17:110 - What is the benefit of reciting the salat in a middle tone?
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17110 - Say Call upon Allah or call upon, the Beneficent Allah; whichever you call upon, He has the best names; and do not utter your prayer with a very raised voice nor be silent with regard to it, and seek a way between these.
In my experience reading something is not the same as reciting it. One possible benefit is that oftentimes the message behind a text gleams through when you rewrite it or even better, speak it. To speak some words intelligently or truthfully, you have to know exactly what you are talking about. To teach or explain a concept to someone else requires that you have a full understanding of it and the act of speaking lets you think deeper about the message.
If you are reciting the words, then it's almost as if you are talking to God through his own words. Or rather, God speaks to your heart through his unchanging words. Speech carries far more information via tone of voice and rhythms that are most pronounced when reciting. Contemplating the words of the creator using the method He has prescribed, there must evidently be a very good reason for this! Too loud and the meaning is drowned out by noise, too quiet and there isn't as much emotional captivation.
I find al-quran to have something ungraspable about it in that the book seems almost conscious in such a sense, some kind of luminous quality to it. So very intrigued and looking forward to learning something about this...
Peace, and much love fellow truth seekers!
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Peace.
The word in question in 339 is "yusallee". It is also used in 3343, in this context I dont see how one could fit 'learning connection' in. From its usage in Al-Quran, as well as "yasiloo/yoosala" it implies a meaning of reaching/connecting/linking, commiting, going/turning towards. Therefore, 339 would read
The Angels called to him while he was standing (reaching/connecting/linking/commiting, turning/going towards) in the Temple enclosure...
Kind of like meditation, or deep in prayer.
- Those given control called to him while he was persisting in the learning connection in the sanctuary "The God gives you good tidings of Yahya, authenticated with the word from The God, and a master, and steadfast, and a prophet from the righteous."
Linking between 1911, 337 and 339, we can understand that persisting in the learning connection can be done privately.
I agree EXCEPT the alone part. I cant see an example where 'salat' is done alone. The evidence implies otherwise.
I believe that there are two types of learning connections/"salawat".
The Arabic common name "salat" comes from the root "slw", which has the connotation of connection/link/relation. A connection/link/relation requires at least two participants to be connected/linked/related. Learning is a kind of connection. For example, it is a connection between the teacher and the learner and vice-versa (e.g., 9103, 3164, 622). It is also a connection between the learner and the author of the material one is learning from (e.g., 3343). Hence, there can be two types of learning connections.
If there is no difference, does that mean everytime when one studies Al-Quran, one must use the voice and recite Al-Quran? Or must one wash as prescribed in 56/443 everytime they study Al-Quran?
There are two types of learning connections.
The connection between the learner and the author of the material one is learning from in 3343 doesn't require the voice since we don't hear the voice of the "malaika" in 3343.
First type of learning connection (the one you call oration)
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The God has prepared for them a severe retribution. Therefore, you shall reverence The God, O you who possess intelligence and have faith, The God has sent down to you a reminder.
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A messenger who recites on you The God's clarifying revelations, 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.
Second type of learning connection (can be done alone)
3341-42. O you who have faith, you shall remember The God frequently. And glorify Him morning and evening.
- He is the One who connects the learning ("yusali" on you, He and those He gave control, to lead you out of the darknesses into the light. And He is ever Merciful towards those who have faith.
Notice that the purpose (remembering The God) is the same for both types and the effect (take those who have faith out of the darknesses and into the light) is also the same.
(1) why is the voice involved in 'salat'?
It is involved in the first type of learning connection but not necessarily in the second. I sometimes find it beneficial and it helps me to concentrate and appreciate the sound of it when I read the reading with a moderate voice even alone.
(2) Why is a time given for 'salat'?
Because of its purpose as a reminder. For it to be a reminder, we must persist in it regularly.
Abdelilah