A Study of the Word "Salawat"

No longer a Sunna-rejecter

"Salawat" is the plural from of "salat", from the root "sad-lam-waw". I have come to realize that all occurrences of this word have nothing to do with a plural form of "al salat" (let alone "prayer&quot, the bond to God or the close following of God's commands. Note Sad-Lam-Waw means "follow closely", "turning towards", etc.

Here are the 5 occurences of "salawat" in the Quran

2157 To these will be "salawat" from their Lord and grace; they are the guided ones.

Clearly God doesn't send us prayers. The "salawat" here is bonds, affections, etc.

2237 If you divorce them before having sexual intercourse with them, but you have already agreed to the dowry, then you must give half of what you have agreed, unless they forgive or the guardian over the marriage contract forgives. If you forgive, it is closer to awareness. Do not forget the favor between you; God is Seer over what you do.

2238 Preserve "al salawat", and"al salat al wusta" (the most balanced bond/'salat'&quot, that is, standing dutily for God.

The next verse is often mistranslated, IMO, to signify that one must "pray" while "riding or walking" if one is in a "state of fear", which is absurd since, during the "salat", one must concentrate on God fully.

2239 Whether fear threatens you from without, or you are strolling, riding, relaxing in peace, remember God as He has taught you what you did not know.

It can be seen in this verse that one has many "salawat" in life - not only a "salat"/bond with God, but, for instance, with a spouse.

999 From the nomads there is he who acknowledges God and the Last day, and considers his spending as a means towards God, and "al salawat" of the messenger. It indeed makes them closer. God will admit them in His mercy; God is Forgiving, Compassionate.

Obviously we cannot go towards the prayers of the messenger, emotionally/mentally, as implied by the verse, rather to the bonds, affections, etc. of the messenger

2240 The ones who were driven out of their homes without justice, except that they said, "Our Lord is God!" If it were not for God defending people against themselves, then many places of gathering, markets, "salawatun", and temples where the name of God is frequently mentioned, would have been destroyed. God will give victory to those who support Him. God is Powerful, Noble.

2240 Those who have been evicted from their homes unjustly, for no reason other than saying, "Our Lord is God!" For, if God had not enabled people to defend themselves against one another, monasteries, churches, "salawatun", and masjids, where the Name of God is oft mentioned, would surely have been destroyed. And God will certainly help those who help Him. God is Mighty, Powerful.

Obviously "salawatun" is not "prayers". I am also not sure whether or not the translations of the other terms are correct, but "salawatun" defintely does not mean "prayers" here. It also has nothing to do with "al salat".

232 Those who are humble in their "salat".
233 and who turn away from all that is frivolous
...
239 Those who maintain their "salwat".
2310 These are the inheritors.

Why would "salawat" be mentioned if "salat" was already mentioned? Could it be that "salawat has nothing to do with "al salat"? What do you think? Moreoever, what is your view on "salawat"? Do you think there is a difference between the meaning of "al salat" and "al salawat"?

Thanks for reading.