2:238 - evidence FOR/AGAINST a 'middle' prayer
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We can see that "middle prayer" or any similar translation doesn't make sense. I will use Rashad Khalifa's translation as an example to illustrate this since he has misinterpreted and inserted words that aren't in 2239. This verse will show that "middle prayer" does not make sense.
The first thing to bear in mind is the context of the verses surounding 2238-239, which is marriage, contracts, divorce, God's comandments in regard to marriage and divorce, etc.
Now let us look at Rashad Khalifa's translation
2238 You shall consistently observe the Contact Prayers, especially the middle prayer, and devote yourselves totally to GOD.
2239 Under unusual circumstances, you may pray while walking or riding. Once you are safe, you shall commemorate GOD as He taught you what you never knew.
The key misinterpretations are present in 2239.
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"Fa khiftum" is not "under unusual circumstances." It means "If you fear" or "if you are in a state of fear" and similar expressions.
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The is no derivative of the root "SLW" in the verse
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According to this translation, tradiational prayer is supposed to be done on foot or riding. How are we to bow and prostrate according to the understanding? Where is an exemption listed for this if that is not the case? It is not clear and not a viable interpretation.
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Another key objection I have is How can we totally commemorate God and focus on our salat or "prayer" if we are worrying about something else? We need to understand what we are saying and be able to focus.
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The thing that stands out like a sore thumb is the following Rashad Khalifa and most other translators claim that these verses refer to prayer, and that prayer is to be done for the remembrance/commemoration of God. Why would it say "once/if you are secure/in a state of ease/relaxed, you shall remember God?" This implies that we aren't remembering/commemorating God during our time of fear/worry.
Thus, it makes sense to me that we are to go for a walk/ride to channel away or digest the stress/worry/fear so that we can again focus on remembering God.
Now, what is "al salat al wusta?" Well, for believers it should be their commitment/bond/relationship/duty with/to God. I see the phrase "wa qoomoo li llahi qaniteena" in two different ways, as shown in my translation. It can be understood as something seperate but related to "al salat al wusta," or it can be seen literally as "al salat al wusta."
Thus, my previous translation uses
2238 Guard/Preserve/Maintain/Guard over - the/all the - duties/commitments/bonds/relationships, - including - the central duty/bond/commitment/relationship, - and/and so/that is - you shall stand/persist - devoutly - for/to God.
"Wa" does not have to denote anything separate. In fact, the first "wa" has to be inclusive since we are told to "guard over/maintain all the salawat" - "al salat al wusta" however is emphasized. All of this makes sense when we look at the context. We are to maintain and carefully observe all our "salawat" and always remember what our "central" or "most important" or "most balancing" "salawat" is - it is the one we have with God and/or it is persisting/standing to/for God dutifully/devoutly.
I think the "al wusta" portion can be translated as "central," "most important," "balancing," "most balanced," "most right-minded," etc. I checked all the occurences of "WST" in The Reading and the meanings are as follows in the different verses
1005 "storming/penetrating into the midst/center"
589 "average" or "standard" or "most common"
6828 "Most balanced" or "most equitable" or "most right-minded"
2143 "Impartial" or "balanced" or "middle" or "central" - more likely "impartial/balanced"
Thus, I think "al salat al wusta" can refer to the "central" salat, which can be understood as the "most important" or "key" salat in our life. It could also be understood as the "most balancing" salat in our life. This could make sense in the context of divorce because you could have a partner that takes and takes without giving back, but God does not do that. Quite the contrary, what God gives us is everything and what we do for him is nothing or is almost 0.000000000... compared to what we do for him. Or, it can be seen as this relationship is the one that balances our life from all the bad things/worries that are going on. 2239 becomes very relevant.
Either way, whether "central," "most important" or "key" salat, and whether "and," "and so" or "that is" - the message is clear.
If you ask someone who is following his career closely and committing totally to his career and doing everything their boss says, staying late, dealing with getting yelled at, yearning for a promotion and only focusing on their job/area of expertise "what is your central/most important commitment?" They will name their career/job. Not so for those who trust in/acknoledge God. Similarly, if we understand it as "most balanced/balancing" commitment With all that is going on in a believer's/acknowledger's life - he/she knows that he/she can rely on God and that persisting/standing for/to God helps them and is the most important thing to them. Similar arguments could be used if we substitute in "most right-minded" and similar expressions.
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Salam/Peace, just posting this
https//www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5cbvQyHcUY
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Salaam
Very interesting. Appreciate this Sardar
Haven't spoken to any of you in a while, hope all is well
Thank you dear brother. I am well. In fact it's my birthday
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Salam and Happy Birthday brother Sardar! sun
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Salam and Happy Birthday brother Sardar! ) sun
D
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I currently believe that there are 3 Salats. The 2-Salat theory is interesting nevertheless.
I had a question though. I remember reading somewhere this argument The Koran uses the Arabic word Salawat which means a plural (3 or more). There's another word for 2 Salats which is Salatayn or something. If there were 2 Salats, God would have used that word at least somewhere in the Koran.
What are your thoughts about the above argument? A third Salat performed during the day would also give some support to another verse which talks about the Salat on the day/at the time of gathering.
Another argument in favor of Al Salat Al Wusta is that Al Masjid Al Haram is a similar word.
On another note, could the assembly prayer be specific to people of that time? There's another theory that it's talking about Hajj.
Thanks!
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Salam/Peace, just posting this
https//www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5cbvQyHcUY
Salam!
I am agreed to this when it talks about upholding the balanced relationships. However, as per my understanding this is in context with the nikah and talaq i.e. The subject being discussed. The reation of husband and wife is the basic unit of a society. So one should not break this bond until and unless he/she is unable to carry on. To me 'Rijalan aw Rukbanan' means to go individually/separately or together/accompanying each other after two Talaqs. Talaq does not mean that one must break the agreement of nikah. It means to give a notice for seperation. After two notices the couple has to make a final decision. That is, to go together or to go separate ways.Peace!
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peace,
To clarify, in case there was any confusion, my view is a minimum of two regular/timed salat daily for the mumineen, not two daily.
I had a question though. I remember reading somewhere this argument The Koran uses the Arabic word Salawat which means a plural (3 or more). There's another word for 2 Salats which is Salatayn or something. If there were 2 Salats, God would have used that word at least somewhere in the Koran.
The assumption being that when a command to do X is given it is meant to do X in a 24 hr period. The text would have to make that clear so perhaps its more eloquent to state it as is, but I guess it could be said in both ways.
What are your thoughts about the above argument? A third Salat performed during the day would also give some support to another verse which talks about the Salat on the day/at the time of gathering.
On another note, could the assembly prayer be specific to people of that time? There's another theory that it's talking about Hajj.
Yes, there was a post about it.
Another argument in favor of Al Salat Al Wusta is that Al Masjid Al Haram is a similar word.
I dont see how thats relevant.
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Yes, there was a post about it.
Could you link it?
