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Salat
By Layth (e-mail:
laytth@hotmail.com)
"And We have revealed
the Book to you which has the CLEAR EXPLANATION of everything,
and a guidance and mercy and good news for those who Submit."
(Quran 16:89)
The word 'Salat' and its derivates occurs
in the Quran over 70 times and is emphasized by GOD Almighty
as one of the most 'critical' aspects for mankind (107:4-5).
"And woe to those who make the Salat.
But are totally heedless of their Salat." (107:4-5)
Some of the effects related to Salat can
be found in the Book of GOD as follows:
Salat is for GOD's remembrance (20:14).
Salat protects us from evil & vice (29:45).
Salat negligence will be the first reason people will site
for entering hell (74:43).
Salat for the believers is conducted at regular times (4:103).
Salat requires a sober state of mind (4:43).
Salat requires cleanliness (5:6).
Salat requires a moderate voice (17:110).
Salat can be shortened in case of war (4:101).
Salat can be done on the move in case of fear (2:239).
Salat is to be prescribed to your own family (20:132).
Salat is done by aggressors who repent (9:5).
Salat is attended by some only to 'show-off' (107:6).
This concept 'Salat' can be seen from the
list above to be by far 'one of the most important' requirements
for people who walk the path of 'GOD Alone'...
Background.
Sunni & Shia sects believe teach that
the 'Salat' was decreed to the prophet Mohammed in the night
of 'Isra' (according to their interpretation of 17:1) where
he traveled to the 7th heaven and met with the other prophets
and was then decreed 50 Salat per day for his followers. After
taking advice from Moses in the haggling tactics of 7th heaven
people, Mohammed was able to strike a deal with GOD at only
5 Salat per day. From then on all people were ordered by the
prophet to perform 5 Salat per day which are comprised of
a set of words and movements (bowing, prostrating).
Of course, the above story is a pure fabrication
in that it not only insults GOD's Omnipotence and command
(if He says to a thing 'be' then it 'is'), but it also is
proven false from the Quran itself which speaks of the people
BEFORE Mohammed establishing the Salat:
Abraham speaks of 'keeping' Salat for him
and his family (14:40). Shuaib is accused of receiving his
instructions from his Salat (11:87). Moses is told to establish
the Salat (20:14). The Children of Israel are all commanded
to establish the Salat (2:43). Zakariah is called on by the
Angels while he is standing in Salat (3:39). Jesus promises
to keep the Salat (19:31). Luqman advises his son to establish
the Salat (31:17).
Salat therefore is as 'old as time' and represents
a critical link between GOD and His servants.
What it is NOT?.
Before getting into Salat, a small matter
of 'what it is NOT' needs to be clarified...
The Sunni/Shia team and their scholars have
claimed (after inventing the 50-5 story) that Salat is best
explained as: 'Prayer' (Du'a), and that GOD requires us to
'Pray' to Him at specific times in the day to meet an obligation
given...
This is yet another 'fallacy' used to misguide
the masses as GOD says in His Book that He is available to
be called upon /prayed to at ALL TIMES and in any method:
"And if My servants ask you about Me:
'I am near, answering the calls (Du'a) of he who calls (Du'a)
to Me, when he calls. Let them respond to Me and believe in
Me that they may be properly led." (2:186)
"We have created man, and We know what
his own self whispers to him, and We are closer to him than
the jugular vein" (50:16)
We read about those out at sea calling to
Him in a storm and He answers them (10:22). We read about
Jonah calling on GOD from inside the belly of a whale (21:87).We
read that all people call on Him when they are in fear (6:63)...
What it Is.
Now that We have cleared up the background
static created by the sects, we can look at Salat in the light
of the Quran to know what it is and how it is to be established.
The issue of Salat revolves around our 'covenant'
with GOD that we will 'deliver' what He Has ordered that it
be delivered...
"And GOD took the covenant of those
who were given the book, you will make it clear to the people
and not conceal it. But they threw it behind their backs and
purchased with it a cheap price. Miserable is what they have
purchased." (3:187)
We now have 'been given the Book', and are
therefore bound by the covenant of 'making it public and not
concealing it'...
We also find more talk of this 'covenant
of delivery' as follows:
"Is one who knows that the truth has
been sent down to you from your Lord like one who is blind?.
Only those with understanding will remember. Those who fulfill
GOD's pledge, and they do not break the Covenant. And they
DELIVER what GOD Has ordered be delivered, and they reverence
their Lord and they fear the terrible reckoning." (13:19-21)
So mankind is bound by the 'covenant of delivery'
to make public the Book of GOD...and for those who decide
to break this 'covenant' is a severe retribution:
"As for those who break the pledge of
GOD after making its covenant, and they SEVER what GOD ordered
that it be delivered, and they corrupt in the earth; to those
is a curse and they will have a miserable abode." (13:25)
This is the Salat in a nutshell...it is the
implementation of the 'Law' that we have committed to undertake...
More proof:
The verse dealing with the preparation for
Salat (5:6) is immediately followed by (5:7) which is reminding
us to our 'covenant':
And recall GOD's blessings over you and His
covenant that He Has bound you with, for which you have said:
'we hear and obey', and be aware of GOD; GOD knows what is
inside the chests. (5:7)
When did we say 'we hear & obey'?.
To some the answer may be as strange as the
concept of serving a GOD who is not seen physically, but nevertheless
our faith in His words assures us that that we have bound
ourselves prior to being born again in this earth:
"And your Lord took for the children
of Adam, from their backs, their progeny; and He made them
witness over themselves: 'am I not your Lord?'. They said:
'yes, we bear witness'. Thus you cannot say on the day of
resurrection that you were of this unaware'." (7:172)
Salat Timing, Location & Method.
Salat has specific times at which is established,
and to which the believers are very conscious in observing...
"...Salat for the faithful is as a timed
book." (4:103)
Salat gatherings are held twice a day, every-day....
"And uphold the Salat at both edgess
of the day, and a part of the night..." (11:114)
"Uphold the Salat of the sun's rubbing
(duluk) until the darkness of night, and the Reading (Quran)
at dawn. The Reading (Quran) at dawn is witnessed." (17:78)
Both edges of the day (11:114) is the
period just at sunrise and just before sunset, while (17:78)
gives a continuation of the sunset until early night (hence
11:114 mentioned a 'part' of the night).
<-----Night-----><----------Day------------><-----Night----->
vvvvvvvvvvvvv(y)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx(y)vvvvvvvvvvvv
(y) = Edge of Day
The two Salat times identified
carry the names 'Fajr' (Dawn) & 'Isha' (Dusk-Night):
"O you who have faith, permission must
be requested by your servants and the children who have not
attained puberty (before entering your rooms). This is to
be done in three instances-before the Fajr (Dawn) Salat, at
noon when you change your clothes, and after the Isha (Dusk)
Salat. These are three private times for you. At other times,
it is not wrong for you or them to mingle with one another.
GOD thus clarifies the revelations for you. GOD is Omniscient,
Most Wise." (24:58)
Call to Salat.
Salat in its full form is a public community
event (though that does not stop it from being done in private)
which is called to at the specific times mentioned above...
"And if you call to the Salat, they
take it as fun and games. That is because they are a people
who do not understand. " (5:58)
In-fact, some people are attending this gathering
only to be 'seen' and have no real faith in what they are
doing whatsoever!.
"And woe to those who make take the
Salat. But are totally heedless of their Salat. They are only
showing off" (107:4-6)
"And the do not come to the Salat except
lazily." (9:54)
And this is further verified in the example
of the prophet leading the 'group:
"And if you are with them and you uphold
the Salat for them, then let a group from amongst them stand
with you..." (4:102)
Location.
Since Salat is being called to in public,
then we need to quickly mention where such a gathering is
conducted...
"Say: 'my Lord orders justice, and
that you stand devoted at every temple, and that you call
to Him while purifying your religion to Him. As He initiated
you, so you will return' ." (7:29)
"And The Temples belong to GOD; so
do not call on anyone else beside GOD. So When GOD's servant
advocated Him, almost all of them banded together to oppose
him. Say, "I worship only my Lord; I never set up any
idols beside Him." Say, "I possess no power to harm
you, nor to guide you. Say, "No one can protect me from
GOD, nor can I find any other refuge beside Him. I deliver
GOD's proclamations and messages." Those who disobey
GOD and His messenger incur the fire of Hell, wherein they
abide forever." (72:18-23)
Men & Women.
It must be made clear that there is NO SEGREGATION
in Islam of men and women and that these are cultural practices
incorporated into Sunni & Shia faiths. Women are required
to establish the Salat just as men are, and both are 'equal'
under GOD:
"The submitting men, the submitting
women, the believing men, the believing women, the obedient
men, the obedient women, the truthful men, the truthful women,
the steadfast men, the steadfast women, the reverent men,
the reverent women, the charitable men, the charitable women,
the fasting men, the fasting women, the chaste men, the chaste
women, and the men who commemorate GOD frequently, and the
commemorating women; GOD has prepared for them forgiveness
and a great recompense." (33:35)
Preparation.
Now that we have the timings that this event
is held, we need to look at the preparations for people to
observe...
1. Cleanliness.
"Oh you who have faith, when you are
to uphold the Salat, then wash your faces, and your hands
upto the elbows, and wipe your heads, and your feet to the
ankles; and if you are filthy, then be cleansed; and if you
are ill or traveling or excretion has come to one of you,
or you have sexually touched the women, and you could not
find water, then you shall do ablution from clean soil; you
shall wipe with it your faces and your hands. GOD does not
want to make any hardship over you, but He wants to cleans
you and to complete His blessings upon you that you may be
thankful. " (5:6)
2. Dress Nicely.
"Oh children of Adam, take your best
dress at every temple, and eat and drink and do not indulge;
He does not like the indulgers.: (7:31)
3. Be in a Sober State of Mind.
"O you who have faith, do not approach
the Salat while intoxicated, until you are able to know what
you are saying. " (4:43)
Method.
Now that you have gathered for the Salat,
clean, nicely dressed, and prepared mentally...what happens
next?.
1. Be in a 'Stationary' Position.
Being 'stationary' is a requirement to Salat
and enables the participant to focus on the message...However,
there is an exception which allows establishment of Salat
on the move in cases of 'fear' from an enemy:
"Preserve the Salat, the best Salat,
and stand devoutly to GOD. But, if you are in a state of fear,
then you may do so while walking or ride, but when you are
safe, remember GOD as He has taught you that which you did
not know." (2:238-239)
2. Be in a Standing Position (if Possible)
In the verses where the example of Salat
is given, we find the people mostly 'standing' when adhering
to this process:
"The Angels called to him while he
was standing to the Salaat in the Temple enclosure: 'GOD gives
you good tidings of John, authenticating the word from GOD,
and a master, and steadfast, and a prophet from the upright."
(3:39)
"The hypocrites seek to deceive GOD
while He is deceiving them; and if they stand to the Salat,
they stand lazily, only to show the people; they do not remember
GOD except very little." (4:142)
However, a study of the position of the people
who have 'just completed' the Salat in 4:103, we find that
they could have been a) standing, or b) sitting, or c) lying
down (in that order). Therefore the position of Salat depends
on the person's ability and circumstances...
"When you are done with the Salat,
then remember GOD while standing, and sitting, and on your
sides. If you feel relieved, then continue to establish the
Gathering. The Gathering is for the faithful a timed book."
(4:103)
3. A moderate tone is used.
The method of Salat must be clear enough
to be heard, but not too loud to be distracting from the words...
"...You shall not be loud in your Salat,
nor too quite; use a moderate tone. " (17:110)
4. Leadership is Required (if being done
in a group).
In the example given by the prophet during
times of war, leadership for Salat is held:
"And if you are with them and you uphold
the Salat for them, then let a group from amongst them stand
with you and let them take their weapons; when they submit
then let them be behind you; and let a group who has not yet
made the Salat come and make the Salat with you, and let them
be wary and take their weapons with them. The rejecters hope
that you would neglect your weapons and goods so they can
come to you in one strike. There is no sin upon you if their
is harm to you from rain, or if you are ill, that you put
down your weapons, but be wary. GOD Has prepared for the rejecters
a humiliating retribution. " (4:102)
5. The Quran is Recited/Explained.
This is possibly the longest component of
Salat in terms of 'time allocation'. Establishing the Salat
and Reciting the Quran go 'hand in hand' (just like establishing
the Salat helps in making people give financial help to others
'Zakat').
A difference needs to be pointed out between
the Isha/Dusk Salat and the Fajr/Dawn Salat...While the Isha
Salat involves 'reciting' the Book of GOD, the Fajr Salat
involves 'reading/explaining' the verses of the book after
their study.
The Isha/Dusk Recitation
"You shall recite what is revealed
to you of the scripture, and uphold the Salat, for the Salat
deters from evil and vice. And the remembrance of GOD is the
greatest of all. And GOD knows everything you do." (29:45)
"Surely, those who recite the book
of GOD and uphold the Salat, and from our provisions to them
they spend secretly and publicly-are engaged in an investment
that never loses." (35:29)
"As for those who hold tight with the
book, and they uphold the Salat; We will not waste the reward
of the upright." (7:170)
The Fajr/Dawn Reading
"Establish the Salat of the sun's rubbing
(duluk) until the darkness of night, and the Reading (Quran)
at dawn. The Reading (Quran) at dawn is witnessed." (17:78)
The reason the Fajr Salat's involves 'reading/explaining'
is due to the 'study' and 'arranging' of the Quran which goes
on at night and gives the person an 'understanding' to relate
to others during dawn...
“Meditate during the night, except
rarely. Half of it, or a little less. Or a little more. And
arrange (Ratil) the Quran in its arrangement (Tarteel).”
(73:2-4)
“Your Lord knows that you meditate
during two-thirds of the night, or half of it, or one-third
of it, and so do some of those who believed with you. GOD
has designed the night and the day, and He knows that you
cannot always do this. He has pardoned you. So, understand
(Iqr’a) what you can of the Quran. He knows that some
of you may be ill, others may be traveling in pursuit of GOD's
provisions, and others may be striving in the cause of GOD.
So, understand (Iqr’a) what you can of it, and uphold
the Salat, and bring forth the Purification, and lend GOD
a loan of righteousness. Whatever good you send ahead on behalf
of your souls, you will find it at GOD far better and generously
rewarded. And implore GOD for forgiveness. GOD is Forgiver,
Most Merciful.” (73:20)
6. Pay Attention.
Now that you are gathered (if it is a group
Salat) and the Quran is being read/explained, you shall 'pay
attention' to the words and focus on the message as much as
possible:
"And when the Quran is being read,
then listen to it and pay attention, that you may receive
mercy." (7:204)
7. GOD is Remembered.
Without doubt, this is the 'core' of Salat
(its heart) and is the greatest aspect of this entire process:
"You shall recite what is revealed
to you of the scripture, and establish the Salat, for the
Salat deters from evil and vice. And the remembrance of GOD
is the greatest of all. And GOD knows everything you do."
(29:45)
8. The Law is given.
This is the natural 'by-product' from the
process of Salat, which is that the law becomes known.
Shuaib was accused by his people of 'receiving
orders' from his Salat:
"They said: 'oh Shuaib, does your Salat
command you that we leave what our fathers served, or that
we do with our money as we please?. You then are the compassionate,
the sane!'." (11:87)
Here it becomes apparent that Salat is the
'receipt of information' based on which Shuaib was accused
of ordering his people to change their ways...The 'Book of
GOD' is our source of information and law, and that the 'covenant'
mentioned in 13:19-21 can only be achieved through its delivery.
The people who come to the prophet seeking
judgment are spoken of as 'Submitting Completely' (Yusalimoo
Tasleema):
"No, by your Lord, they will not have
faith until they make you judge in what they dispute with
each other, then they will not find in their souls any animosity
for what you have decided and they submit completely."
(4:65)
We have the same 'word for word' occurrence
of 'Submit Completely' when the people are making Salat upon
the prophet:
"GOD and His angels Yusaloon upon the
prophet. O you who believe, you shall Saloo upon him, and
submit completely." (33:56)
Of course, the prophet can only judge in
matters using GOD's Book:
"And We have revealed to you the Book
with truth, authenticating what is in it of the Book and a
guardian over it, therefore JUDGE between them by what GOD
has revealed, and do not follow their low desires from the
truth that has come to you;" (Quran 5:48)
9. Words that Must be included.
Though the recitation of the Book is open,
there are specific words that are identified which 'must'
be incorporated into every Salat:
"...You shall not be loud in your Salat,
nor too quite; use a moderate tone. And proclaim: "Praise
be to GOD, who has never begotten a son, nor does He have
a partner in His kingship, nor does He need any ally out of
weakness," and magnify Him greatly." (17:110-111)
10. After Salat Remembrance.
Though the following verse is related to
the time of war...its message is relevant to be applied to
our everyday Salat gatherings:
"When you are done with the Salat,
then remember GOD while standing, and sitting, and on your
sides. If you feel relieved, then establish the Salat. The
Salat is for the faithful a timed book. " (4:103)
Benefits of Salat.
Now that you have been part of the Salat
process, there are some key benefits you should have gained
which will be very helpful in your life and conduct...
1. GOD is remembered.
This is more important than anything else
on earth...to remember the creator and sustainer and reason
we are all breathing air on this planet...
"I am GOD; there is no other god beside
Me. You shall serve Me alone, and uphold the Salat for My
Remembrance." (20:14)
With the remembrance of GOD comes joy to
our hearts...
"They are the ones whose hearts rejoice
in remembering GOD. Absolutely, by remembering GOD, the hearts
rejoice." (13:28)
2. The Quran is heard.
This is a general benefit to all people be
they literate or illiterate...The Book of GOD being recited
grants the hearer knowledge, wisdom, and mercy in sharing
and declaring the covenant we have been bound with.
"And when the Quran is being read,
then listen to it and pay attention, that you may receive
mercy." (7:204)
3. The Law is Known..
This is once again the 'by-product' remembering
GOD and listening to His Book...you have heard the words and
laws of the Almighty being recited to you and that should
be enough to arm you through your daily life and help you
deal with certain situations that you are bound to encounter
in life, like Shuaib was able to in the example below:
"They said, "O Shu`aib, does your
Salat order you that we must abandon our parents religion,
or running our businesses in any manner we choose? Surely,
you are known for being clement, wise." (11:87)
4. You will keep clear of sin and vice.
By remembering GOD daily and by hearing His
laws recited to you regularly (if you are sober and paying
attention to the words) you will be able to protect yourself
against the evil and vice that are common day occurrences
for some...
"GOD orders justice and goodness and
that you shall help your relatives, and He deters from evil,
and vice, and transgression. He warns you that you may remember."
(16:90)
Obviously GOD is giving His orders through
His words to man related in the Quran...This explains why
Salat is described 'word for word' as deterring from what
GOD Has said He is deterring us from:
"You shall recite what is revealed
to you of the scripture, and uphold the Salat, for the Salat
deters from evil and vice. And the remembrance of GOD is the
greatest of all. And GOD knows everything you do." (29:45)
Reading/Studying the Quran at other times.
That Salat having a component of reciting
and reading the Quran in it does not by any means connote
or imply that the study/reading of the Quran cannot be done
at other times.
In-fact, we are clearly encouraged to read/study
the Book of GOD at all times (the prophet specifically was
given the night to study/arrange/reflect over the Book):
"Do they not reflect on the Quran,
if it was from any other than GOD their would have been much
difference in it." (4:82)
"We are fully aware of everything they
utter, while you have no power over them. Therefore, remind
with this Quran, those who reverence My warnings." (50:45)
"When you read the Quran, we place
between you and those who do not believe in the Hereafter
an invisible barrier. We place shields around their minds,
to prevent them from understanding it, and deafness in their
ears. And when you preach your Lord, using the Quran alone,
they run away in aversion." (17:45-46)
You are even reading much of the Quran at
this very moment in this article...yet this is neither a Salat,
nor the time/method to establish it.
Other/Misc Issues.
State of Fear.
"Preserve the Salat, the best Salat,
and stand devoutly to GOD. But, if you are in a state of fear,
then you may do so while walking or ride, but when you are
safe, remember GOD as He has taught you that which you did
not know." (2:238-239)
Clearly the state of fear is an exception
which allows the Salat to be done on the move until the people
are secure...Once they are secure, then they are to establish
the Salat as it was shown originally.
"When you are traveling in the Earth,
you commit no error by shortening the Salat, if you fear that
the disbelievers will test you. Surely, the disbelievers are
your ardent enemies." (4:101)
An exception is also given under these circumstances
to shorten the normal length of Salat (full period being dawn-sunrise
& dusk-early night)...
Emergency Salat.
In certain cases such as death, gathering
to recite the Book and to remember GOD and refer issues of
inheritance law is allowed...
"Oh you who have faith, a testimony
between you if death comes to one of you during making a will;
two who are just amongst you, or two others. If you have ventured
forth in the land and death has come to you; you will hold
them after the Salat, and they will swear by GOD if you have
doubt, they will not purchase with it any price, even if he
was a near relative, and that we will not conceal the testimony
of GOD, or else we are then of the sinners." (5:106)
As for the hypocrites who die, no Salat is
allowed (because GOD will not forgive them)...
"And do not make Salat for any of them
who die, nor stand at their grave. They have rejected GOD
and His messenger and died while they were wicked." (9:84)
Qibla.
The 'Qibla' is the 'Focal Point' or 'Frame
of Mind' that believers take and what they associate that
with...For Mohammed and the followers of the final scripture,
the Qibla 'focal point' they were told to take was that of
the Sacred Temple...
"We see the shifting of your face towards
the sky, We will thus set for you a focal point that will
be pleasing to you; you shall set your face towards the Sacred
Temple; and wherever you may be, you shall all set your faces
towards it. Those who have been given the book know it is
the truth from their Lord. And GOD is not unaware of what
you do. " (2:144)
In the history of the prophets, we have precedence
set by Moses who was inspired to make the homes of his people
(or community) into a 'focal point' during the ordeal in Egypt:
"And We inspired to Moses and his brother:
'make homes for your people in Egypt, and make your homes
as your focal point (Qibla), and establish the Salat. And
give good news to the faithful" (10:87)
In either case, the focus is the setting
of a 'goal' for the community which, for Mohammed, was the
emulation of the 'station of Abraham' (3:95-97, 2:125).
Misc Issues.
Loss of recitation.
By confusing people about the purpose behind
Salat (making it into a ritual), the leaders have managed
to keep all power to themselves and confuse the masses about
their rights and duties to one another...If the Islamic masses
listened and thought about the words of GOD recited to them
regularly, then no man or woman could pull the 'wool' over
their eyes nor would they be in the tragic state of corruption
and affairs they are in.
"After them, He substituted generations
who lost the Salat, and pursued their lusts. They will suffer
the consequences. (19:59)
These people in the verse above did not lose
the 'ritual' (every faith is loaded with rituals), but they
lost the 'purpose' behind the Salat and thus made the covenant
with GOD null & void.
Middle (Wusta) Salaat.
[ar-Rahman 55:7-9] And the Firmament has
He raised high, and He has set up the Balance, In order that
ye may not transgress the balance. So establish weight with
justice and fall not short in the balance.
Wusta- is the word that is used to mean "middle"
in 2:238. Let us read and see if this fits throughout The
Reading.
[al-Ma'idah 5:89] The God will not call
you to account for what is futile in your oaths, but He will
call you to account for your deliberate oaths: for expiation,
feed ten indigent persons, on a scale of the average (AWSAT)
for the food of your families; or clothe them; or give a slave
his freedom. If that is beyond your means, fast for three
days. That is the expiation for the oaths ye have sworn. But
keep to your oaths. Thus doth The God make clear to you His
signs, that ye may be grateful.
The God tells us that for expiation, we are
to give average type of food like we would give our own families.
We are to give a balanced meal, one that contains some nutrition
, but not one that we have to spend our life savings on.
[al-Baqarah 2:267] "O ye who believe!
Give of the GOOD THINGS which ye have earned, and of the fruits
of the earth which We have produced for you, and do not even
aim at getting anything which is bad, in order that out of
it ye may give away something, when ye yourselves would not
receive it except with closed eyes. And know that The God
is Free of all wants, and worthy of all praise."
Average can also be seen as middle form the
above explanation, so lets dig a little further for clarification.
More clarifications-
There are two other clarifying verses that
settle this dispute (Remember disputes are to be settled with
the messenger, the ever living messenger , The Reading (4:59))
[al-Qalam 68:26] " But when they saw
the garden they said: ' we have surely lost our way: indeed
we are deprived.' Said (Awsatuhum) :'Did not I say to you,
'Why not glorify The God?' "
So, using our minds that we are responsible
for, would we place "middle" or "most balanced"
in this verse? Clearly it was the 'most balanced' man, what
would be the “middle” man? The one who suggested
glorifying The God was the most balanced because the righteous
are those who maintain the balance of all things in life,
they keep the proper perspective of the material world and
the spiritual world.
[al-Hujurat 49:13] O people, we created
you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct
peoples and tribes, that you may recognize one another. The
best among you in the sight of The GOD is the most righteous.
The GOD is Omniscient, Cognizant.
You see this is how The God teaches us the
names as He did for Adam (2:37) and will do for all of His
devotees who turn completely to Him.
The shaytaan (deceiver) has been exposed,
but there is more falsehood that needs its brains knocked
out by the truth.
[al-Baqarah 2:143] "Thus we have made
you an (ummatan wasatan), that you might be witnesses over
the nations and the messenger a witness over yourselves;..."
Has The God made the believers a 'middle
group' or has He made the believers a BALANCED group? The
Most Merciful has not left it up for us to guess. He has clarified
it for us.
[Al-Imran 3:110] "Ye are the MOST BALANCED
of people (khayra ummatan) evolved for mankind. Enjoining
what is right, forbidding what is wrong, and believe in The
God..."
Salaat is a function which will make you
a balanced human being, one who has not gotten lost in the
material illusion and remembers that He/She is only here for
a test.
[al-Hadid 57:20] Know that this worldly
life is no more than play and games, and boasting among you,
and hoarding of money and children. It is like abundant rain
that produces plants and pleases the disbelievers. But then
the plants turn into useless hay, and are blown away by the
wind. In the Hereafter there is either severe retribution,
or forgiveness from GOD and approval. This worldly life is
no more than a temporary illusion.
Bowing & Prostrating.
"When you are with them, and uphold
the Salat for them, let a group of them stand with you and
let them take their weapons. Once they have prostrated (Sajadoo),
then let them stand behind you and let another group who have
not done the Salat perform the Salat with you and let them
be cautious and take their weapons with them. Those who disbelieved
wish to see you neglect your weapons and your equipment, in
order to attack you once and for all. You commit no error,
if you are hampered by rain or ill, by putting down your weapons,
so long as you remain alert. GOD has prepared for the disbelievers
a shameful retribution." (4:102)
Prostration (Sujood) marks the end of the
Salat...Sujood is a 'frame of mind' (acceptance of what has
been said) and is NOT a physical act as deemed by its understanding
today.
"To GOD prostrates (Yasjud) everything
in the heavens and everything on earth- every creature-and
so do the angels; without the least arrogance." (16:49)
To those who argue that 'Sujood' is a 'Physical'
movement, we wish to point-out to them that GOD in His Book
has given NO exception for those ill or unable from performing
'Sujood' (unlike the exceptions made for ablution 5:6, fasting
2:184, shaving ones head during pilgrimage 2:196, placing
weapons on the ground during wartime Salat 4:102). Thus, what
if a person was 'ill'?, he/she is allowed to perform Salat
standing, sitting, or lying down...But there has been NO exception
for such a person from prostrating because it is a non-physical
element.
[Ha Mim Sajdah 41:37] Among His proofs are
the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. Do not prostrate
before the sun, or the moon; you shall fall prostrate before
the GOD who created them, if you truly worship Him alone.
This verse above (41:37) includes examples
both litteral and allegoric, and is of utmost importance in
understanding the meaning of Bow and Prostrate. We are commanded
not to prostrate before sun and moon, which means DO NOT GET
ON THE GROUND AND BOW BEFORE PHYSICAL CREATIONS thinking you
are worshiping The God. The God uses Sun and Moon as examples
to represent all day and night. He could have given us any
example of idols not to prostrate in front of but He used
Sun and Moon for a reason. No matter what direction you prostrate
in the day, you are actually prostrating before the sun, and
no matter what direction you prostrate in evening you are
still prostrating before the moon. Instead we are commanded
to prostrate before The God who created them. What does this
mean? How is this done? It cannot be the bowing and prostrating
we see by so many different religions though out the world
because these verses discredit that.
In the story of Soloman we have a clear example
of how physical bowing & prostrating can only be interpreted
as bowing to the 'Sun or Moon':
"He (Soloman) inspected the birds,
and noted: 'Why do I not see the hoopoe? Why is he missing?
'I will punish him severely or sacrifice him, unless he gives
me a good excuse. He did not wait for long. (The hoopoe) said:
'I have news that you do not have. I brought to you from Sheba,
some important information. I found a woman ruling them, who
is blessed with everything, and possesses a tremendous palace.
I found her and her people prostrating before the sun, instead
of GOD. The devil has adorned their works in their eyes, and
has repulsed them from the path; consequently, they are not
guided. " (27:20-24)
Although we can be quite sure that this was
a very 'intellegent' bird...he still did not command the ability
to understand human speach (only Soloman was given this gift
27:16). Thus, it becomes apparent that the bird understood
what the Queen of Sheba and her people were doing by sheer
'observation'. So, what did he observe?. We are told that
he observed them 'prostrating' before th sun...this would
indicate that the bird witnessed a 'physical 'prostration
by Sheba during the day and knew it had to be to the Sun (prostration
to GOD is to follow His will).
[al-Mursalat 77:47] Ah woe, that Day, to
the Rejecters of Truth!
[al-Mursalat 77:48] And when it is said
to them, "Prostrate yourselves!" they do not so.
We are aware that sunni, shiite, christians,
jews, even terrorists prostrate physically on the ground.
Are these not rejecters of Truth? So this CANNOT be what the
God is asking of us.
The meaning of Bow and Prostrate
[al-Hajj 22:18] Seest thou not that to God
bow down in worship all things that are in the heavens and
on earth, the sun, the moon, the stars; the hills, the trees,
the animals; and a great number among mankind? But a great
number are such as are fit for Punishment: and such as God
shall disgrace, none can raise to honour: for God carries
out all that He wills.
The above verse lists other physical entities
that bow to The God. This list includes earth, sun, moon,
stars, hills, trees, and animals. Has anyone ever seen any
of these creations bow and prostrate on the ground (animals
excluded)? These verses are instructing us to think on a higher
level. Or should I say these AYAAT (signs) are pointing us
to something higher.
Take a look at the second half of this verse
which describes those who do not bow to The God.
[al-Hajj 22:18] ...But a great number are
such as are fit for Punishment: and such as God shall disgrace,
none can raise to honour: for God carries out all that He
wills.
What reason is someone fit for punishment?
Would a person who believes in The God alone, The Last Day,
and lives righteously be punished for not getting on the ground?
Before answering recall this verse.
[al-Baqarah 2:62] Those who believe, and
those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Nazerenes
(pure form of Christainity) and the Sabians,- any who believe
in God and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have
their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor
shall they grieve.
No, not all of the mentioned people bow and
prostrate on the ground. Will they be punished? No, it is
the people who do not SUBMIT to The God and FOLLOW HIS COMMANDS
that will deserve His punishment.
The verses on the angels give us a definition
of Prostrate.
[al-Kahf 18:50] We said to the angels, "Fall
prostrate before Adam." They fell prostrate, except Satan.
He was of the jinn, and he disobeyed the order of His Lord.
Will you choose him and his descendants as lords instead of
Me, even though they are your enemies? What a miserable substitute!
The above verse explains to us that prostrating
before The God (who cannot be compared to His physical creation)
, is obeying His commands! This is what the angels were commanded
to do in respect to Adam (mankind) The Angels serve man by
The God's command, it is Iblis who disobeyed the order of
His Lord. When The God asked the angels to prostrate, He was
telling them to OBEY HIS COMMANDS regarding Adam. There is
no need to get on the ground to worship your Lord because
He has not commanded us to do this. He wants us to Bow and
Prostrate our WILLS to that of HIS WILL. This is what the
allegory alludes to.
[al-Baqarah 2:133] Were ye witnesses when
death appeared before Jacob? Behold, he said to his sons:
"What will ye worship after me?" They said: "We
shall worship Thy God and the God of thy fathers, of Abraham,
Isma'il and Isaac, the one God: To Him we bow."
[Al-Imran 3:43.7] "O Mary! Worship
thy Lord devoutly: Prostrate thyself, and bow down with those
who bow down."
Are we to bow along with next to tree worshippers
as well? Of course not, we are to bow our wills (submit) to
The God's will along with like- minded people (muslims). We
are to form a community with believers.
The believers are not followers of an "organized
religion" but people who follow the ONE SYSTEM which
the true teachings these "organized religions" came
from and point to. That system is Islam. The ACTION, not the
Title. Therein lies the difference.
PHYSICAL PROSTRATION
As stated earlier, verses that are directed
toward human interaction are correctly translated as Physical
prostration and I just want to include some examples of that.
Most times it is preceded by the word "Khar'a" (fall
down), which adds to "prostration" to let us know
that it is indeed physical prostration. If "prostration"
was automatically understood as physical, there would be no
need to add "Khar'a" along with it.
[Yusuf 12:100] And he raised his parents
high on the throne, and they fell down in prostration, before
him. He said: "O my father! this is the fulfillment of
my vision of old! God hath made it come true! He was indeed
good to me when He took me out of prison and brought you (all
here) out of the desert, (even) after Satan had sown enmity
between me and my brothers. Verily my Lord understands best
the mysteries of all that He plans to do, for verily He is
full of knowledge and wisdom.
[al-A`raf 7:120] But the sorcerers fell
down prostrate in adoration.
[Sad 38:24] (David) said: "He has undoubtedly
wronged thee in demanding thy ewe to be added to his ewes:
truly many are the who wrong each other: Not so do those who
believe and work deeds of righteousness, and how few are they?"...and
David gathered that We had tried him: he asked forgiveness
of his Lord, fell down, bowing, and turned (to God).
MARKS OF PROSTRATION
There is another issue that needs to be addressed
which deals with the following verse.
[al-Fath 48:29] Muhammad is the messenger
of The God; and those who are with him are strong against
Unbelievers, compassionate amongst each other. Thou wilt see
them bow and prostrate themselves, seeking Grace from God
and (His) Good Pleasure. On their faces are their marks, the
traces of their prostration. This is their similitude in the
Taurat; and their similitude in the Gospel is: like a seed
which sends forth its blade, then makes it strong; it then
becomes thick, and it stands on its own stem, (filling) the
sowers with wonder and delight. As a result, it fills the
Unbelievers with rage at them. God has promised those among
them who believe and do righteous deeds forgiveness, and a
great Reward.
This verse is used by sects to say that prostration
to The God must be physical. Let us look at one other verses
to see if that is true.
[Muhammad 47:30.21] Had We so wiled, We
could have shown them up to you, and you should have known
them by their marks: but surely you will know them by the
tone of their speech! And God knows all that you do.
Here the God is talking about “those
in whose hearts is a disease”, what mark would they
have? These “marks” are NOT physical marks. They
are traits that each have that, if detected, can distinguish
a believer and a non -believer. Believers are humble and kind,
Non-believers are arrogant and pushy (for example). The God
has made His System easy.
CLOSING PROOFS
Finally, here are some closing proofs to
consider.
[al-Baqarah 2:58] "...and enter the
gate PROSTRATING"
How does one move forward through any gate
sliding on his hands, knees and face? Would that not be painful?
The God has made His system easy, not difficult.
[as-Sajdah 32:15] Only those believe in
Our Signs (verses/ayats), who, when they are recited to them,
prostrate, and celebrate the praises of their Lord, nor are
they puffed up with pride.
The above verse gives us no exceptions along
with it. Let me ask you, if you are in a busy intersection
and you hear the Qur’an being recited, will you physically
prostrate in front of the oncoming traffic? A better example
is if you are driving wildly down the street angry at something
that happened to you and you hear Qur’an being recited
on one of your tapes, will you prostrate right there and crash
into a tree? Or will you listen to The Words of The God and
correct your actions (prostrate) and drive sensibly. This
is what this verse means. When you hear the Word of The God,
the heart of the believer softens and he gets in line with
what The God is instructing him to do.
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