Salat that works for me.

burhan

I've read quiet a few articles and posts on this subject here and there are broadly two categories.

Salat is a ritual
Salat is a fulfilling/making an oath or obligation.

Each view has support from the Quran.

A good summary here by Taro Hiroshi
http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=nje3hdp1np0behmkthtobmvnu2&topic=9606711.0

I've come to the conclusion that Salat is both of those.

The importance of rituals on human psychology is well documented. I won't detail here. But a few examples.

When we make a business deal or a promise, we follow this with a ritual handshake. We "shake on it", why do we do that? It makes the experience more real - and the intention to keep the promise is stronger.

Another is one is marriage. By combining that promise or commitment with a ritual, you give it importance and make the experience more real.
That's why a lot of people are happy to live together but not get married. Going through that ritual has a profound impact and asks some serious question about how committed someone is.

Sitting down at a specific time for a family meal totally changes the experience than if you were to eat in-front of the TV.

Writing down your goals or saying them aloud creates a stronger experience than just saying your goals in your heart.

Point is ... ritual is important as it can alter or enhance an experience.

Now Salat is remembering God, defining a personal constitution, making the intention to uphold it - all those words people have used here.

Combine it with the ritual of a wudu and physical ruku & sajood, you will alter that experience.

You will find much easier uphold whatever your Salat is telling you to do.

You won't become a saint .... but you'll be on the right path.

I don't know how well I have explained myself but I think if you try it you will notice a difference.

muslims

I've come to the conclusion that the ritual Salat is the Mutasyaabihat. It is self evident . . . even to the hadithers.