Salat Timing

Buzzzor

Peace All!

Taken from Layth's salat article

Aren?t There Specific Salat Times mentioned in the Quran?.

?And you shall hold the assembly at both ends of the daylight and the near part of the night. The good deeds take away the bad. This is a reminder to those who remember.? (11114)

?You shall hold the assembly at the sun?s setting until the darkness of the night, and the Quran at dawn; the Quran at dawn has been witnessed.? (177

There are two specific times that are mentioned in the Quran for holding the Salat (Fajr & Isha 245. If we are quick to judge these verses, then it would be misunderstood that there is some ?fixed? element of time when people must meet every dawn & dusk irrespective of there being an issue to resolve or not?

However, closer reading of the verses reveals that the audience is NOT the people or the believers or even the reader of the Quran, but the audience is one person (singular) and that is the prophet himself. God is speaking to the prophet and telling him to uphold the Salat at these specific times (see 2183 to study contrast where the audience is all the believers when fasting is decreed).

Now, there are two explanations that can be offered as to why the prophet is holding Salat every day at these specific times

The prophet is the ?head of state? and thus these meetings are designed to update himself and the government on the daily issues/occurrences of his protectorate.

The prophet is holding these assemblies to give strength to the believers from his personal presence (this is the assemblies of the prophet that God has encouraged 9103).

A modern Islamic government today would most likely emulate the two fixed Salat times to keep itself abreast of developments and keep itself in touch with the people/masses?However, this does not change the fact that the ?fixed Salat? is unique and specific to the prophet (like allowing polygamy for him, or forbidding his wives from remarrying after his death) and should not be forced out of ignorance upon the people.

What About the Dawn & Dusk (Fajr & Isha) Salat mentioned in 2458?.

There are two points to consider when looking at this verse

The subject being addressed in the verse to the believers is not about Salat, but it is about seeking permission for visitations.
It has already been explained to us in the Scripture that birds also carry out a ?Salat?, and that their Salat is a result of them being gathered (perched together). The verse where this is mentioned to us is coincidently is 2441, which is the same chapter/sura where the Dawn & Dusk Salat is mentioned (245. Thus, it is the chirping of the birds at Dawn & Dusk that are being referenced as ?before the Dawn Salat, and after the Dusk Salat? rather than a human act which is being carried out each day and every day and is a reference for all the people to know when or when not to seek permission!.

This idea of the timing of salat has gotten me confused.

However, closer reading of the verses reveals that the audience is NOT the people or the believers or even the reader of the Quran, but the audience is one person (singular) and that is the prophet himself. God is speaking to the prophet and telling him to uphold the Salat at these specific times (see 2183 to study contrast where the audience is all the believers when fasting is decreed).

Seeing as much of the reading isn't directed towards the believers ( O you who believe ), is it all directed towards Muhammad?

what about verses like the start of chapter two, which doesn't seem to be directed at anyone, but nor does 11114, as it doesn't say O Muhammad etc?

Can someone clarify whether or not salat is directed at Muhammad, or the people in general?

Peace!

drfazl

Peace all

Salat means SUBMITTING our/His TRUST With Trust In Allah, the same and at the same time that which Allah Bestows as His Grace Upon Us as The Dear Needs And Requirements Of our Lives. So be acutely be observant of this Grace, as it "dawns" in our hearts as our aspirations; that are never to be missed all throughout our lives, till our last is breathed. Thus salat shall remain in every breath of us. 'Time' is another form of ritual. "Timing" is what we shall be mindful of. May Allah save us again from the rituals of salat. We shall not be the losers ever!

drfazl

drfazl

salat

Both ends of the day mean

The dawn
When you are confident of having the Light to achieve something, it is due to His Grant of Wisdom. Praise Him for that in rememberance(salat). Never become proud of your knowledge (salat).

Never say this 039049
But when We bestow a favour upon him as from Ourselves, he says, "This has been given to me because of my certain knowledge!" Nay, but this is but a trial, but most of them understand not!

The dusk
When you lose your confidence and get into darkness, Be a Believer! Praise HIM as if HE had given you everything you are in need of. Never despair; for mumins despair not.

read this
002198
Remember Him as He has Guided you, though before that you were certainly of those astray.

002239
Remember Allah, as He has taught you what you did not know.

drfazl