Salat according to G A Parwez

wildguest1956

This word has occurred in the Quran 108 times in various forms and as Sal'at 67 times. Sal'at is the principle and one of the most important elements of Islam, and has special significance. Also in view of its extensive and repeated use in the Quran, it is necessary to discuss it somewhat in detail with reference to various verses. First its literal meaning

As-Sal'a is the central portion of the backside, the portion from where tail of the animal comes out. Both sides are called Salwan and its plural is Salawatun (Taj).
Mosalli is the horse which comes at second place in a race, and is so close to the first-placed that its ears are touching the other's back portion. (The first one is called S'abiq.) It, therefore, means to follow the first one very closely. There is a saying of Ali the fourth caliph, "Sabaqa Rasool-Allah, wa salla Abu-Bakr wa sallasa Omar wa khabatatna fitnatun." Rasool-Allah went away first, followed by Abu-Bakr and then Omar and thereafter chaos overtook us (Taj).
According to Taj, Salea Wastala means attachment, to remain stuck. From this reference Raghib says that verse (74/43), "We were not Musalleen," means that they did not follow the Rusul. Accordingly Qurtabi also writes that Sal'at would mean to remain within the bounds of the Laws of Allah, and Tasleah means to walk behind a person so closely that there remains no distance; not to surpass him but remain closely behind.
It is very important to understand the relationship of man and Allah. Allah is the One Who is Supreme, Most Perfect and Most Beautiful. He has various Attributes called Asma-ul-Husna and each Attribute is perfect and complete. Allah has also given a personality to man and referred to it as "Roohona" - the Divine Energy (see Rooh). The object or the purpose of man's life is to develop his personality according to the Laws of Allah and inculcate in himself as much of Allah's Attributes as may be humanly possible.

In the first Surah (Al-F'atiha) of the Quran, a Momin is taught to ask of Allah to guide him to Sira't-Al-Mustaqeem (and that, in fact, should be a Momin's purpose of life - to tread the Sira't-Al-Mustaqeem all along - the straight and the balanced path) and in the eleventh Surah (Hud) it is stated that Allah continuously stays at Sira't-Al-Mustaqeem. It transpires from the above that the only straight path a Momin is required to adopt during the course of his life, is the same at which Allah Almighty Himself is going and running this universe. This path can easily be adopted by closely and steadfastly following the dictates of Allah's Book, i.e., the Holy Quran. Hence the basic meaning of Sal'at is complete concordance with the Book of Allah and thereby incorporating in one's own self Allah's most balanced Attributes, of course, as far as is humanly possible.

In verse (24/41) a question is asked "Have you not pondered over the fact that whatever there is in the universe including the birds with wings spread out, is continuously carrying out their assignments with fullest play of their capabilities and each one of them knows its sphere of duties (Tasbeeh) and the way those are to be carried out (Sal'at)." This obviously means that everything in the universe knows by instinct, what are its duties and how to perform them and what is its destiny. As far as animal world is concerned, they do it by instinct. But if a human being wants to know, what is his Tasbeeh and Sal'at, it is a must for him to have faith in Wahi, through which all these directions containing do's and don'ts are explained. This is Iqamat-As-Sal'at, a special term used in the Quran.
To follow the Laws of the Quran is Iqamat-As-Sal'at. This is not possible individually and can only be done collectively; that is why the Quran has used the plural tense for this. It is the responsibility of an Islamic State is to establish this order (22/41), and they do it by mutual consultations (42/3. This system covers all the aspects of life, particularly the economic system. Verse (11/87) is very significant in this regard. It says "O Shu'aib! does your Sal'at not permit us even to spend our wealth as we desire?" They did not understand as to what type of Sal'at is one which gives directions even in economic matters; they thought Sal'at is just a prayer or some sort of ritual.

In a nutshell it would pose one simple question. Would a person like to decide his affairs according to his desires, wishes or would he surrender before the Laws of Allah? This later position is called Sal'at. Verse (19/59) further clarifies "they were followed by people who abandoned or negated the Sal'at." Therefore, following the Divine Laws is called Sal'at. As such Ibn-e-Qutaiba says, Sal'at actually means Ad-Deen and Iqamat-As-Sal'at means Iqamat-ud-Deen.

As-Salla means fire and firewood. Salla Asaho-Alan-Nar means he straightened and softened his stick by heating it with fire. As such Sal'at would also mean to remove one's defects. Author of Al-Minar says that Sal'at, in fact, is the recognition that one's personality needs guidance of a superior authority. In this way Qurtabi says that Sal'at means obedience to Allah.
Another meaning of Sal'at is to subdue and arrest and attract someone's attention (Moheet). This view would explain another meaning of Sal'at which is taming and harnessing the forces operative in the Universe.
One meaning of Sal'at is reverence and respect (Taj), i.e., to work for and establish a socio-economic system that proves the greatness of the Sustainer of this universe.
In Hebrew dictionary Salawat (plural of Sal'at) is the praying place of Jews. In verse (22/40) this word is used in that context.
Sal'at has also been used for a particular ritual. On the whole, whatever a Momin is doing by following the Laws of Allah, without any restrictions of time or formation, is Sal'at. But where ever in the Quran it refers to a particular action, its form and timing has to be fixed. In this regard there are various verses in the Quran, e.g.,

a. Verse (5/6) mentions ablution, which is to be performed before offering Sal'at.

b. Verse (4/43) prohibits the Momineen to perform Sal'at when they are under the influence of intoxication (the Momineen are, however, admonished to refrain from the use of intoxicants 5/90-91).

c. In Surah Al-Jum'aa (62/9-10) it is commanded "when you are called for the congregation on the day of Jum'aa, you should rush towards Zikr-Allah, putting aside your business - and after Sal'at spread out in the land in search of bounty of Allah and do His Zikr a great deal, so that you may prosper."

d. Some specific timings are also mentioned in the Quran. Verse (17/7 directs the Momineen to establish Sal'at from early morning till late night. In this verse the word "Dalook" has been used which means from morning till evening, thereby denying the earlier superstition that certain times of the day are good or bad. It is further explained in verse (11/114) that Sal'at be established on the two ends of the day and early hours of night. Verses (20/130) and (50/39) mention about Hamd before sunrise and sunset and also late night when stars start fading (52/49).

e. Verse (24/5 mentions about Sal'at-ul-Fajr and Sal'at-ul-'Ishaa when domestic servants are forbidden from entering private apartments without permission.

f. About recitation during Sal'at, the Quran says that you should understand as to what you are reciting (4/43) and do not recite loudly or in silence but adopt a course in between.

The above verses explain that the meaning of Sal'at encompasses the congregational prayers as well. Wherever Aqeem-us-Sal'at is referred to, it means the establishment of the whole system, the obedience to the Laws of Allah, and the observance of all the duties expected of a Momin. At other places, it also refers to the offering of prayers as well other duties which are a part of the whole system. For this distinction one has to see the whole verse and the context in which it is brought. Similarly the word Musalleen is referred to those persons who are at the height of dignity ( 70/22-35).

g. Salla Alaihe, according to Raghib, means to respect, to give blessings, to encourage, to grow, to nourish, to stop getting decayed. So in those verses of the Quran where this root occurs with 'Ala, it means that Allah and all the heavenly forces encourage you, provide you with necessary means of growth and nourishment and make your efforts bear fruit (33/43). In verse (2/157) it is stated that when the Momineen face difficulties in the enforcement and establishment of Deen, they do not get disheartened, but remain steadfast and they deserve all the appreciation and encouragement from Allah. This is also mentioned in particular about Rasool-Allah (peace be upon him) himself saying, "Allah and all the heavenly forces help and encourage him in the fulfilment of the Divine program. So, O Jama'at-ul-Momineen, you should also help your Rasool (peace be upon him), by following him and submitting before him." (33/56)

http//www.toluislam.com/pub_online/exposition/glossary_s_to_t.htm#_Toc428590312

unknownuser

This is also mentioned in particular about Rasool-Allah (peace be upon him) himself saying, "Allah and all the heavenly forces help and encourage him in the fulfilment of the Divine program. So, O Jama'at-ul-Momineen, you should also help your Rasool (peace be upon him), by following him and submitting before him." (33/56)

God asking us to submit before Muhammad? Can you clarify this?

Regards,

wildguest1956

This is also mentioned in particular about Rasool-Allah (peace be upon him) himself saying, "Allah and all the heavenly forces help and encourage him in the fulfilment of the Divine program. So, O Jama'at-ul-Momineen, you should also help your Rasool (peace be upon him), by following him and submitting before him." (33/56)

God asking us to submit before Muhammad? Can you clarify this?

Regards,

Here is how Parwez explains

(These laws are framed to make your society a model for the humanity. As has been said before, by virtue of obeying these laws you will receive all the help from the Divine System and the heavenly forces ~ 3343.) This very help and support is also available to the central authority of your system, the Nabi.
However, this does not mean that you need not do anything because Allah the Almighty and His heavenly forces are out to help and support him. No! It is of prime importance that you become a continuous source of strength for him and his mission; by providing your support and taking his mission to its accomplishment. There is only one way to achieve this; and that is to show, from the core of your heart, complete obedience to him. (465; 7157; 3343)
On the contrary, those who hurt or weaken Allah and His Rasool (that is the Divine System), will be deprived of all pleasant things in this life as well as in the hereafter. And they will face a humiliating torment.

http//www.tolueislam.com/Parwez/expo/expo_033.htm

unknownuser

Here is how Parwez explains
56. (These laws are framed to make your society a model for the humanity. As has been said before, by virtue of obeying these laws you will receive all the help from the Divine System and the heavenly forces ~ 3343.) This very help and support is also available to the central authority of your system, the Nabi.
However, this does not mean that you need not do anything because Allah the Almighty and His heavenly forces are out to help and support him. No! It is of prime importance that you become a continuous source of strength for him and his mission; by providing your support and taking his mission to its accomplishment. There is only one way to achieve this; and that is to show, from the core of your heart, complete obedience to him. (465; 7157; 3343)

So what you are saing that God is asking us to be completely obedient to Muhammad and not God?

On the contrary, those who hurt or weaken Allah and His Rasool (that is the Divine System), will be deprived of all pleasant things in this life as well as in the hereafter. And they will face a humiliating torment.

Do we you think we are capable of weaking Allah?

Regards,

wildguest1956

Here is how Parwez explains
56. (These laws are framed to make your society a model for the humanity. As has been said before, by virtue of obeying these laws you will receive all the help from the Divine System and the heavenly forces ~ 3343.) This very help and support is also available to the central authority of your system, the Nabi.
However, this does not mean that you need not do anything because Allah the Almighty and His heavenly forces are out to help and support him. No! It is of prime importance that you become a continuous source of strength for him and his mission; by providing your support and taking his mission to its accomplishment. There is only one way to achieve this; and that is to show, from the core of your heart, complete obedience to him. (465; 7157; 3343)

So what you are saing that God is asking us to be completely obedient to Muhammad and not God?

No.
To obey Muhammad tantamounts to obey God.

On the contrary, those who hurt or weaken Allah and His Rasool (that is the Divine System), will be deprived of all pleasant things in this life as well as in the hereafter. And they will face a humiliating torment.

Do we you think we are capable of weaking Allah?

Regards,

No.
In that verse, to weaken/harm God and his messenger means to weaken/harm the divine system.

Peace

unknownuser

No.
To obey Muhammad tantamounts to obey God.

This can be construed as Idolatory?
And Muhammad is now dead. How do you obey dead man?

Regards,

wildguest1956

No.
To obey Muhammad tantamounts to obey God.

This can be construed as Idolatory?

No.

And Muhammad is now dead. How do you obey dead man?

Regards,

Good question !
My opinion is that the best way to obey him is to reason the same way he did ; i.e to follow the quran.
(cf , )

Peace

unknownuser

No.
To obey Muhammad tantamounts to obey God.

This can be construed as Idolatory?

No.

You say "To obey Muhammad tantamounts to obey God". Obeying another human being instead of God is Idolatory.

And Muhammad is now dead. How do you obey dead man?

Good question !
My opinion is that the best way to obey him is to reason the same way he did ; i.e to follow the quran.
(cf , )
Peace

But I don't want to obey a dead man. I would rather obey God if I can. If Muhammad is dead then to obey Muhammand is irrelvant! It does not apply...

Regards,

wildguest1956

No.
To obey Muhammad tantamounts to obey God.

This can be construed as Idolatory?

No.

You say "To obey Muhammad tantamounts to obey God". Obeying another human being instead of God is Idolatory.

What do you do of the following verses

No, by your Lord, they will not believe until they make you judge in what they dispute with each other, then they will not find in their souls any animosity for what you have decided, and they will yield completely.

Those who follow the Gentile messenger prophet whom they find written for them in the Torah and the Injeel; he orders them to goodness, and deters them from evil, and he makes lawful for them the good things, and he forbids for them the evil, and he removes their burden and the shackles that are upon them. So those who believe in him, and honour him, and support him, and follow the light that was sent down with him; these are the successful.

To obey Muhammad tantamounts to obey God because Muhammad did obey God.

Peace

unknownuser

To obey Muhammad tantamounts to obey God because Muhammad did obey God.
Peace

Whether Muhammad obeyed God is not the issue here. How does obeying mere mortal like Muhammad is obeying God? Why make obeying Muhammad akin to obeying God. This is idolatory. When not obey God alone?

Regards,

wildguest1956

To obey Muhammad tantamounts to obey God because Muhammad did obey God.
Peace

Whether Muhammad obeyed God is not the issue here. How does obeying mere mortal like Muhammad is obeying God? Why make obeying Muhammad akin to obeying God. This is idolatory. When not obey God alone?

Regards,

What do you do of verses and ?
And of verses like
obey God and the messenger so that you may obtain mercy.

Is God promoting idolatry ?

Peace

Idris

peace be upon you all,

just to offer some thoughts, obey the messenger refers to obeying whoever delivers the message or it can be taken as "obey the message", for example I send to you a telegram through the mailman telling you to do something, you do it, you're obeying me but likewise obeying the one who conveyed it to you, anyways this is actually the main crucial point of debate between "sunnis" and "quran aloners"

p.s.- we are likewise told to obey the "authority amongst us" and our parents as long as they do not tell you to do something that will make you disobey The God, basically what I'm trying to say is obediance is only idolatry when you are taking orders that will make you trangress The God (that is shirk or partnership)

unknownuser

To obey Muhammad tantamounts to obey God because Muhammad did obey God.
Peace

Whether Muhammad obeyed God is not the issue here. How does obeying mere mortal like Muhammad is obeying God? Why make obeying Muhammad akin to obeying God. This is idolatory. When not obey God alone?

Regards,

What do you do of verses and ?
And of verses like
obey God and the messenger so that you may obtain mercy.

Is God promoting idolatry ?

Peace

Perhaps those verses do not apply to us because Muhammad is dead?
Muhammad death made those verses redundant?

Regards,

Idris

peace be upon you lotetree,

I suggest to read this article too regarding obey the messenger

http//www.free-minds.org/articles/hadith/conflict.htm

Someone

Peace all,

Surely one can still obey the messenger by only following the scripture. One has to submit to the commands begining with "9ul" or "say", as they are commands from the god to the messenger to "tell" some informations to the audience.

So for the messenger to be dead or alive is of little importance to the message itself, as long as we have the scripture.

--

yfn123

Greetings,

So what you are saing that God is asking us to be completely obedient to Muhammad and not God?

No.
To obey Muhammad tantamounts to obey God.

Please don't change what the quran says. God could have easily said so viz. "To obey Muhammad tantamounts to obey God" if that was God's desire. I think it is wickedness to change the words and promotion of idolatry.

Anwar Azim