WHAT IS AS-SALAAT!

unknownuser

This reply is meant to be brief in its stucture.

The million dollar question of what is the structure of Salaat can be weaned from a few sources.

a) That it came from before Muhammad
As I wrote before, Salaat came from before Muhammad as it was given to Ibrahim and Ismail

b) There was a definite salaat system in place in Muhammad's time
As we know the Salaat was being performed in Muhammad's time and Allah had revealed several verse in relation to it.

c) Differences arose after Muhammad passed away
As the two schools of thought, Ahlus Sunnatun Nabi and Ash Shi'atul Ali developed, the methodology of observances and practices began to change as well. We know that thousands of hadith were forged during this time, even before that stretching back to Muhammad's time, favoring different approaches. The manner of salaat and adhaan thereby became corrupted as well.

d) As Muslims the best manner is by Shura or counsel
As Allah has told us
? The 38th verse of 42nd Sura refers to the habit of consultation between all believers. It says
Those who hearken to their Lord, and establish regular Prayer; who (conduct) their affairs by mutual consultation; who spend out of what We bestow on them for Sustenance.
? The 159th verse of 3rd Sora orders Muhammad to consult with believers. It says
Thus it is due to mercy from Allah that you deal with them gently, and had you been rough, hard hearted, they would certainly have dispersed from around you; pardon them therefore and ask pardon for them, and take counsel with them in the affair; so when you have decided, then place your trust in Allah; surely Allah loves those who trust.
Muslims are not permitted to just make up their own practices and rites. We are instucted to question by the light of Quran and by consensus of practice.
e) Applying deductive reasoning will clarify the issue
All we should have to do then is to examine how the Salaat is made, especially by the sunni?s and shia?s. Then we research as to where the additions came from (are they in the Quraan or are they attributed to hadith). Once we weed out the additions and corruptions, then we examine the base structure by the quraan and see if is in agreeance with or dispute with the Quran. Once we?ve cleared that, then we can practice. In my research I?ve come to this standard practice

Face Makkah Sunni yes, Shia yes
Make Intentions for Salaat Sunni yes, Shia yes
Make Takbir Sunni yes, Shia yes
Recite Al Fatiha Sunni yes, Shia yes
Recite voluntary Suwrah Sunni yes, Shia yes
Make Ruku w/ Takbir Sunni yes, Shia yes
Say Subhana Rabbi Al Atheem Sunni yes, Shia yes
Raise up from Ruku Sunni yes, Shia yes
Make Sajdah w/ Takbir Sunni yes, Shia yes
Say Subhana Rabbi Al Ala Sunni yes, Shia yes
Raise up from Sajdah w/ Takbir Sunni yes, Shia yes
Make 2nd Sajdah w/ Takbir Sunni yes, Shia yes
Say again Subhana Rabbi Al Ala Sunni yes, Shia yes
Raise up from Sajdah w/Takbir Sunni yes, Shia yes
Repeat all the same steps in second rakaat Sunni yes, Shia yes
After second Sajdah raise up w/ Takbir Sunni yes, Shia yes
Make Tashahud (Ashahadu Anlaa Ilaha Illa Allah) while in Jalsah Sunni yes, Shia yes

Now we examine the salaat timings by the light of Quraan

Fajr 2 rakaat Sunni yes, Shia yes
Dhuhr 4 rakaat Sunni yes, Shia yes
Isha 4 rakaat Sunni yes, Shia yes

(I will avoid the the whole how many Salaat we should perform question, eventhough through the light of prayer and Quran I?ve come to agree with the three salaat structure)

There we have the baseline of performance.

Now will some pull away and still make Salaat however they want, yes. Will some continue to violate Al Quraan and make up their religion, yes they will. Will some fabricate or alter translations of the Quran to support their views, yes. That?s just how it goes, Shaytaan promised he would lead those of the Ummah he could astray. Allah guides whom He will and misguides whom He wills. What?s important for us to do as believers is to begin to form networks in our communities that are like seedlings for a jamaat where we practice our diyn communally. Allah will provide al huda.

ImamQuranonly

As-Salaamu Alaika lahri19,

Thanks for your continued comments. I understand that you may have already responded to some of this, but there are some things that I want to point out.

This reply is meant to be brief in its stucture.

The million dollar question of what is the structure of Salaat can be weaned from a few sources.

a) That it came from before Muhammad
As I wrote before, Salaat came from before Muhammad as it was given to Ibrahim and Ismail

b) There was a definite salaat system in place in Muhammad's time
As we know the Salaat was being performed in Muhammad's time and Allah had revealed several verse in relation to it.

I firmly believe that Allah gave us the structure and instructions for As-Salaat in Al-Quran because He is All-Wise and knew that we would be facing this issue hundreds of years later.

a) It does appear clear that As-Salaat was being practiced early on if not before the revelation to Muhammad began. But it can also be concluded based on some of the evidence from Quran that it was not correct and for different reasons not accepted by Allah. Just as it was prescribed to Muhammad but here hundreds of years later it has changed and is practiced differently by many groups, it would be logical and safe to assume that those during the time of Muhammad, which was probably more time in between that than now, that those who practised it then did it differently than Ibraheem and Ismail.

b) Exactly. The ayat that clarify issues about As-Salaat to Muhammad would not have been necessary if all was clear and being properly done at the time of the first revelation. The consistent manner in which Allah continuously instructs and gives guidance to issues about As-Salaat makes it clear that Allah was transforming its practice and understanding to those who had been doing it even before revelation. Marriage was understood before revelation also, but the guidelines that Allah wanted preserved for all times in Al Quran were not. Just a simile of the two.

c) Differences arose after Muhammad passed away
As the two schools of thought, Ahlus Sunnatun Nabi and Ash Shi'atul Ali developed, the methodology of observances and practices began to change as well. We know that thousands of hadith were forged during this time, even before that stretching back to Muhammad's time, favoring different approaches. The manner of salaat and adhaan thereby became corrupted as well.

This we agree upon. But there were more than the two "sunni" and "shiite"; if you take all "those" sources at their word.

d) As Muslims the best manner is by Shura or counsel
As Allah has told us
? The 38th verse of 42nd Sura refers to the habit of consultation between all believers. It says
Those who hearken to their Lord, and establish regular Prayer; who (conduct) their affairs by mutual consultation; who spend out of what We bestow on them for Sustenance.
? The 159th verse of 3rd Sora orders Muhammad to consult with believers. It says
"Thus it is due to mercy from Allah that you deal with them gently, and had you been rough, hard hearted, they would certainly have dispersed from around you; pardon them therefore and ask pardon for them, and take counsel with them in the affair; so when you have decided, then place your trust in Allah; surely Allah loves those who trust."

Muslims are not permitted to just make up their own practices and rites. We are instucted to question by the light of Quran and by consensus of practice.

Shurah means "consultation". This is the process in which those who have an interest in a matter of command get to express their opinion, knowledge, suggestions and desire. It can included a "vote", but consultation in itself does not demand a "vote". The "decision" is made by the "leader", whether it be the leader of the business, the family, the group, the government, whateva. Allah has created His own system of checks in balances in Al Quran that are not necessarily like the system of democratic governments such as America with a Legislative, Executive and Judical branch; with their respective responsibilities as understood today.

The key to the last ayat that you quoted is when Allah says "so when you have decided", " ". This means that the "leader", in this example the Prophet, is to take shurah and then make a decision. This is not making up our own practices and rites, but rather it is following the "example" of the Messenger as given in Al Quran. Again, consensus and consultation are not the same thing.

e) Applying deductive reasoning will clarify the issue
All we should have to do then is to examine how the Salaat is made, especially by the sunni?s and shia?s. Then we research as to where the additions came from (are they in the Quraan or are they attributed to hadith). Once we weed out the additions and corruptions, then we examine the base structure by the quraan and see if is in agreeance with or dispute with the Quran. Once we?ve cleared that, then we can practice. In my research I?ve come to this standard practice

Face Makkah Sunni yes, Shia yes
Make Intentions for Salaat Sunni yes, Shia yes
Make Takbir Sunni yes, Shia yes
Recite Al Fatiha Sunni yes, Shia yes
Recite voluntary Suwrah Sunni yes, Shia yes
Make Ruku w/ Takbir Sunni yes, Shia yes
Say Subhana Rabbi Al Atheem Sunni yes, Shia yes
Raise up from Ruku Sunni yes, Shia yes
Make Sajdah w/ Takbir Sunni yes, Shia yes
Say Subhana Rabbi Al Ala Sunni yes, Shia yes
Raise up from Sajdah w/ Takbir Sunni yes, Shia yes
Make 2nd Sajdah w/ Takbir Sunni yes, Shia yes
Say again Subhana Rabbi Al Ala Sunni yes, Shia yes
Raise up from Sajdah w/Takbir Sunni yes, Shia yes
Repeat all the same steps in second rakaat Sunni yes, Shia yes
After second Sajdah raise up w/ Takbir Sunni yes, Shia yes
Make Tashahud (Ashahadu Anlaa Ilaha Illa Allah) while in Jalsah Sunni yes, Shia yes

Now we examine the salaat timings by the light of Quraan

Fajr 2 rakaat Sunni yes, Shia yes
Dhuhr 4 rakaat Sunni yes, Shia yes
Isha 4 rakaat Sunni yes, Shia yes

(I will avoid the the whole how many Salaat we should perform question, eventhough through the light of prayer and Quran I?ve come to agree with the three salaat structure)

There we have the baseline of performance.

Now will some pull away and still make Salaat however they want, yes. Will some continue to violate Al Quraan and make up their religion, yes they will. Will some fabricate or alter translations of the Quran to support their views, yes. That?s just how it goes, Shaytaan promised he would lead those of the Ummah he could astray. Allah guides whom He will and misguides whom He wills. What?s important for us to do as believers is to begin to form networks in our communities that are like seedlings for a jamaat where we practice our diyn communally. Allah will provide al huda.

I understand that you may have made additional comments about all of this in which you see a different view point to some degree, so I will deferr at this point from making specific comments on each issue. I will just say that I don't agree with most of the conclusions drawn here without pointing out the specific reasons. I will address them again and give the reasons why in the other posts that you have made regarding the issue, after I have seen what is changed clearly, Allah willling.

As Salaamu Alaikum, peace

unknownuser

As Salaamu Alaykum

Is amazing how far one can come in a few days of study. I have to admit that for my first 16 years in Islam, even at the point of being a Quraan alone muslim, I was heavily indoctinated by the methodology of practice as contained within the ranks of the Ahlus Sunnah.
It really wasn't until only recently that I've come to the position that I have to scrap so much of their sectarian innovation and start fresh. Study al Quraan and derive my practices from the scriptures.
I'm still quite concerned with the trends I'm beginning to see within the ummah. I was speaking to ironsky a while back and he said along the lines of "a Progressive Muslim is one who only adheres to the Quran in his practice. I consider myself a Progressive Muslim." That in my mind is where the danger starts, because thats how the splits we now have in the ummah started.
I've decided to back away from posting articles for the time being. I know I need more study before I post my opinions and I want to make sure I'm posting within the right frame of mind as well. I invite any muslim to start a correspondance with me at my email here.
To all I wish ALLAH Ta'Ala's peace and guidance.

Sincerely,
Abdul Latif

ImamQuranonly

As-Salaamu Alaika lahri19,

As Salaamu Alaykum

Is amazing how far one can come in a few days of study. I have to admit that for my first 16 years in Islam, even at the point of being a Quraan alone muslim, I was heavily indoctinated by the methodology of practice as contained within the ranks of the Ahlus Sunnah.
It really wasn't until only recently that I've come to the position that I have to scrap so much of their sectarian innovation and start fresh. Study al Quraan and derive my practices from the scriptures.
I'm still quite concerned with the trends I'm beginning to see within the ummah. I was speaking to ironsky a while back and he said along the lines of "a Progressive Muslim is one who only adheres to the Quran in his practice. I consider myself a Progressive Muslim." That in my mind is where the danger starts, because thats how the splits we now have in the ummah started.
I've decided to back away from posting articles for the time being. I know I need more study before I post my opinions and I want to make sure I'm posting within the right frame of mind as well. I invite any muslim to start a correspondance with me at my email here.
To all I wish ALLAH Ta'Ala's peace and guidance.

Sincerely,
Abdul Latif

I understand and respect your observation of yourself as well as your decision for what you think is best for you. I pray that Allah continues to guide and bless you towards the Siratul Mustaqeem, insha Allah. When you are ready to post again, I will look forward to reading them, Allah willing.

As-Salaamu Alaikum, peace

unknownuser

And just a suggestion

Instructions Call to Salaat Recitation and Meaning
While standing, recite the Nudiya Lil Salaat (Call to Salat) with each verse 2x (19 x 2)

ALLAH HU AKBAR
God is Great
ASHAHADU ANLAA ILAAHA ILLA ALLAH
I bear witness that there is no deity except GOD
HAYYA LIL SALAAT
Come to the Salaat
HAYYA LIL FALAAH
Come to the success
ALLAH HU AKBAR
GOD is Great
LAA ILAAHA ILLA ALLAH
There is no deity except GOD

CALLING TO PRAYER
Source text Qur 558; 629

Instructions Ablution

Wash your entire face

Wash your arms to the elbows

Wipe your head from fore head to nape of neck

Wipe your feet from toes to ankle

ABLUTION Source text Qur 56

Instructions Salaat (Recitation and Meaning)

Beginning of Salaat Begin by facing the Masjid Al Haraam in Makkah, Saudi Arabia
FACING THE MASJID AL HARAAM AS A QIBLAH FOR SALAAT
Source text Qur 2125, 143-150; 2226
RECITING THE SALAAT IN A MEDIUM TONE
Source text Qur 17110

Refuge Begin by seeking refuge in GOD and say

RABBI AUDHU BIKA MIN HAMADHATI ASH SHAYATIYN
O my Lord! I seek refuge in Thee from the evil suggestions of the devils;
WA AUDHU BIKA RABBI AN YAHDURUNI
And I seek refuge in Thee, O my Lord, from their presence.

STANDING IN SALAT
Source text Qur 2238; 339; 4102
SEEKING REFUGE
Source text Qur 1698; 2397-98

First Unit - (Recitation)
It is recommended to recite Surah al Faatihah, which is to be followed by personal readings from the Quraan in the first two units.
First Surah (Surah al Faatihah)

BISMILLAH AL RAHMAN AL RAHIM.
In the Name of Allah, the most Compassionate, the Merciful
AL HAMDULILLAHI RAB BIL AALAMEEN. AL RAHMAN AL RAHIM
All praises belong to Allah the Cherisher, the Sustainer, Developer and Perfector of the worlds, the most Compassionate, The Merciful
MALIKI YAWMID DIN. IYYA KA NA'BUDU WA IYYA KA NASTA'EEN.
Master of the Day of Judgement. Thee only do we Worship, and Thee alone do we ask for help
IHDI NAS SIRATAL MUSTAQEEMA SIRAT AL LAZEENA AN AMTA ALAY HIM
Keep us along the straight path, the path of those whom Thou has blessed
GHAIRIL MAGHDHOOBI ALAIHIM WAL LADH DHAL LEEN.
Not of those whom Thou art angry, nor of those who go astray.

READING SURA 1, FAATIHAH Souce tesxt Quraan 1; 1587; 237

Then read from Quran other chapters/verses where GoOD is the center for rememberence
READING QURANIC CHAPTERS/VERSES IN SALAAT
Source text Qur 2945; 1778

Ruku Then descend to a sitting position with hands on you knees and say
ALLAH HU AKBAR
GOD Is Great

TAKBEER (Glorification of Allah), Allahu Akbar- Source text
Quraan 17111, 2185, 22 37, 743, and 2945

Sit and then say

AL HAMDULILLAH ALA DHEE LAM YATA KHID WALAD DAN
All praise be to GOD, who has never taken for Himself a child,
WA LAM YAKUN LAHU SHAREEK UN FIL AL MULKI
Nor to Him is a Partner in the Kingdom (of Heaven)
WA LAM YAKUN LAHU WALI UN MIN AD DHULLI
Nor to Him is a Protector from weakness.

READING VERSE IN SALAAT
Source text Qur 17110-111

Sajdah (Go down to sajdah so that the chin touches the place of sajdah directly) and say while descending

ALLAH HU AKBAR
GOD Is Great

TAKBEER (Glorification of Allah), Allahu Akbar-
Source text Quraan 17111, 2185, 22 37, 743, and 2945

And say

SUB HANA RABBINA IN KANA WADU RABBINA LAMAF ULAAN
Glory to our Lord! Verily the promise of our Lord must be fulfilled.

SAYING SUBHANA WHILE IN SAJDAH
Source text Qur 17110-111

Stand up saying
ALLAHU AKBAR
God is Greater

TAKBEER (Glorification of Allah), Allahu Akbar- Source text
Quraan 17111, 2185, 22 37, 743, and 2945

The Second Unit This is exactly the same as the first unit. Of course after Fatihah, (if known) other chapters/verses of Quraan should be recited.

TWO UNIT PRAYER
Source Text4100-104

End Of Prayer After Sajdah person should rise back to Ruku(sitting position).
Sit up and say
ALLAHU AKBAR
God is Greater

TAKBEER (Glorification of Allah), Allahu Akbar- Source text
Quraan 17111, 2185, 22 37, 743, and 2945

Then say to end Salaat

AL HAMDULILLAHI RAB BIL AALAMEEN. AL RAHMAN AL RAHIM
All praises belong to GOD, the Sustainer of the worlds, the most Compassionate, The Merciful

ENDNG SALAAT WITH ALHAMDULILLAH
Source Text Qur 1010

Again just an idea.. definetly open for feedback.

ImamQuranonly

As-Salaamu Alaikum lahrih19 and forum,

Lahri, much of how you have stated to perform As-Salaat here I agree with, and a little I don't. Nevertheless I think there is definitely enough consensus on some items to begin a dialogue for those who agree with this for the most part.

So I am inviting those of you on the forum who agree to some extent with what lahri19 has presented here to speak up so that we may know who all of us are. Maybe then we can start a separate thread on here with common ground of those who believe that performing As-Salaat is a physical ritual that leads to mental and spiritual growth, Allah willing.

If you are in agreement with at least having a common ground starting point, you don't have to add or subtract from what is given here, but you can just simply reply here to let us know that we are somewhat on the same page. Then we can begin from there, Allah willing.

You can read my posts on how to peform As-Salaat here http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=14094.0 , (go down to my 6th post to start)but I have some changes that I would like to make based on continous findings in Al Quran. Although I don't agree to use any words when performing As-Salaat other than those in the EXACT way that they are used in Al Quran, I do believe agreement can be made based on that because there are still a finite number of ayaat that discuss the performance of As-Salaat. If those who see it as a function take our time in studying and dialoguing on those ayaat without interference from those who don't believe it is a "ritual", then we will come to some agreements based on "shura", Allah willing. Therefore if we ever meet together, we will be able to offer As-Salaat in congregation instead of as individuals who don't agree on anything, Allah willing.

Looking forward to seeing who is on somewhat of the same page.

As-Salaamu Alaikum, peace

And just a suggestion

Instructions Call to Salaat Recitation and Meaning
While standing, recite the Nudiya Lil Salaat (Call to Salat) with each verse 2x (19 x 2)

ALLAH HU AKBAR
God is Great
ASHAHADU ANLAA ILAAHA ILLA ALLAH
I bear witness that there is no deity except GOD
HAYYA LIL SALAAT
Come to the Salaat
HAYYA LIL FALAAH
Come to the success
ALLAH HU AKBAR
GOD is Great
LAA ILAAHA ILLA ALLAH
There is no deity except GOD

CALLING TO PRAYER
Source text Qur 558; 629

Instructions Ablution

Wash your entire face

Wash your arms to the elbows

Wipe your head from fore head to nape of neck

Wipe your feet from toes to ankle

ABLUTION Source text Qur 56

Instructions Salaat (Recitation and Meaning)

Beginning of Salaat Begin by facing the Masjid Al Haraam in Makkah, Saudi Arabia
FACING THE MASJID AL HARAAM AS A QIBLAH FOR SALAAT
Source text Qur 2125, 143-150; 2226
RECITING THE SALAAT IN A MEDIUM TONE
Source text Qur 17110

Refuge Begin by seeking refuge in GOD and say

RABBI AUDHU BIKA MIN HAMADHATI ASH SHAYATIYN
O my Lord! I seek refuge in Thee from the evil suggestions of the devils;
WA AUDHU BIKA RABBI AN YAHDURUNI
And I seek refuge in Thee, O my Lord, from their presence.

STANDING IN SALAT
Source text Qur 2238; 339; 4102
SEEKING REFUGE
Source text Qur 1698; 2397-98

First Unit - (Recitation)
It is recommended to recite Surah al Faatihah, which is to be followed by personal readings from the Quraan in the first two units.
First Surah (Surah al Faatihah)

BISMILLAH AL RAHMAN AL RAHIM.
In the Name of Allah, the most Compassionate, the Merciful
AL HAMDULILLAHI RAB BIL AALAMEEN. AL RAHMAN AL RAHIM
All praises belong to Allah the Cherisher, the Sustainer, Developer and Perfector of the worlds, the most Compassionate, The Merciful
MALIKI YAWMID DIN. IYYA KA NA'BUDU WA IYYA KA NASTA'EEN.
Master of the Day of Judgement. Thee only do we Worship, and Thee alone do we ask for help
IHDI NAS SIRATAL MUSTAQEEMA SIRAT AL LAZEENA AN AMTA ALAY HIM
Keep us along the straight path, the path of those whom Thou has blessed
GHAIRIL MAGHDHOOBI ALAIHIM WAL LADH DHAL LEEN.
Not of those whom Thou art angry, nor of those who go astray.

READING SURA 1, FAATIHAH Souce tesxt Quraan 1; 1587; 237

Then read from Quran other chapters/verses where GoOD is the center for rememberence
READING QURANIC CHAPTERS/VERSES IN SALAAT
Source text Qur 2945; 1778

Ruku Then descend to a sitting position with hands on you knees and say
ALLAH HU AKBAR
GOD Is Great

TAKBEER (Glorification of Allah), Allahu Akbar- Source text
Quraan 17111, 2185, 22 37, 743, and 2945

Sit and then say

AL HAMDULILLAH ALA DHEE LAM YATA KHID WALAD DAN
All praise be to GOD, who has never taken for Himself a child,
WA LAM YAKUN LAHU SHAREEK UN FIL AL MULKI
Nor to Him is a Partner in the Kingdom (of Heaven)
WA LAM YAKUN LAHU WALI UN MIN AD DHULLI
Nor to Him is a Protector from weakness.

READING VERSE IN SALAAT
Source text Qur 17110-111

Sajdah (Go down to sajdah so that the chin touches the place of sajdah directly) and say while descending

ALLAH HU AKBAR
GOD Is Great

TAKBEER (Glorification of Allah), Allahu Akbar-
Source text Quraan 17111, 2185, 22 37, 743, and 2945

And say

SUB HANA RABBINA IN KANA WADU RABBINA LAMAF ULAAN
Glory to our Lord! Verily the promise of our Lord must be fulfilled.

SAYING SUBHANA WHILE IN SAJDAH
Source text Qur 17110-111

Stand up saying
ALLAHU AKBAR
God is Greater

TAKBEER (Glorification of Allah), Allahu Akbar- Source text
Quraan 17111, 2185, 22 37, 743, and 2945

The Second Unit This is exactly the same as the first unit. Of course after Fatihah, (if known) other chapters/verses of Quraan should be recited.

TWO UNIT PRAYER
Source Text4100-104

End Of Prayer After Sajdah person should rise back to Ruku(sitting position).
Sit up and say
ALLAHU AKBAR
God is Greater

TAKBEER (Glorification of Allah), Allahu Akbar- Source text
Quraan 17111, 2185, 22 37, 743, and 2945

Then say to end Salaat

AL HAMDULILLAHI RAB BIL AALAMEEN. AL RAHMAN AL RAHIM
All praises belong to GOD, the Sustainer of the worlds, the most Compassionate, The Merciful

ENDNG SALAAT WITH ALHAMDULILLAH
Source Text Qur 1010

Again just an idea.. definetly open for feedback.