Lesson 2: Fundamental Teachings Of Quran
Salat (Prayer)
Salat is the second pillar of Islam. It is an act of divine worship of Allah which a Muslim is called upon to perform five times a day. Salat is the foremost duty and an obligation a Muslim owes to Allah. The Quran says:
“Establish regular prayers-at the sun’s decline till the darkness of the night --- and pray in the small watches of the morning ----"(17:78 – 79 )The abandonment of Salat without genuine excuse is not forgiven by Allah. Salat is the backbone of Islam. The prophet (P.B.U.H) stated:
“What stands between man and disbelief is the abandonment of Salat.”Background of Salat
Salat is the unique service rendered by a Muslim in submission to Allah. Muslim men and women offer Salat five times a day:
- Fajr -- Early morning prayer
- Zohar -- Mid afternoon prayer
- Asar -- Late afternoon prayer
- Magrib -- Evening prayer
- Isha -- Night prayer
”Keep up prayer at the two ends of the day and in the first hours of the night” (Hud, 11:114)Basically, Salat consists of a recitation of Quran, praise of Allah, and various body postures to show one’s submission and obedience to Allah. The Call to Prayer (Azaan) is the common way of summoning Muslims towards salat. The main conditions for the practice of salat require a pure body, clothes and wudu (washing).
What is wudu (washing)?
Before offering prayer, the prescribed manner of cleansing oneself is called wudu. Basically, wudu is the washing of the various body parts which is mentioned in Quran.
“O you who believe! When you prepare for prayer wash your faces and your hands to the elbows, rub your head (with water) and (wash) your feet to the ankles” (5 :6)In case of a shortage of water, a dry washing (Tayammum) is done. This can be practiced by rubbing face, elbows and arms in dust, pure earth, earthen pot or brick.
Salat being the obligatory form of worship for Muslims, none are excused for any condition unless a person is unconscious, having a mental disorder or is undergoing menstruation. In order to derive full benefits of salat, Muslims perform salat in a congregation (in mosque). If circumstances do not allow this, then a believer can perform salat anywhere. Likewise, it can be said in any position, lying down (in the state of illness), sitting or standing upright, on horse/camel backs or in a car. As said in Quran:
“When ye have performed the act of worship, remember Allah, standing, sitting or reclining.” (4:103)The Essence of Salat
Which prayer is acceptable to Allah? The answer to this question is surprisingly simple – Allah will accept the prayer which is offered with a sincere heart, with devotion, with deliberate mental concentration, and with a pure heart. Consider the advantages of Salat in our lives:
- Salat allows us to refrain from shameful and evil activities
- It produces fear of Allah in the hearts of believers
- Salat promotes brotherhood, equality and the consolidation of ummah in congregational prayer assemblies
- Salat encourages punctuality, cleanliness and discipline in a believer’s persona
- One can maintain physical fitness through salat
