Quranic Salat and its Role in Establishing Islam and Imaan

The Establishment of Salat In context of the mumin, the establishment of the salat is undertaking to establish formal institutions in which we turn towards the Quran in order to maintain the purity of the message in various aspects of our lives by humbling ones self to, and ultimately acknowledging the Quranic position. This is my understanding of the establishment of salat. I will return to this definition throughout my presentation, highlighting different aspects of this understanding. I will show that there are alternate meanings that can be extracted from the lexicons, and then show why these alternate meanings are more suitable in the context of its Quranic usage.

Salat Now, what is salat in light of the Quran? Salat, like many concepts in Quran, is contextualized and as such, different salawat are indicated to us determined by context. We will deal with this contextualization a little later. The root from which it is derived is , and in its first form carries a meaning of making contact1. In its second form, it carries a meaning of effecting such contact. This core meaning of the second form, from which salat seems to be derived, can be seen as he effected contact or he turned towards2. In turning towards something, there is a connection created between the subject and the object. Applying this at all occurrences, we find it to fit universally without any problems. As-Salat can then be seen as that which effects contact or that which turns towards. We can now return to our definition and see where this fits in. In context of the mumin, the establishment of the salat is undertaking to establish formal institutions in which we turn towards the Quran in order to maintain the purity of the message in various aspects of our lives by humbling ones self to, and ultimately acknowledging the Quranic position.

Purpose of salat The most pivotal factor for me is purpose. Allah instructs us to use our reason and as such tells us more than just WHAT we should do. He provides us with the purpose behind such instruction. This is important because it allows us to determine whether or not our salat is effective. If we achieve the purpose of salat, it is reasonable to say that our salat is in line with the Quranic concept. If we are not achieving the purpose of salat, re-evaluation is advisable. So what does the Quran offer us in terms of what the purpose of salat is?

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Seeking assistance (2:45) When we look at the quranic context of 2:45, we must read verses 40-46 at the very least. Once we do, we find the following: This passage in addressed to Bani Israel in which they are told to remember the favour of God and fulfil or be faithful to the covenant, believe in the Quran confirming what is with them, not to hide the signs, nor trade them for a small gain, nor mix truth with falsehood, nor knowingly conceal the truth (40-42). They are told to establish the salat, bring the zakat, ruk3u with those who ruk3u (43). The question is asked as to enjoining other people to good while forgetting themselves and appealing to the use of reason (44). Assistance should be sought in /with the sabr and the salat, which is difficult except for the humble, who are certain of the meeting with their Rabb (45-46). It seems reasonable to me that the assistance that is to be sought here is with regard to ensuring that God's messages are not sold for a small price, keeping to the truth of the message, hence not mixing truth with falsehood while knowing what the truth is. More specifically, we might regard the assistance being sought in order to prevent enjoining others to good while reading or following the book, yet neglecting enjoining it on our own selves as this is contrary to reason. This would ensure that optimum results are achieved by practicing the pure, truthful message of Quran. The reason that sabr is part of this process could be that sometimes people preach the truth, but find it difficult to act in accordance with it due to any number of reasons that could range from circumstances they find themselves in to just being hypocritical. Steadfastness is therefore advised through thick and thin. The salat is required because in these instances people are required to "turn towards the revelation even when negative influences of the self try to dictate otherwise. As pride is usually the main driving force in disobeying God (see the verses about Adam and iblees), humility would be a natural requirement for not having difficulty in submitting to this process. Restraining from shameful and evil deeds (29:45) Another purpose of the salat is restraining from shameful and evil deeds (29:45). We should look at this in its Quranic context by studying 29:45-51 at the very least. 29:45-51(45) Recite what has been revealed of the book and uphold the salat. The salat keeps away from indecency / shameful deeds and evil / injustice. The remembrance of God is the greatest (v.45). Advice on arguing with the people of the Book and confirmation of the revelation to the messenger (v.46-50). The revelation is a mercy and a reminder for the believers (v.51). The meaning of the root nun-kaf-ra3 carries a meaning of changing or altering something to an unknown state so as not to be known. Hence it is associated with the practice of deceit. It also carries a meaning of becoming ignorant of or unacquainted with something. Hence denying or disacknowledging something due to not being acquainted with it because its being changed into an unknown state. This is interesting because we know that the purpose of salat is also removing uncleanness, bringing about purification (33:33) and for the remembrance of God (20:14). We are also told that the salat will keep us away from "al-fahshaa". The root "fa-ha-sha"4 seems to mean being excessive, transgressing limits, especially in a public manner.

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I see the passage 2:45-51 as meaning that we utilise the Quran through the salat to keep us away from following any adulterated perverted interpretations of the revelation as this is a remembrance of God. The remembrance of God (20:14) The remembrance of God is understood as one of the main reasons for salat. We find it mentioned in 20:14. 20:12-16(14) Moses is informed that he has been chosen to listen to the revelation (v.13). He is instructed to serve God and uphold the salat for Gods remembrance (v.14). Dont let those who follow their low desires turn you away from the revelation (v.16) Remembrance of God is a clear purpose of salat. It is interesting that in 20:12-16, serving God and upholding the salat for His remembrance is opposite following low desires and turning people away from the revelation. It is therefore reasonable to see salat as a process of turning towards the revelation when used in context of the revelation. Receiving instruction on socio-economic matters (11:87) Here we need to consider 11: 84-87 which relates the story of Shuaib. 11:84-95(87) When Shuaib tells his people to be just in their dealings (v.84-86), they ask if his salat instructs him that they must stop serving what their forefathers served and that they should not do whatever they please with their wealth (v.87). His response includes the statement that his people neglect God as something cast behind their backs (v.92), and he will continue to act upon the guidance he gets through his salat regardless of what his people continue to do (v.93). The salat should instruct us in socio-economic matters resulting in letting go of what we learned before if it is not in line with the revelation. This may necessitate putting limits on what we can do with our wealth. If we don't do this it is akin to neglecting God as something cast behind our backs. If there are people around us who are doing this we must continue to act upon the guidance we get through the salat ensuring the purity of the message is brought to the fore. Removing uncleanness and for purification (33:33) The purpose of salat is also discussed ii the passage 33:28-34. 33:28-34(33) These verses instruct the wives and women of the prophet which includes the salat in order to remove uncleanness from them, purifying them (v.33). The salat is for removing uncleanness and purification. Maintaining the Purity of the Message The most common purpose of salat found in quran is that of maintaining the purity of the message. It appears in 25 passages where or its derivatives are directly mentioned. I will go through a few to illustrate the point. 2:40-46(43, 45) This passage in addressed to Bani Israel in which they are told to believe in the Quran confirming what is with them, not to hide the signs, nor trade them for a small gain, nor mix truth with falsehood, nor knowingly conceal the truth, uphold the salat, bring the zakkat, ruk3u with those

who ruk3u. The question is asked as to enjoining other people to good while forgetting themselves and appealing to the use of reason. Assistance should be sought through sabr and salat, which is difficult except for the humble, who are certain of the meeting with their Rabb. The adulteration of the message sent by God is combated by upholding the salat. It allows those upholding the salat to see and hence practice the pure message of the revelation by uncovering signs that have been hidden, allowing the value of the truth to come forward and sifting the truth from the falsehood. Assistance should be sought through sabr and salat. 5:1-19(6, 12) Certain things pertaining to what is lawful are laid out (v.1-6). The prerequisites for the salat are stated (v.6). We are reminded of Gods favours (v.7-11). Part of the covenant between God and the children of Israel involved upholding the salat (v.12). Part of breaking the covenant involved altering words from their places and neglecting a portion of the reminder (v.13). The Christians also neglected a portion of the reminder in violation of the covenant (v.14). Now a messenger has come making clear what you concealed of the Book. There has come from God a light and a clear Book whereby God guides those who follow the road to peace, bringing them out of darkness into light (v.15-16). There is a return to pointing out some of the concepts that were changed by the people of the Book (v.17-18). It is then reiterated that the messenger has brought the truth (v.19). 7:158-171(170) Muhammad is a messenger to mankind. The division of the twelve tribes is described (v.158-169). Those who were unjust among them changed the revelation for a word other than they were given (v.162). When they neglected the reminder they were punished (v.165). The effort of those who hold fast by the Book and uphold the salat will not be wasted. Hold on firmly to the revelation (v.170-171) We must not be like the unjust among the people of the book by changing the revelation and neglecting the reminder. We should uphold the salat by using the book productively to ensure the purity of the message is exercised. Lets look at where this fits into the definition of the establishment of salat. In context of the mumin, the establishment of the salat is undertaking to establish formal institutions in which we turn towards the Quran in order to maintain the purity of the message in various aspects of our lives by humbling ones self to, and ultimately acknowledging the Quranic position. What does the mumin turn towards in the salat? We can see in the passages we just discussed that the salat of the mumin is something in which the quran is what we turn towards in order to achieve the purposes of salat.

The importance of the Quran in salat The Quran is clearly of importance in salat. Therefore we need to have a clear understanding of what the Quran is, and how it is to be utilised in salat.

Lets look at the root from which Quran and Iqra, etc. are derived. What is the primary meaning of ?5 The lexicons give us the following meanings: It is the drawing together, portion by portion, in stages. refers to not having comprised or enclosed a foetus. also refers to a woman who menstruates for the first time, meaning she is now able to conceive and in so doing, enclose a foetus. There is also a connotation of delay or postponement. Investigation is another shade of meaning alluded to in the lexicon. Yet another component is that of something being done at the right or opportune time. Putting all this together, we could describe as: He drew the composite parts together in a protected environment allowing the correct development to take place in stages and then allowing a productive whole to come forward and function as it is meant to. Just as the process of conception, carrying a healthy foetus to term and delivering a fully developed baby. When we recite, we bring together the letters and words and deliver them as something understandable. This is what speech and recital is, but utilising as he recited is dependant on what is. is not dependant on what recital is. We can also now look at what the Quran is. It is a protected environment composed of various parts, to be implemented stage by stage, culminating in the implementation of a functional System. So we can see that the meaning of recital only comes through because it fits in with the broader definition. This is important because over ritualising holds us back from acting. Merely reciting the Quran is ritualistic whereas carrying out the broader understanding of fulfils the purpose of Quran. Once again, lets return to our initial definition. In context of the mumin, the establishment of the salat is undertaking to establish formal institutions in which we turn towards the Quran in order to maintain the purity of the message in various aspects of our lives by humbling ones self to, and ultimately acknowledging the Quranic position.

Method of salat The method of salat is always a contentious point as we do not find a step by step how to in quran to substantiate the traditional format. What we do find are things that form part of salat. These are
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qum/qaama, ruk3u and sujood. These three concepts present much more than mere standing, bowing and prostrating. Lets look at the different possibilities. The root suggests establishment in terms of standing still in order to ensure that it happens or takes place6. The root suggests humbling ones self, being in a lower position than before7. This is indicative of surrendering ones position in favour of another. In the context of salat, this would refer to giving consideration to the quranic position and inclining to such a position rather than ones own contention on an issue. The root suggests acknowledging something in a submissive manner8. These three concepts in relation to salat become quite clear as the establishment or standing firm, inclining towards and acceptance of the quran in the salat processes of the mumin. Again, this can be seen in the original definition presented for establishing salat. In context of the mumin, the establishment of the salat is undertaking to establish formal institutions in which we turn towards the Quran in order to maintain the purity of the message in various aspects of our lives by humbling ourselves to, and ultimately acknowledging the Quranic position. Coherence in Quran The Quran is not a hotch potch of verses slapped together in which verses appear out of context. Contextualisation of salat I would like to use two passages to demonstrate the contextualization of salat from the Quran. 2:220-242 We are given instruction regarding dissolution and termination of certain social contract (v.220237). We are told to guard the salawat and the most excellent, balanced salat and stand to God in obedience (v.238). We are then briefly returned the main themes of the preceding verses being the dissolution and termination of certain social contacts (v.240-241). Thus does God make clear His signs that you may understand (v.242). 2:261-286 We are advised regarding keeping our wealth open, sadaqat, contractual rights and responsibilities, distribution of wealth, riba, etc. (v.261-276). Those who believe uphold the salat (v.277). We are then returned to the theme discussed in the preceding verses being riba, distribution of wealth, contractual rights and responsibilities, sadaqat, keeping our wealth open, etc. (v.278-283). Everything belongs to God. Whether you make it manifest or hide it, He will call you to account for it (v.284). This brings together an important point in the definition of the establishment of salat, being that of formal institutions.

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In context of the mumin, the establishment of the salat is undertaking to establish formal institutions in which we turn towards the Quran in order to maintain the purity of the message in various aspects of our lives by humbling ones self to, and ultimately acknowledging the Quranic position. The relationship between salat and zakat No discussion on salat is complete without considering zakat. These two concepts often appear side by side in Quran. Commonly understood as charity, this simply doesnt make sense when considering its Quranic usage. Zakat is better understood as that which causes growth and development9 which makes sense in light of what has been presented thus far. Perhaps the best way to demonstrate this is by using the practical example that we just been through. If we consider what happens when we establish salat with regard to the dissolution and termination of social contracts mentioned in 2:220-246 and the socio-economic issues mentioned in 2:261-286 we can see quite clearly that it would lead to growth and development. For example, following the advice regarding ensuring that good relations are maintained between parties when social contracts are dissolved would assist in the healthy growth and development of those involved, which in turn could assist in the parties contributing positively to society, leading to growth and development of the society at large. So zakat can be seen as that which follows salat. Using the Quran productively in the salat process lays the groundwork for growth and development. Once a decision is made in the salat process which is in line with the Quran, the process of zakat can begin. The implementation of those decisions result in bringing forth growth and development. Participation in the salat process 17:36 tells us not to pursue that of which we have no knowledge. 4:43 tells us that we should not approach the salat until we understand what we say. This limits participation in salat to those who are knowledgeable in the relevant field that the salat is dealing with and prepare well for the salat. Different people can participate in different salawat that run concurrently since each salat would not require every expertise. We have observable examples of this in successful communities who set up institutions in which they turn towards their respective constitutions in resolving and planning various aspects of life. The difference is that the mumin turns towards the Quran.

Defining deen, islam and imaan Lets turn our attention to islam, deen and iman now. What is islam? It is the only deen acceptable to Allah. What does this mean? Deen is from , with a meaning of obedience, serving something or being indebted or obligated10. Hence our deen will be our obligation. It is something we must fulfill.

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Islam is derived from a root that means he was safe, secure and free11. With this in mind, islam means that which brings about safety, security and freedom. And a muslim is one who brings about safety, security and freedom. Iman is derived from a root meaning he was safe, secure and tranquil12. From this it is clear that imaan is that which brings about safety, security and tranquility. And a mumin is one who brings about safety, security and tranquility. What is the role of salat in establishing islam and imaan? 6:125-126 shows us that Allahs guidance comes by expanding our breast for islam, which is the path to our Rabb as the messages have been made clear for those who remember. 39:22-23 again shows us those whose hearts are opened to islam is linked with the remembrance of Allah. 3:83-109 is a passage which shows us a link between various purposes of salat and iman. Most notably, verse 103 which mentions the remembrance of Allah and verse 104 which mentions staying away from munkar, both these being purposes of salat. In these, and other verses and passages, there is a clear link between the purpose of salat and achieving islam and iman. How does it all come together? In context of the mumin, the establishment of the salat is undertaking to establish formal institutions in which we turn towards the Quran in order to maintain the purity of the message in various aspects of our lives by humbling ones self to, and ultimately acknowledging the Quranic position. We can see that this process is vital in the establishment of creating an environment of safety, security, freedom and tranquillity by achieving the purposes of salat set out in Quran. When we contextualised salat earlier, we saw how it leads to growth and development. This growth and development ultimately results in an environment of safety, security, freedom and tranquillity for all members of the community that institute the establishment of salat.

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