what has been from before? If Prophets were sent to so many nations, it is clear the followers all of them at least didn't physically bow and prostrate in the islamic posture though they 'humbly submitted', even though there are remnants of the physical practice why is there not enough recorded history on it? Is the conspiracy that big?!
Anyways, the words of the first third world international superstar Bob Marley come to mind from his song 'Could you be loved?' (I think, if not, this is still a great lively song with strong lyrics), he sung
"If your not wrong, then everything is all right!"
Masoom
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All that much confusion on this "salat" thing proves that, there is something wrong about this "salat" thing.
God has send us The Reading in a clear Arabic and perfectly absolute form.
What is this mean?..This means, you can't translate it from Arabic to other languages with concession of this important rule.
For an example, if you give someone The Reading, who has no any advance information, then it should enough to explain itself in a clear way. You shouldn't give another book such as explaining the meaning and procedure of this "salat" thing.
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It is inevitable when people want to look for something as opposed to receive what is given, it's not a matter of choice, follow what is clear and simple and makes sense to you, thats my motto!
Maybe one day like the birds, everyone will know there salat!
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who said that?
We can put that to a questionnaire. But I am a witness to the people here who create sects (whether of themselves, or of those claiming to uphold the quran). I seek forgiveness from the god from doing such mistakes and going against quran 6159 and 3159
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Peace Masoom,
Maybe one day like the birds, everyone will know there salat!
We already know it. Just focus on the purpose and effect of "salat".
From the great reading, its purpose is to remember the god. Its effect is to take us out of the darkness and into the light (enlightment) and it instructs us not to do bad things.
There is no other way to remember or memorize anything other than by learning it and then reinforcing that learning.
Also, enlightment is the effect of learning and teaching others.
Also, if you want anyone not to do something bad you teach them not to do it and then remind them.
So the meaning of "salat" is learning/teaching of the god's signs either alone or in group.
This is also why it is best done at the specific times when our mind is most open to learning.
This is why the terms "reading" and "salat" are used interchangeably (dawn's reading/dawn's salat).
3341-43. O you who have faith, you shall remember the god frequently and glorify him morning and evening. He is the one who "yusali" on you, he and the controllers, to lead you out of the darknesses into the light and he is ever merciful towards those who have faith.
6510-11. ...Therefore, you shall reverence The God, O you who possess intelligence and have faith, The God has sent down to you a reminder A messenger who recites on you the god's clarifying signs, to lead those who have faith and work righteousness out of the darknesses into the light. Anyone who has faith in the god and leads a righteous life, he will admit him into gardens with flowing streams; they abide therein forever. The god will generously reward him.
Peace,
Ayman
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Peace everyone,
I discovered Islam 5 years ago now and yet I'm still not 100% sure about salat. What is puzzling to me is that if it is so important, why didn't Allah make it ABSOLUTELY clear as to how to pray? Meaning, if it is as crucial to being a Muslim as MOST say, why is it not listed in the Quran perfectly detailed, without any room for questions? Why must we flip around to different chapters piecing the directions (ie times/amounts, etc) together in order to do something that we are "required" to do? Some say that the word salat does not mean prayer, and more explanations of the term are cited adding to the confusion. And please, don't try to say it's very clear, 27 pages of questions/comments on this forum within the "Salat & Zakat" section does NOT show that it's clear. So far, it is the only thing in the Quran which I cannot ,for the life of me, wrap my head around. And one post within this section actually criticizes us for so many of us questioning the exact meaning, that is an insult to my intelligence. (
lf
Peace,
I haven't done my "salat" study yet but when it comes to the issue of finding detailed explanation of concepts in Kuran, I always remember the story of the Moses and the people of Israil about slaughtering a heifer.
266 So it was that We made it into an example for what had happened in it and also what had passed, and a reminder to the righteous.
267 And Moses said to his people God orders you to slaughter a heifer. They said Do you mock us? He said I seek refuge with God that I not be of the ignorant ones.
268 They said Call upon your Lord for us that He may clarify which it is. He said He says it is a heifer neither too old nor too young, an age between that. So now do as you are commanded.
269 They said Call upon your Lord for us that He may clarify what color it is.He said He says it is a yellow heifer with a strong color, pleasing to those who see it.
270 They said Call upon your Lord for us that He may clarify which one it is, for the heifers all look alike to us and we will, God willing, be guided.
2 71 He said He says it is a heifer which was never subjugated to plough the land, or water the crops, free from any blemish. They said Now you have come with the truth. And they slaughtered it, though they had nearly not done so.
What I understand from these verses is
Whenever GOD wants something from us to do, GOD always gives us enough explanation.( All the information that we have to know or need to know )
In the verse above God wants them to slaughter a heifer. It is a plain and a direct order but for the people it is not enough due to several reasons. In my opinion ,they were aware of what kind of a heifer they sould slaughter very well .The answer was in their heart allready . But i guess they did not wanted to slaughter "the heifer" in the first place so they ask God with the hope of a getting a different answer. But on the other hand if they did not ask for a detailed explanation they had the chance to chose an ordinary heifer as they wish according to the value they give to their creator. I also think that from this point the differences in the degrees of the muslims arise .
So to say for Salat there is also enough explanation in Kuran . All we have to do is to study the verses to reach the right understanding of the direct and plain order and then listen to our heart for the details.
It is just an opinion of mine that i reached according to my readings of Kuran , for now. Hopefully Allah will guide us to a better understanding if we stay in his path .
Peace
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You made some good points April4, well said.
Thank you
My sunni friends always reject taking Quran as a complete guidance. They always ask me how they are supposed to know the detailed instructions which are not in quran. I do tell them these verses and then my opinion about it along with some other verses about "the book Quran" but still they refuse to believe Quran is complete. (
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Thank you
My sunni friends always reject taking Quran as a complete guidance. They always ask me how they are supposed to know the detailed instructions which are not in quran. I do tell them these verses and then my opinion about it along with some other verses about "the book Quran" but still they refuse to believe Quran is complete.
Selam
Simply ask them to show you in their sunni books where it gives detailed guidelines on how to perform salat. They seem to think its in there fully detailed!
Peace