Contact Prayers (Salat)

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[8:3] They observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and from our provisions to them, they give to charity. [8:4] Such are the true believers. They attain high ranks at their Lord, as well as forgiveness and a generous provision.

When righteousness is defined, the Contact Prayers are part of that description (2:177). It’s a trait of those who believe in the Hereafter (6:92). It’s part of our natural instinct toward monotheism (30:30-1).

We have many examples of righteous people doing Salat: Moses (10:87), Jesus (19:31), Ismail (19:54-5), and of course, Abraham, who delivered all religious duties (21:73). We also have examples of those who lost the practice. They went astray and then God took away the gift of prayer. [19:59] After them, He substituted generations who lost the Contact Prayers (Salat), and pursued their lusts. They will suffer the consequences. [19:60] Only those who repent, believe, and lead a righteous life will enter Paradise, without the least injustice.

We need to do our worship practices here and now. Otherwise we’ll be physically unable to prostrate before God.

Our soul will just be too weak on the Day of Judgment. [68:42] The day will come when they will be exposed, and they will be required to fall prostrate, but they will be unable to. [68:43] With their eyes subdued, humiliation will cover them. They were invited to fall prostrate when they were whole and able.

The most important objective of Salat is remembering God (29:45, 20:14, 87:14-5). Let’s keep in mind that remembering God is a commandment in itself (2:152, 4:103, 7:205, 33:41-42) and is a means of being happy (20:130, 13:28-29). How does that happen? A nourished soul is a happy soul. And remembering God allows us to grow our souls and thus grow closer to God.

[29:45] You shall recite what is revealed to you of the scripture, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), for the Contact Prayers prohibit evil and vice. But the remembrance of GOD (through Salat) is the most important objective. GOD knows everything you do.

[20:14] “I am GOD; there is no other god beside Me. You shall worship Me alone, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) to remember Me.

[87:14] Successful indeed is the one who redeems his soul. [87:15] By remembering the name of his Lord, and observing the contact prayers (Salat). [87:16] Indeed, you are preoccupied with this first life.

[87:17] Even though the Hereafter is far better and everlasting.

God tells us to be reverent during Salat (23:2). If we’re reverent, we’re more likely to be remembering God during Salat rather than work or some worldly thing that’s on our mind. We also see the connection between salat and avoiding evil and vice (29:45). Perhaps because we are more aware of God, we are more likely to follow God’s commandments and not go astray.

The contact prayers are a gift from God. [108:1] We have blessed you with many a bounty. [108:2] Therefore, you shall pray to your Lord (Salat), and give to charity.

If we want to attain God’s mercy, we need to consistently observe our Salat.

Formula for Success

[24:56] You shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and obey the messenger, that you may attain mercy.

The Winners

[9:71] The believing men and women are allies of one another. They advocate righteousness and forbid evil, they observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and they obey GOD and His messenger. These will be showered by GOD’s mercy. GOD is Almighty, Most Wise.

Faiz