Salat (Salah) - Context: Faith and Practice

 Quran:

Salat (Salah): The Arabic term for ‘prayer’; also ‘namaz’.

Salat (or salah) is the Arabic term for the ritual prayer. It's considered a foundational practice in the religion. Here's a bit more detail:

Obligatory Prayers: There are obligatory prayers performed at designated times throughout the day.
Surah Hud, verse 114 (11:114) of the Quran reads:

وَأَقِمِ الصَّلَوٰةَ طَرَفَيِ النَّهَارِ وَزُلَفًا مِّنَ اللَّيْلِ ۚ إِنَّ الْحَسَنَاتِ يُذْهِبْنَ السَّيِّـئَاتِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ ذِكْرَىٰ لِلذَّاكِرِينَ

Here is a translation of the verse:

Establish prayer at the two ends of the day and at the approach of the night. Indeed, good deeds [erase] evil deeds. That is a reminder for those who remember.

There are some interpretations of this verse:

Command for Prayer: This verse is seen as a command for Muslims to perform Salat (prayer) at specific times. The "two ends of the day" are generally understood as referring to the morning and evening prayers, while the "approach of the night" could refer to the night prayer (Isha).

Surah Al-Ankabut (The Spider) 29:45 describes it as: "Establish prayer at the decline of the sun until the darkening of the night and [at] the turning of the dawn. Indeed, the recitation of dawn is ever witnessed." (This verse refers to specific prayer times)

The Quran itself doesn't provide specific details on how to perform Salat, but it does emphasize its importance and mentions it in various verses. Here's a breakdown of what the Quran offers on the topic of Salat:

Command to Establish Prayer: Several verses command Muslims to establish prayer. For example, Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow) 2:43 states: "And be steadfast in prayer (Salat), and pay the obligatory charity (Zakat). And bow down your heads with those who bow (in prayer)." (This is just one example, there are others throughout the Quran)

Connection to God: The Quran portrays Salat as a direct connection with God. Surah Al-Ankabut (The Spider) 29:45 describes it as: "Recite what is revealed to you of the scripture and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer restrains [one] from immorality and wrongdoing. And indeed, the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows what you do."

Purification and Forgiveness: Salat is also linked to purification and seeking forgiveness. Surah Taha (Ta Ha) 20:14 says: "Establish prayer at the decline of the sun until the darkening of the night and [at] the turning of the dawn. Indeed, the recitation of dawn is ever witnessed." (This verse refers to specific prayer times)

Important Points:

While the Quran doesn't specify the details, it lays the foundation for Salat as a core practice.

Specific instructions on performing Salat are found in the Hadith, the sayings and traditions of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

These details include the postures, timings, and what to recite during each prayer.

Form of Worship: Salah involves a series of postures like standing, bowing, and prostrating while reciting verses from the Quran and supplications.

Direction: Prayers are performed facing the Kaaba, the cubical structure in Mecca considered sacred by Muslims.

Alternative Term: Namaz is another term used for prayer, particularly in some regions like South Asia.

Is there anything specific you'd like to know about Salat, like the different prayer times or the steps involved?