The Light Of Quran

Salah (Prayer):
The Second Basic Principle of Islam
(The Wonderful Strategy to Be Restrained From Shameful and Unjust Deeds)

Mohammad Alamgir Hossen Msc in Tourism and Hospitality Management University of Gothenburg, Sweden BBA in Management, MBA in HRM University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.

(Those who listen to the Word, and follow the best (meaning) in it: those are the ones whom Allah has guided, and those are the ones endued with understanding- Surah Az-Zumar, Chapter 39, Verse- 18.)

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Introduction
We are supposed to do Ibadah through each and every of our activities (performances) only for which Allah has created us (51:56). Every of our activities are not Ibadah but only those that are done through the views of Allah (SWT). If Allahs view permits an activity and thus an activity is done then such activity will be called an Ibadah, and the vice versa. In other words, in case of an Ibadah the intention to do something else first connects with the views of Allah (SWT) and only based on Allahs views it is either performed or abandoned. Besides, the procedure or path way through which an intention goes via the views of Allah (SWT) towards its performance is called Al-Islam or the path of Allah (SWT) and all of His Messengers (AWS). And, the aspect or power that connects an intention with the views of Allah (SWT) is called Iman. Thus, the relationship between Ibadah, Islam, and Iman can be shown in the following way-

T h e p a t h of I s l a m
Allahs View Iman

Intention (to perform anything else)

Path of Evil

Performance Ibadah / Evil

Fig. 1: Relationship Between Ibadah, Islam, and Iman

In the above figure, the path of Islam is a path way in which an intention (to do anything else) always goes through the views of Allah (SWT) towards its performance. And, the performances or results done through this particular path are called Ibadah. In this path the aspect or power that connects an intention to the views of Allah (SWT) is called Iman. Thus, the aspect of Iman leads a person to be connected with the views of Allah (SWT) mainly to make all of his/ her deeds Ibadah. On the other hand, the path in which the views of Allah (SWT) is ignored and the intention (to do something) directly connects the performance is called the path of evil (16:34, 20:16, 25:43). In this path, a person does whatever he/ she wishes without thinking the views of Allah (SWT). The deeds/ activities done through such path can be called only a performance and in the sight of Allah (SWT) it is an evil (16:34).

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In the previous discussion on Iman we had an example of such a house in which there were both good and bad things (diamonds, golds, silver along with viper snakes, dusts, and so on) and was offered us to utilize it based on our own wish. There we found the potential strategies to utilize the values of the good things were- first, to lit the lamp inside to be aware of what good and bad things are there and after being aware of the things we were supposed to take initiatives to remove the bad things first and there by to open up the opportunity to utilize the values of the good things. And, we tried to compare this same example to the good and bad tendencies of our own. Similar to this example if we want to utilize the values of our good tendencies towards good results we are also supposed to control the bad tendencies first.

Therefore, Allah (SWT) commands us to light a lamp (called Iman) to enlighten our sensibility first so that we can clearly be aware of the good and bad tendencies that we have. And, after being aware of the good and bad tendencies He (SWT) commands us to take initiative to control and/ or remove the bad tendencies first in order to best utilize our good tendencies. In this regard Salah is such a strategy that helps a person to take initiative to control and/or remove the major bad tendencies or the major sources of all evils, the shameful and unjust deeds (29:45). Mainly for such a significance of this strategy (Salah) it is considered as the second major principle of Islam just after development of Iman (Sahih Bukhari, Book 2, Hadith 007). The detailed discussion (of this paper) on Salah is aimed to observe how to meet the objective of Salah and with the help of this great strategy how can we derive our own benefits during this life as well as in the Hereafter.

History of Salah
To be restrained from major evils the strategy of salah is not a newly launched phenomena came into existance 1400 years (appr.) before through the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS). Rather it has been commanded by Allah (SWT) in all the ages so that mankind could achieve the qualities of having been restrained from major evils and could avail the good tendencies towards best benefits. Allah (SWT) says in Surah Al-Bayyinah, Chapter 98, Verse 5, And they have been commanded no more than this: To worship Allah, offering Him sincere devotion, being true (in faith); to establish regular prayer; and to practise regular charity; and that is the Religion Right and Straight. Even in the previous Scriptures we find the same messages of offering salah as mentioned in the BibleNumbers 10:1-3 (Call for prayer); Exodus 3:5 & ACTS 7:33 (taking off shoes); Exodus 40:31-32 (purification before prayer); Daniel 6:10 (facing towards Jerujalem); Matt 26:39 & Joshua 5:14 & Genesis 17:3 (Bowdown/ Prostration); Kings 8:54 & John 11:41-42 (supplication after prayer). 3

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These similar messages again repeated in the latest revelation (the Glorious Quran) from the same God, Allah (SWT), based on which todays Muslims around the world are offering five times obligatory salah as mentioned in- 62:9 (call for salah/ prayer), 20:11-12 (keep off shoes), 5:7 (purification before prayer), 2:144 (facing Kaba), 22:77 (Bowdown/ Prostration), 2:201 (supplication after Salah).

Meaning of the Word Salah

Muslims around the world use several terms to refer Salah. English speakers use the term 'prayer', some south Indian countries call 'namaj', Pashtun speakers say 'Imnunz', Malayalam speakers say 'Niskaaram' or 'Namaskaaram', and so on. The root meaning of Salah is to follow someone closely or to follow the right path. Some scholars say As-Salah in Arabic means duaa or supplication, where as some others say salah is to contact with Allah (SWT). In fact, All these meanings are simultaneously relevant to mean the Arabic term 'Salah'. Because, Salah is not merely to pray to Allah (SWT). It also includes supplications or dua and glorifying to Allah (SWT).

Salah as the Means to Contact/ Communicate with Allah (SWT)

Allah (SWT) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, Chapter 2, Verse 153, O ye who believe! seek help with patient perseverance and prayer (Salah); for Allah is with those who patiently persevere. In practical life to ask for any help to anyone else we must contact with the person, either physically or by any other modes. Thus, if a believer wants to contact with Allah (SWT) for any kind of help then he/ she also must contact with Him (SWT) and in this regard patience perseverance and salah are the exact means. Therefore, salah can be called the means of contact with Allah (SWT). On the other hand, supplication means to communicate or to request humbly for help. Thus, salah is again a duaa or supplication or the means of communication with Allah (SWT). Even, the contents of salah also includes the praises and duaa to Allah (SWT), like Surah Fatihah, Chapter 1, Verses 1-7. Salah as to Follow (Allah/ the Right Path)

If we look at the objective of salah (discussed below) for which Allah (SWT) has commanded us to offer it five times daily, dutifully and perfectly then we will see that to meet the objective we are supposed to follow the instructions of the recited words during salah in our practical life. Therefore, salah can again be refered as to follow the commandmends of Allah (SWT) or to follow the Right Path that is Al-Islam (98:5). 4

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Importance of Salah
Just after development of Iman (a perfect light/ power to recognize the right and wrong accurately) Islam emphasizes righteous deeds (Ibadah) to perform. Performance of Salah at the appointed times is considered as the best among all righteous deeds as mentioned in Sahih Muslim, Book 1, Hadith Number 151, narrated on the authority of Abdullah b. Mas'ud (Radi Allah Anhu) that he observed. I asked the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) which deed was the best. He (the Holy Prophet) replied: Prayer at its appointed hour. I (again) said: Then what? He (the Holy Prophet) replied: Kindness to the parents. I (again) said: Then what? He replied: Earnest endeavour (Jihad) in the cause of Allah. And I would have not ceased asking more questions but out of regard (for his feelings).

Besides, the practices of salah makes a person different from an unbeliever as mentioned in Sahih Muslim, Book 1, Hadith 146 that says that Jabir (Radi Allah Anhu) heard the Apostle (SAWS) saying "Verily between man and between polytheism and unbelief is the negligence of prayer". Based on this Hadith whether a person has Iman (Faith) or not can be perceived through the practices of salah. If someone is seen to offer salah dutifully and perfectly then he/ she can be refered as a believer and the vise-versa.

The major reason for which a great part of humanbeing will be in the Hellfire is the negligence of Salah as mentioned in Surah al-Muddaththir, Chapter 74, Verses 40-45,"(They will be) in Gardens (of Delight): they will question each other, And (ask) of the Sinners: "What led you into Hell Fire?" They will say: "We were not of those who prayed"; "Nor were we of those who fed the indigent; "But we used to talk vanities with vain talkers;. Further, In the day of Judgement it will be commanded to everyone to Prostrate their Lord. But, in response to this commandment only those will be able to do so who used to prostrate during this testful life and the others will not as mentioned in Surah Al-Qalam, Chapter 68, Verses 42-43, "(Remember) the Day when the Shin shall be laid bare (i.e. the Day of Resurrection) and they shall be called to prostrate (to Allah), but they (hypocrites) shall not be able to do so, Their eyes will be cast down, ignominy will cover them; they used to be called to prostrate (offer prayers), while they were healthy and good (in the life of the world, but they did not)."

Elsewhere, in Surah Ta-haa, Chapter 20, Verses 125-126, Allah (SWT) says, He will say: "O my Lord! why hast Thou raised me up blind, while I had sight (before)?" (Allah) will say: "Thus didst Thou, when Our Signs came unto thee, disregard them: so wilt thou, this day, be disregarded. 5

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Based, on these verses if someone of us do not accept and follow the commandments of Allah (SWT) then he/ she will be raised up as a blind in the Hereafter. If any one of us wants abide by and to follow the instructions from Allah (SWT), then salat is the best and most formal and official procedure.

Objective of Salah
Allah (SWT) says in Surah Al-Ankaboot, Chapter 29, Verse 45, Recite what is sent of the Book by inspiration to thee, and establish regular Prayer: for Prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds; .. Based on this verse the objective of salah is to be restrained from shameful and unjust deeds. There are several means to be free from evils, like giving charity, performing fast during ramadan, having patience during hard times and so on. Salah is one of those strategies that helps a believer to achieve the specific objective of being restrained from shameful and unjust deeds that are often called the major sources of all evil deeds. To guess the matter let us think two particular questions, as- (i) what do I expect from a person who does not have any shame(?) or does not have proper knowledge on what is shameful and what is not? (ii) what do I expect from a person who does not have the sense of unjust(?) or does not have proper knowledge on just and unjust? If Iman is the light/ power to enlighenten the sensibility to recognize the good and bad, right and wrong, just and unjust, shameful and shamefree(...) then Salah is the tool/ strategy/ mechanism the use of which helps to remove and/or control the bad, wrong, unjust, shameful (tendencies) in order to best utilize the good, right, just, shamefree tendencies to derive the best benefits of our own.

The Way of Meeting the Objective of Salah

Salah is to follow and its objective is to be restrained from shameful and unjust deeds. So, my job is to start from the point of to follow to reach to the point of to be restrained from shameful and unjust deeds. To follow To be restrained from shameful and unjust deeds

Fig. 2: Two Different Points of salah- the meaning and the Objective 6

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Now, the question is how to reach the point of being restrained from shameful and unjust deeds by following (salah)? Allah (SWT) says in Surah Az-Zumar, chapter 39, Verse 18 Those who listen to the Word, and follow the best (meaning) in it: those are the ones whom Allah has guided, and those are the ones endued with understanding. According to this verse, if we want to be guided by Allah (SWT) that is to be restrained from evils and thereby to open up the opportunities to be benefited by utilizing our good tendencies then we are supposed to listen, first, to the words from the glorious Quran and then have to follow them accordingly in our practical life! For example, if a patient wants to be cured (guided) by the doctors prescription then he/ she must listen properly to the words of the doctor (the prescription) and then must follow them accordingly. This is how, if by salah one wants to be guided by Allah (SWT) (to be cured/ prevented from shameful and unjust deeds) then he/ she is also supposed to listen and then have to follow properly the instructions of the words that he/ she recite during salah. As the medical prescription is the formal and official wording of a doctor for the better guidance of a patience, so the glorious Quran is also the official and great prescription of the Doctor of doctors, Allah (SWT) for the best guidance of a Mumin (believer).

Now, if we do not understand (the meaning) what we recite during salah then how is it possible to follow the instructions of the recited words in our practical life? Allah (SWT) strongly recommends us to understand the recited words during salah as said in Surah An-Nisa, Chapter 4, Verse 43, O ye who believe! Approach not prayers with a mind befogged, until ye can understand all that ye say,-. Based on this Verse we must understand the words that we recite during salah! So, if we want to reach from the point of to follow to the point of to be restrained from shameful and unjust deeds then we have to listen, have to understand, and then have to implement the instructions of the recited words (during salah) in our practical life. As in case of a medical prescription a patient usually fights against the affected germs by propeely listening and following the words of the doctor, so in case of salah a believer also get fights against the major evils (shameful and unjust deeds) by properly listening and following the instructions of the words from Allah (SWT) during salah (and thereby be guided towards the righteous deeds).

Although by salah we are supposed to follow the instructions of the recited words in our practical life, yet, Allah (SWT) emphasized more on to establish (Aqimus salat) such a habit of following the instructions of the recited words as said in Surah Al-Ankaboot, Chapter 29, Verse 45, ... and establish regular Prayer.. Thus, if a person listens, understands, follows, and finally establishes such habits of following the instructions of Allah (SWT) then he/ she does not have to think about the model presented in the figure-1 all the times while performing an Ibadah, rather, for establishment of such habit he/ she will gradually be well mechanized on the model! 7

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Attention During Salah For Listening and Best Understanding

It is a psychological fact that by nature our mind is always busy and can never be without thinking (Appendix 2). It always prioritises those issues to think that it feels (understand) better and beneficial to have for us immediately. For example, if we look at the studies of Economics then we find that the need and wants are the continuous issues of our mind to think about and after fulfillment of one it shifts and require for the immediate next one. Further, Abraham H. Maslow (1943), in his study found the similar status of our mind based on which he developed need hierarchy model of our life. Even, there is also a probarb that says, the more he gets, the more he wants. So, our mind by nature is always in a status of need and wants. Now the question is, how to develop attention during salah for which our mind will prioritises the need for understanding the instructions of the recited words during salah than anything else? Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah, Chapter 2, Verse 238, stand before Allah (during prayer) in a devout (frame of mind). For better understanding the instructions of the recited words during salah a devout frame of mind is required first. If we are able to fix a devout frame of mind during salah then it can be possible to have a better concentration on the meaning of the recited words. However, to understand the meaning of the recited words during salah we can be best suggested to read and know at least the straight meaning of the Surahs that we use in our salah in the language that we understand best. If we can do so then inshaAllah day by day the attention during salah will be improved and our mind will also be able to prioritize the instructions of the recited words during salah than anything else.
(For ready reference the Meaning of contents of Salah is mentioned in Appendix- 1)

Some Related Examples

1. Salah as a Medicine During illness we usually visit doctors. Based on specific illness doctors prescribe us specific medicines to take either to be cured or to be prevented (controled). Every prescribed medicines are usually for a certain period to take at the prescribed doses. Later, usually we follow the prescribed doses and fullfill the complete course and even untill getting cured or be prevented. Similarly, Salah is a medicine for a believer to be cured and be prevented from the major sources of all evils, i. e., shamefull and the unjust deeds. As a medicine salah is prescribed by the Doctor of doctors, Allah (SWT), five times daily so that we can get removed and some cases prevented from the major evils available aroud us. However, based on certain situation the degree of each time doses (of salah) 8

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might be lessen than that of the regular doses. Like, when we are in a state of travelling (more than a distance of 48 miles or equivalent to 77.24 km) or in a fear of unbeliever(s) then the doses of salah can be lessen as Allah (SWT) says in Surah An-Nisa, Chapter 4, Verse 101, When ye travel through the earth, there is no blame on you if ye shorten your prayers, for fear the Unbelievers May attack you: For the Unbelievers are unto you open enemies.

If we look at the doses of medicines of different illnesses then we see that some medicines are prescribed for 7 days, some for 30 days, some for 6 months, some for 5 years, and even some for lifelong, for example, the doses for diabetes- depending upon the status of the problem. Similarly, since evils are all the times available around us so the Doctor of the doctors, Allah (SWT), prescribes us to take the doses of salah 5 times a day and life long. In case of the doses of medicines we usually never breaks the prescribed doses rather continues dutifully. Similarly and even more importantly the doses of salah are also prescribed to take (offer) without breaking even a single dose and even (if possible) it is encouraged to have more optional doses (Sahih Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 48, Hadith 843; Abu Dauwd, Book 2, Hadith 863). However, in certain times and only if essentially needed then maximum two doses of salah can be combined at a time as said in Sahih Muslim, Book 4, Hadith 1516, Ibn 'Abbas reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) observed the noon and afternoon prayers together in Medina without being in a state of fear or in a state of journey. (Abu Zubair said: I asked Sa'id [one of the narrators] why he did that. He said: I asked Ibn 'Abbas as you have asked me, and he replied that he [the Holy Prophet] wanted that no one among his Ummah should be put to [unnecessary] hardship.). This similar messege can also be found in Sahih Muslim, Book, 4, Hadith 1515-1524.

2. Salah as to Keep Refreshning a Computer For better performance of a computer we take help of several procedures, like- clicking on refresh button, using virus scanners, defragmentation, and once upon a time reinstallation of the entire system. RAM (Random Access Memory) or the cache is considered as the primary memory of a computer and when we work on it all data are primarily stored in the cache/ primary memory. But, to get better performance of this particular device we are always suggested by the computer producers to keep maintain it up-to-date/ refresh just by clicking on the refresh button while working on it. Based on this instruction we usually never foget to keep refresh our cache/ primary memory clicking several times on refresh button! Similarly, if we look at our own and consider our mind as the cache/ primary memory (primary source of all tendencies) then for better performance 9

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we also require to keep maintain it up-to-date/ refresh trhough a right procedure! And, since, harms are all the times available around us, so, we need to use that right procedure several times a day while working on it. Since, salah leads a person towards righteousness through reciting, listening, understanding, and following the instructions of the Almighty Producer, Allah (SWT), so, salah in this concern is considered as the right procedure to keep maintain up-to-date/ refresh our primary memory. Therefore, or even more importantly, Allah (SWT) recommends us to offer salah no less than five times a day, dutifully and perfectly.

Some Relevant Cases

Let say, someone of us prayed the Fazr salat with Surah Al-Fatiha, Surah Al-Asr and Surah Al-Ikhlas. Just after the performance of the salat the person started thinking of a false ground to convince mr. X to achieve one of his/ her particular interest... Let say, after one hour he/ she saw his/ her neighbor in a hard time and did not respond in any way... According to the instructions we have seen so far we are supposed to follow the teachings of the recited words in our practical life (to achieve the objective). Therefore, in the above cases if the person recited Surah Al-Asr then he/ she is supposed to follow the teachings of the recited words ... wa amilus-salihati (and do righteous deed) while thinking to convince Mr. X and thus can not think of a false ground. But, if he/ she thinks and uses such a false ground to convince Mr. X then his/ her salah, by logic, does not meet the objective rather can just be a ritual performance. Again, the person is also supposed to follow the teachings of the recited words (of Surah Al-Asr) ...watawasawbis-sabr (... and join together in the mutual teaching of Patience and Constancy) while he/ she saw the neighbor in a hard time. Sine, the person fails to do so, so, his/ her salah, by logic, does not meet the objective in the second case also!

If we do offer salah and keep continue our daily life in such a way then it is obvious that either we do not know the meaning of salah, or the meaning of the words reciting during salah, or the objective of salah, or the procedure how to achieve the objective, or do not concentrate on the recited words during salah, or do not care about to follow the teachings of the recited words in our practical life! Whatever the problem is, the ultimate effect is the unachieved objective of our salah! Now, question is if we fail to achieve the objective of salah then how will we expect to achieve satisfaction of Allah (SWT) and rewards in return of such type of salah? Allah (SWT) says in Surah 10

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Al-Maun, Chapter 107, Verses 4-5, So woe to the worshippers, Who are neglectful of their prayers. Negligence of prayer (salah) is refered by several scholars in several way, such as, (i) either do not offer salah, or (ii) do offer but not dutifully and perfectly that could meet the objective. Therefore, it is our prime duty to find the fault- mainly for which we are still unable to achieve the objective of salah! And, it can be strongly suggested to everyone of us that when we offer salah we should not offer it just for offering rather dutifully, perfectly, and above all with an intention to meet the objective. Otherwise, may be we will be offering life long salah and would be able to achieve very minor returns or even nothing both here or in the hereafter.

Purification for Salah

While contacting Allah (SWT) to seek for help or for guidance it is obligatory to make clean or purify the body in addition to cloths, and places of offering salah. Allah (SWT) says in Surah AlMaidah, Chapter 5, Verse 6, O ye who believe! when ye prepare for prayer, wash your faces, and your hands (and arms) to the elbows; Rub your heads (with water); and (wash) your feet to the ankles. If ye are in a state of ceremonial impurity, bathe your whole body. But if ye are ill, or on a journey, or one of you cometh from offices of nature, or ye have been in contact with women, and ye find no water, then take for yourselves clean sand or earth, and rub therewith your faces and hands, Allah doth not wish to place you in a difficulty, but to make you clean, and to complete his favour to you, that ye may be grateful. Based on this verse washing face, hands, (rubbing of) head, and legs with clean water is obligatory in general cases. However, in some unusual cases when water is rare or harmful (to use) purification with the uses of clean sand (rubbing only face and hands) is enough and lawful. It is noteworthy that the statements of Allah (SWT) are always clearcut and therefore the parts that Allah (SWT) commands us to wash or rub must be well washed and well rubbed and should be perfectly cleaned (100%). Therefore, during abolution it is our mandatory duty to look well if all the recommended parts are well done. If any of the parts is undone or roughly done then we are supposed to violate the clearcut statements of Allah (SWT). Cleanliness and thus purification is how much signficant is mentioned in Sunan Abu Dawud, Book 001, Hadith Number 0060. Narated By Abu Hurairah (RA): The Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Allah, the Exalted, does not accept the prayer of any one of you when you are defiled (impure) until you perform ablution. Elsewhere of Sunan Abu Dawud, Book 001, Hadith Number 0061 it is said, The key to prayer is purification; its beginning is takbir and its end is taslim. So, to be accepted with the prayers we must purify ourselves perfectly and since the purification is compared to the Key of salat so we should be careful while making the key a perfect 11

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one and to be well conscious, please, let us think of a magnetic/ remote/ coding based key the least difference of which is fully denied for the access to the desired gate!

How to Offer Salah

Today around the world we see a wide variety of procedures to perform salah. Whatever we see around us it is our duty to acquire the correct knowledge on how to perform salah and how did the Prophet (SAWS) performed it. The prophet (SAWS), the right model of the right procedure, says in the Sahih Bukhari, Volume 009, Book 091, Hadith Number 352, ..."Pray as you have seen me praying, ...". Adequate knowledge based on authentic hadith may help us to know how prophet (SAWS) offered salah and how did He (SAWS) do which part of salah in which way. Therefore, it is urged in the At-Tirmidhi, Hadith Number 74 that "The seeking of knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim". Further, it is mentioned in Surah An-Nisa, Chapter 4, Verse 162, But those among them who are well-grounded in knowledge, and the believers, believe in what hath been revealed to thee and what was revealed before thee: And (especially) those who establish regular prayer and practise regular charity and believe in Allah and in the Last Day: To them shall We soon give a great reward. And, in Surah Al-Maidah, Chapter 5, Verse 35 Allah (SWT) urges to seek for the right manner to approach Him (SWT) as said O ye who believe! Do your duty to Allah, seek the means of approach unto Him, and strive with might and main in his cause: that ye may prosper. So, this is one of our prime duty not only to follow our fellows or just asking the people around us rather have to acquire the right knowledge based on the authentic Hadith to be confirm that which part of salah was performed by the Prophet (SAWS) in which way. And, those of us who know about the right procedure it is obligatory for them to let know the right procedure to others who do not know as said in Surah Al-Asr, Chapter 103, Verses 1-3, 1| By (the Token of) Time (through the ages), 2| Verily Man is in loss, 3| Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy.

Benefits of Meeting the Objective of Salah

If anyone understands the meaning, the objective, and the complete procedure of salah, and can implement accordingly in practical life then by nature he/ she is supposed to possess such a status of his/ her character that he/ she can not commit any mistake either by thinking, or by wording, or even by practice. By turn, based on such status of characters, he/ she starts becoming reliable, trustworthy, and respected by all around him/ her! To perceive the reality let us have an example- let say, I want to start a business and need a partner to share. Beside me I have two persons, one from a 12

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recognized University having MBA degree and the other one from a local/ normal College having just a bachelor or a lower degree. Again, there is another difference between them- the MBA holder is somehow unreliable (either by thinking or wording or practicing) and the other guy is much more reliable (based on his/ her nature of thinking/ wording/ practicing). Now, if they are the only options for me to choose as business partner then which one should I choose?... In most of the cases although people prefer professional degrees as an advantage yet the issue of reliability is often priritized over the academic degrees! Even, when all the highly qualified people also apply for a job, the most reliable person is finally selected through some relevant tests. Thus, each and every person in each and every case look for a reliable person to associate with. And, to make a person highly reliable with his/ her personal characters Salah, by procedure, is a great mechanism.

If we conider a person having no proper sense on the issues of what is shameful and what is unjust then we can say that the person can do whatever he/ she wishes; he/ she can do anything else; even can be highly risky to the society. Salah, in this regard, is the mechanism the proper maintenance of which makes a person sensible, reliable and cooperative than to become a risky one. Since, through salah a person is supposed to follow the instructions of the recited words in practical life and thus achieves the quality of being restrained from shameful and unjust deeds, so, he/ she starts becoming well sensible, conscious on him/ herself first, and finally to others (from doing evil).

If we look back to the example of the house mentioned at the beginning in which there were both good and bad things and the worst/ most risky things (the snakes) were supposed to be removed first then in compare to the good and bad tendencies of our own we are also supposed to remove or control the worst/ most risky tendencies of our own first. Salah, in this concern, by achieving the prescribed objective helps to remove/ control the worst/ most risky tendencies and thus helps to be benefited through the utilization of the good tendencies.

Since, salah restrains a person from shameful and unjust deeds (the major evils), so, it is more easy for him/ her to be restrained from other minor evils as well. Thereby he/ she can make her fully clean from doing evils regarding which a Hadith in the Sahih Bukhari, Volume 001, Book 010, Hadith Number 506, says that- Narated By Abu Huraira : I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "If there was a river at the door of anyone of you and he took a bath in it five times a day would you notice any dirt on him?" They said, "Not a trace of dirt would be left." The Prophet added, "That is the example of the five prayers with which Allah blots out (annuls) evil deeds". Finally, through the achievement of the great objective of being restrained from doing major evils a person not only becomes highly reliable, not obly keeps him/ herself clean, not only lead a righteous 13

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life in this world, but also inherits the greatest reward in the Hereafter as said in Surah Al-Imran, Chapter 3, Verse 172, Of those who answered the call of Allah and the Messenger, even after being wounded, those who do right and refrain from wrong have a great reward; and, elsewhere, in Surah Al-Muminoon, Chapter 23, Verses 9-11 Allah says, And who (strictly) guard their prayers;- These will be the heirs, Who will inherit Paradise: they will dwell therein (for ever). Still, if anyone of us wants to compare the medical benefits of salah with the benefits of gymnastics then the following social, spiritual, and medical benefits can be refered as found out by Dr. Zakir Naik Salah improves social harmony and equality, while gymnastics does not. Salah doesn't require: apertures, bars, hoops, rings, beam etc like gymnastics does. Salah is cheap, since you don't have to pay anything. When you want to perform gymnastics properly, you have to pay through your noses (very expensive). Salah can be offered by people of all ages (even if you can't stand, you can sit. If you can't sit, you can lye down). People of all ages cannot do gymnastic. Salah can be offered wearing clean clothes, whereas your clothes get dirty in gymnastic. You have to be clean, in order to offer salah. In contrast, you can be physically be as filthy and dirty as you want to do gymnastics. Salah increases brotherhood in the nation. Gymnastics does not do this. In Salah, the chances of gaining injuries are very little. In gymnastics, the chances of gaining injuries, accidents and broken bones are much much higher. There are less risks in Salah, as compared to gymnastics. If your not healthy (i.e. broken arm, leg, shin, foot etc) you cannot do gymnastics. In contrast in this situation, you can offer salah. After you've eaten a meal, you can offer salah. If you do gymnastics after you eat a meal, you can easily throw up. Salah programs you to abstain from evil deeds and enjoin good deeds. Gymnastics does not program you like this. In Salah, you gain a lot of good deeds from Allah. Gymnastics does not have this advantage. In Salah, you can offer it at home, at mosque, even outside. Gymnastics does not have this advantage. Salah can only be done if you offer wudu (Islamic ablution) which has many scientific advantages. Gymnastics does not have this advantage.

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Conclusion
Salah is a mechanism and not a ritual. It is such a mechanism by which the glorious Quran is implemented in the practical life of a person. This mechanism helps to follow the instructions of the Glorious Quran and thereby opens up the opportunities to be restrained from major evils with a great purpose to best utilize the major benefits. Salah not only produces great returns in the hereafter but also in the present life. Mainly for this reason often it is called by many people that "if you work for the next world then automatically you will be achieving the present world"! Allah (SWT) has given the glorious Quran as the Guide so that human being can lead themselves from the depth of darkness towards the light (14:1) and salah, in this regard, is the official and most formal procedure to implement these instructions of the glorious Quran in practical life. May Allah (SWT) helps us to offer such a salah based on which we will be able to achieve the objective of salah and certainly the benefits of this world as well as in the Hereafter- amin!

References:
Al-Quran, English Translation by Abdullah Yousuf Ali

Al-Hadith, Sahih Bukhari

Al-Hadith, Sahih Muslim

Al-Hadith, At-Tirmidhi

Al-Hadith, Sunan Abu Dawud

Benefits of salah, http://islamic-replies.ucoz.com/Benefits_Of_Prayer.html

Maslow, A. H. (1943), A theory of human motivation, Psychological Review, Volume 50, Pages 370-396.

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Appendix: 1

Meaning of General Contents of Salah Allahu akbar Allah is the greatest! Subhana Kal-lah hum-ma wabi hamdika wata-bara kasmuka wata'ala jad-duka wala ilaha ghyruka. Glory be to you, O Allah, and all praises are due unto you, and blessed is your name and high is your majesty and none is worthy of worship but you. A'uzu bil-lahi minash Shayta-nir-rajeem I seek Allah's protection from Satan who is accursed. Bismillah hir-Rahma nir-Raheem In the name of Allah, the most Kind and the most Merciful. Alhamdul lil-lahi rab-bil 'alameen, Ar rahma nir-raheem, Maliki yawmid-deen, Iyyaka na'budu wa iyyaka nasta'een, Ihdinas siratal mustaqeem, Siratal Lazeena an'amta 'alayhim, Ghai-ril maghdubi 'alayhim Walad dal-leen. Ameen

Praise is only for Allah, Lord of the Universe. The most Kind, the most Merciful. The master of the Day of Judgement. You alone we worship and to you alone we pray for help. Show us the straight way, The way of those whom you have blessed. Who have not deserved your anger, Nor gone astray.

Qul huwal lahu ahad. Allah hus-Samad. Lam yalid walam yulad. Walam yakul-lahu Kufuwan ahad. Say: He is Allah, the only one. Allah helps and does not need help. He does not produce a child, and He was not born of anyone. There is no one equal to Him. Subhana Rabbi'al Azeem - "Glory to my Lord the Exalted". Sami Allahu Liman Hamidah - Allah listens to him who praises Him" Rabbana lakal Hamd - "Oh our Lord, all praise is to you". Subhana Rabbi yal A'ala - "Oh Allah glory be to you, the most high." AttahiyyaatuLillahi Was Salawatu Wattayyibatu Assalamu Alaika Ayyuhannabi 'yu 'Warahmatullahi Wabarka'tuhu Assalamu Alaina Wa'ala'Ibadillahis Saa'liheen, Ash'had'u'un La ilahaillallahu Wa Ash'hadu Anna MuhammadunAbd'uhu Wa Rasooluh

All compliments, all physical prayer and all monetary worship are for Allah. Peace be upon you, Oh Prophet, and Allah's mercy and blessings. Peace be on us and on all righteous slaves of Allah. I bear witness that no one is worthy of worship except Allah And I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger

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Allahumma Salleh Alaa Muhammadin Wa'ala' Aale Muhammadin Kama Sallaiyta Alaa Ibraheema Wa' Ala Aale Ibraheema InnakaHameedum Majeed Allahumma Baarak Alaa Muhammadin Wa' Ala Aale Muhammadin Kama Baarakta Alaa Ibraheem Wa' Ala Aale Ibraheema Innaka Hameedum Majeed

Oh Allah, send grace and honour on Muhammad and On the family and true followers of Muhammad just as you sent Grace and Honour on Ibrahim and on the family and true followers of Ibrahim Surely, you are praiseworthy, the Great. Oh Allah, send your blessing on Muhammad and the true followers of Muhammad, just as you sent blessings on Ibrahim and his true followers Surely, you are praiseworthy, the Great.

Rab bij'alnee muqeemas salati wa min zur-riy yatee rab-bana wata qab-bal du'a, rab-ba nagh-firlee wali waliday-ya wa lil mu-mineena yawma yaqumul hisab.

Oh Lord, make me and my children keep up prayers, Our Lord, accept our prayer, Our Lord, forgive me and my parents and all the Believers on the Day of Judgement. Rabbana Aatina Fid Duniya Hasanataw Wafil Akhirati Hasanataw Wa Qina Azaaban Naar "Our Lord, grant us the good of this world and that of the Hereafter and save us from the torture of hell. Assalamu Alai'kumWarah'matullah- Peace and mercy of Allah be on you".

Dua Qunoot:
(to be recited in the 3 rakat Witr Prayer at the end of third rakat after alhamdu and surat then touch ears and say allahu akbar and recite this dua)

Allah humma inna nast'eenuka wa nastaghfiruka wa nu'minu bika wa natawak-kalu 'alayka wa nuthne 'alayk-al khayr. Wa nashkuruka wa laaa nakfuruka wa nakhla'u wa natruku many yafjuruka. Allah humma iyyaka na'budu wa laka nusal-lee wa nasjudu wa ilayka nas'a wa nahfidu wa narju rahmataka wa nakhsha 'azabaka inna 'azabaka bil kuf-fari mulhiq.

Oh Allah, we ask you for help and seek your forgiveness, and we believe in You and have trust in You, and we praise you in the best way and we thank You and we are not ungrateful to you, and we forsake and turn away from the one who disobeys you. O Allah, we worship You only and pray to You and prostrate ourselves before You, and we run towards You and serve You, and we hope to receive your mercy, and we fear your punishment. Surely, the disbelievers will receive your punishment.

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Appendix 2

What is Mind What is Mind? Is it part of the Brain? The brain has got physical characteristics which can be visualized, touched, handled and is located inside the skull. There are certain brain control techniques. But what about the mind? It has no physical dimensions. But there appears to be some kind of relationship between the brain and the mind. When the brain is non functional, (say when the brain activity is blocked by deep anesthesia or coma), the mind also does not seem to function. Mind is not a gross matter - visible and tangible. The mind can not be seen. The magnitude of the mind cannot be measured. Mind does not require a space to exist. Definition of Mind How to define the Mind? The mind is nothing but a "bundle of desires, thoughts, wants and expectations". As long as a person is alive, he will have the thoughts, desires, wants and expectations. And these are continually changing, minute to minute and day by day. If your desires and expectations do not fructify, you are under stress, leading to anxiety, mental tension, frustration and depression. If you want to enjoy stress free life, you need to exercise control over mind. You can not under-estimate the mind powers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5784182

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