How to perform Al-Salat

One of the most contentious debates among Quranists, individuals who follow only the Quran and discard Hadith and Sunnah, is what is the Salat and how does one perform it. This may seem like a strange point of contention outside of Quranist circles as the answer to this question to many Muslims must seem obvious, but there are a lot of Quranists who either claim that the Salat is not a ritual prayer, but instead just means to "follow closely" which is based on erroneous translation of the word Salat, or others who believe that the Salat is a ritual prayer but then debate how it is to be performed.

This debate becomes particularly critical because the Salat is such a pivotal aspect of the religion that it is described as a characteristic of the righteous in many verses throughout the Quran, but most notably just ten verses into the Quran in the third verse of the second chapter.

[2:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

[2:1] A.L.M.

[2:2] This scripture is infallible; a beacon for the righteous;

[2:3] who believe in the unseen, observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and from our provisions to them, they give to charity.

So we see that immediately in the opening verses of the Quran the importance of the Salat is called out and therefore this should be something that all believers should hope to get right, but with all this debate how do we know the right answer to this question of what is the Salat and how do we perform it?

Chapter 2 "The Heifer" (Al-Baqarah)

The title of the second chapter of the Quran is "The Heifer" (Al-Baqarah) البقرة. It is not only the second chapter of the Quran, immediately after the opening chapter of The Key (Al-Fātiḥah), but it is also the longest chapter of the Quran. Out of all the possible names for this crucial chapter that discusses so many aspects of the religion and duties for the followers of the Quran, God selected this simple name "The Heifer" or translated more simply as "The Cow" as the title.

Why The Heifer?

To understand the importance of this name it helps to understand the backstory of the heifer as described in the verses of this chapter.

[2:67] Moses said to his people, "GOD commands you to sacrifice a (cow) heifer." They said, "Are you mocking us?" He said, "GOD forbid, that I should behave like the ignorant ones."

[2:68] They said, "Call upon your Lord to show us which one." He said, "He says that she is a heifer that is neither too old, nor too young; of an intermediate age. Now, carry out what you are commanded to do."

[2:69] They said, "Call upon your Lord to show us her color." He said, "He says that she is a yellow heifer, bright colored, pleases the beholders."

[2:70] They said, "Call upon your Lord to show us which one. The heifers look alike to us and, GOD willing, we will be guided."

[2:71] He said, "He says that she is a heifer that was never humiliated in plowing the land or watering the crops; free from any blemish." They said, "Now you have brought the truth." They finally sacrificed her, after this lengthy reluctance.

What is the Lesson?

Before we address what the lesson of this verse is that is so important that He placed it as the title of this critical chapter, consider the following questions:

Is God All-Knowing?

Does God forget or make mistakes?

The obvious answer to these questions is unequivocally that "Yes", God is All-Knowing, and "No" God does not make mistakes or forget. That said, then why did the Children of Israel pose all these questions when Moses gave them a direct commandment from God to carry out a certain act?

• Are you mocking us?

• Which one?

• What color?

• Which one?

Either they thought God was not All-Knowing, or they thought that God forgot or made a mistake to provide them the details they requested.

The reality is more ominous than that. The truth is disclosed in 2:71 when it states that, "They finally sacrificed her, after this lengthy reluctance."

This shows that the reason they were asking these questions and playing dumb was not because they did not understand, but because they did not want to carry out the act and therefore thought if they ask questions they could get out of doing the task.

When God commands the believers to do something our obligation needs to be to carry out the task to the best of our ability. If we are looking for more "clarification" it means that we are either questioning God's Omniscience and Perfection or that deep down we just don't want to carry out the task and thus looking for excuses.

This is different than knowing what God expects of us, yet being unsure of our own ability to carry through the task or our strength to follow through. Take the example of Moses. When God commanded him to go to Pharaoh, he didn't have to ask who is Pharaoh, what do you mean by "let the Children of Israel go?", or any other excuse to get out of the situation. Instead He asked God for support and strength to accomplish the task.

This is not the same as knowing what God expects from us, having the ability to carry it out, yet looking for an excuse to not do it. We see this example in the Quran when the believers were commanded to fight and the contrast between the weak believers who wanted to fight but lacked the courage to those who had the means but just wanted to flee.

[9:88] As for the messenger and those who believed with him, they eagerly strive with their money and their lives. These have deserved all the good things; they are the winners.

[9:89] GOD has prepared for them gardens with flowing streams, wherein they abide forever. This is the greatest triumph.

[9:90] The Arabs made up excuses, and came to you seeking permission to stay behind. This is indicative of their rejection of GOD and His messenger—they stay behind. Indeed, those who disbelieve among them have incurred a painful retribution.

[9:91] Not to be blamed are those who are weak, or ill, or do not find anything to offer, so long as they remain devoted to GOD and His messenger. The righteous among them shall not be blamed. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[9:92] Also excused are those who come to you wishing to be included with you, but you tell them, "I do not have anything to carry you on." They then turn back with tears in their eyes, genuinely saddened that they could not afford to contribute.

[9:93] The blame is on those who ask your permission to stay behind, even though they have no excuse. They have chosen to be with the sedentary. Consequently, GOD has sealed their hearts, and thus, they do not attain any knowledge.

[8:5] When your Lord willed that you leave your home, to fulfill a specific plan, some believers became exposed as reluctant believers.

[8:6] They argued with you against the truth, even after everything was explained to them. They acted as if they were being driven to certain death.

[8:7] Recall that GOD promised you victory over a certain group, but you still wanted to face the weaker group. It was GOD's plan to establish the truth with His words, and to defeat the disbelievers.

[8:8] For He has decreed that the truth shall prevail, and the falsehood shall vanish, in spite of the evildoers.

[33:10] When they came from above you, and from beneath you, your eyes were terrified, your hearts ran out of patience, and you harbored unbefitting thoughts about GOD.

[33:11] That is when the believers were truly tested; they were severely shaken up.

[33:12] The hypocrites and those with doubts in their hearts said, "What GOD and His messenger promised us was no more than an illusion!"

[33:13] A group of them said, "O people of Yathrib, you cannot attain victory; go back." Others made up excuses to the prophet: "Our homes are vulnerable," when they were not vulnerable. They just wanted to flee.

The Salat

So what does any of this have to do with how to perform the Salat?

Notice nowhere in the Quran does it state how to perform the Salat. Even for those who typically make the argument that this is why we need Hadith, there is no Hadith that states exact instructions how to perform the Salat. So what are we to make of this?

God commands the followers of the Quran, including Muhammad, to follow the religion of Abraham. This is specifically in regards to the ritualistic practices of Abraham.

[16:123] Then we inspired you (Muhammad) to follow the religion of Abraham, the monotheist; he never was an idol worshiper.

All the practices of Submission (Islam) came from Abraham including Hajj, Salat, Zakat, Siyam (Fasting). Additionally, we never see Noah, who preceded Abraham, performing the Salat, but we do see that all the prophets since Abraham performed these rituals (Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac 14:40, Jacob 21:73, Jesus 19:31, Moses & Aaron, Children of Israel 2:83, 5:12, 7:156). Not only that but we see that the idol worshipers of the Quraish even performed the Salat at the time of Muhammad (8:35), therefore God did not need to inform Muhammad how to perform the Salat.

But if you consult many Quranists they come up with weird archaic understandings to what the Salat is. While some claim that Salat means to "follow closely" they have no unified understandings to what that even means. Or others who attempt to cobble together miscellaneous steps based on various verses of the Quran to decipher how to perform the Salat.

The problem with these kinds of approaches is that trying to figure the instructions to how to perform the Salat from the Quran alone is like trying to figure out how to slaughter a heifer from the Quran alone. God did not need to explain how to slaughter an animal because this process is well understood.

People who are altering the Salat with these kinds of understandings are not only losing out on one of the greatest blessings that God bestowed upon the human race, but also implying that God is not Omniscient or that He forgot or made a mistake by not providing the details in the Quran when God repeatedly told us to perform the Salat throughout the Quran.

In my opinion, the Quranists today who are debating what the meaning of Salat are behaving worse than the Children of Israel who were commanded to sacrifice a heifer. This would be like the Children of Israel not asking "which heifer" but instead if they had the hubris to ask, "but how do we slaughter a heifer" or "what is the meaning of slaughter?"

But based on the profound lesson of the heifer, the motivation for the people who are twisting the Salat is more likely that they just don't want to do the Salat. I heard from numerous people that they find the act of placing one's forehead on the floor in prostration as degrading and attributed it to a pagan practice, and others who just don't want to have to commit themselves to drop all activity and perform this immense blessing for our souls five times a day. So instead they are trying to find an excuse to get out of it while still trying to maintain a clear conscience.

[2:13] When they are told, "Believe like the people who believed," they say, "Shall we believe like the fools who believed?" In fact, it is they who are fools, but they do not know.

But what do you do if you have never done Salat before? Then you simply find out how it is done and filter the practice through the Quran.

The Universally Accepted Aspects of Salat

What are the universally accepted aspects of the Salat that is practiced by the majority of Muslims in the world are the following:

• The five salat times

• The number of units for each Salat (2, 4, 4, 3, 4)

• Making intentions before starting the Salat

• Saying Allahu Akbar (God is the Greatest) when transitioning from each step in the Salat

• Saying the Fateah at the start of each unit (including the Bismillah)

• Saying "Subhāna Rabbi L'azim" (Glory be to my Lord, Most Great) when bowing

• Saying "Sami' Allâhu liman hamidah" (God hears from whoever praises Him) when going from bowing to standing

• Saying "Subḥāna Rabbī l-'Aʿlā" (Glory be to my Lord, Most High) when prostrating

• Saying the Shahada "Ashadu an lā ʾilāha ʾillā -llāh" or some rendition of the Shahada that only mentions God after the second and last unit while sitting kneeling

• And finally saying "salāmu ʿalaykum" to the right and left before finishing

The Salat is just that simple. The innovations that people have included are easily detectable because they contradict the Quran:

Mentioning other names besides God

[72:18] The places of worship belong to GOD; do not call on anyone else beside GOD.

[39:3] Absolutely, the religion shall be devoted to GOD alone. Those who set up idols beside Him say, "We idolize them only to bring us closer to GOD; for they are in a better position!" GOD will judge them regarding their disputes. GOD does not guide such liars, disbelievers.

[39:45] When GOD ALONE is mentioned, the hearts of those who do not believe in the Hereafter shrink with aversion. But when others are mentioned beside Him, they become satisfied.

Saying the first two units aloud, while the third and fourth units quietly

[17:110] Say, "Call Him GOD, or call Him Most Gracious; whichever name you use, to Him belongs the best names." You shall not utter your Contact Prayers (Salat) too loudly, nor secretly; use a moderate tone.

Reading of other chapters in the Quran

The Fateah is believed to have not only predated the Quran but also is the only chapter that not only mentions only God, but is a direct communication from humans to God as other chapters like Ikhlaas, Falaq, or Nas all start with "قُل / qul" "say"

Or worst of all altering of the Shahadah to include the names of anyone else besides God

[3:18] GOD bears witness that there is no god except He, and so do the angels and those who possess knowledge. Truthfully and equitably, He is the absolute god; there is no god but He, the Almighty, Most Wise.

Despite this I know there are going to be a number of Quranists and followers of Hadith that are going to be angry about this argument and try to construct verses or Hadith to contradict what is being stated, but God warned the believers about this.

[18:54] We have cited in this Quran every kind of example, but the human being is the most argumentative creature.

Since God did not provide the details of how to perform the Salat and provided these verses as if we should already know what they are then the answer should be obvious and no different than when God told Moses to command the Children of Israel to sacrifice a heifer.

Step-by-Step Guide to Performing the Salat

1. Face the direction of Mecca (Qiblah)

This is an organizational point decreed by God in 2:125. God wills that all submitters must face the same direction when they observe the contact prayers.

[2:144] We have seen you turning your face toward the sky. We now turn you toward a Qiblah that pleases you. So turn your face toward the Masjid al-Haram.

2. The Intention

In your own language, secretly or audibly, state your intention that you are about to observe the Contact Prayer. Remember to state the time (Dawn, Noon, Afternoon, Sunset, or Night).

(For further details, see: The Pre-Requisites of Salat)

3. Raise your hands to the sides of your face

Your thumbs touch your ears, and the palms of your hands face forward. As you raise your hands to the sides of your face, then move them down to your sides in a continuous motion, you say, "Allahu Akbar" (God is Great). This opens up the prayer. You are in contact with your Creator.

4. The Standing Position

You are now standing with your arms resting naturally at your side. Some people place the left hand on the stomach, and the right hand on top of the left hand. Either position is correct.

5. Recite "The Key" (Chapter 1) in Arabic

We learn from 2:37 that God gives us the words by which we establish contact with Him. We must utter the specific sounds dictated in "The Key". A translation of "The Key" would be human-made. The Arabic sounds of "The Key" represent a numerical combination that opens the treasure. Like a telephone number, unless specific numbers are dialed, contact cannot be established. This is all the Arabic you need. Everything else can be said in your language. Reciting "The Key" in Arabic unifies all Submitters of the world, regardless of their languages.

The Key:

BISMIL LAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM. (In the name of GOD, Most Gracious, Most Merciful)

AL HAMDU LILLAHI RABBIL `AALAMEEN. (Praise be to GOD, Lord of the universe)

AR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM. (Most Gracious, Most Merciful)

MAALIKI YAWMID DEEN. (Master of the Day of Judgment)

EYYAAKA NA`BUDU, WA EYYAAKA NASTA`EEN. (You alone we worship; You alone we ask for help)

EH'DENAS SIRAATAL MUSTAQEEM. (Guide us in the right path)

SIRAATAL LAZINA AN`AMTA `ALAYHIM; GHAYRIL MAGHDOOBI `ALAYHIM WALADDAALEEN. (the path of those whom You blessed; not of those who have deserved wrath, nor of the strayers)

Since "The Key" is recited 17 times a day, it will become easy for you to recite and understand in a few weeks; it will become like your mother tongue.

6. The bowing position (Rukoo)

After reciting "The Key" while standing, you bow down into the position of Rukoo. You bow down from the waist, keep the knees straight, and place your hands on your knees. Your eyes look at a point about 2 feet in front of you.

As you move from the standing position to the bowing position you say, "Allahu Akbar".

While bowing you say "Subhaana Rabbiyal Azeem" or "Glory be to God, the Great" or "God be glorified" for short.

7. Stand Up

As you stand up from the bowing position to the standing position you say, "Sami`Allahu Liman Hamidah" or "God responds to those who praise Him".

You stay in the standing position only a second, then you fall prostrate. As you go from the standing position to the prostration position you say, "Allahu Akbar".

8. The Prostration Position (Sujood)

From the standing position you go down on your knees, then place your forehead on the floor about 1-2 feet in front of your knees.

During prostration you say, "Subhaana Rabbiyal A`laa" or "Glory be to God, the Most High" or "God be glorified" for short.

9. The Sitting Position

As you sit up from the prostration position, you say, "Allahu Akbar." You remain in the sitting position only for a second, then you go down for the second prostration.

As you go down for the second prostration you say, "Allahu Akbar."

During the second prostration you say, "Subhaana Rabbiyal A`laa" or "Glory be to God, the Most High" or "God be glorified" for short. Once you complete the second prostration, you have completed one full unit (Rak`ah).

10. Stand up for the second unit (Rak`ah)

As you stand up you say, "Allahu Akbar."

The Five Daily Prayers

The Dawn Prayer (2 units)

This Contact Prayer consists of 2 units. Repeat the steps above for two complete units. When you get from the second prostration you say, "Allahu Akbar," and assume the sitting position. While in the sitting position you pronounce the First Pillar of Submission, the shahhaadah:

"Ash-Hadu An Laa Elaaha Ellaa Allah, Wahdahu Laa Shareeka Lah." (I bear witness that there is no other god beside God. He ALONE is God; He has no partner).

Look to the right and say, "Assalaamu Alaikum," then to the left and say the same. This completes the Dawn Prayer.

The Noon Prayer (4 units)

This prayer consists of 4 units. Thus, you do the first two units exactly as explained for the Dawn Prayer up to the sitting position. You pronounce the First Pillar (known as "Shahaadah") then you stand up for the third unit. You do not utter the Salaams (Assalamu Alaikum).

As you stand up for the third unit you say, "Allahu Akbar." The third and fourth units are identical to the first two units.

When you get up from the second prostration of the fourth unit, you say "Allahu Akbar" and you assume the sitting position. In the sitting position you pronounce the Shahaadah, and you say the Salaams on both sides. This concludes the Noon Prayer.

The Afternoon Prayer (4 units)

This prayer is identical to the Noon Prayer. Only the "Intention" of course is different.

The Sunset Prayer (3 units)

This prayer consists of three units. Steps of each unit are just as detailed above. Thus, when you complete the second prostration of the second unit, you assume the sitting position, recite the Shahaadah, then you continue to the third and last unit. After the second prostration of the third unit, you assume the sitting position, recite the Shahaadah again, then utter the Salaams on both sides. This concludes the Sunset Prayer.

The Night Prayer (4 units)

This prayer is identical with the other 4-unit prayers, the Noon and the Afternoon Prayers.

The Contact Prayers and The Quran's Mathematical Code

As noted above, the Dawn, Noon, Afternoon, Sunset, and the Night Prayers consist of 2, 4, 4, 3, & 4 units, respectively. When we put these 5 numbers next to each other we get 24434, and this number is a multiple of 19 (24434 = 19 x 1286). The common denominator of the Quran's code is 19. This phenomenon confirms that the number of units for each Contact Prayer has been preserved intact, but the sequence 2, 4, 4, 3, and 4 is also confirmed.

Your Tone of Voice During the Contact Prayers

[17:110] Say, "Call Him GOD, or call Him Most Gracious; whichever name you use, to Him belongs the best names." You shall not utter your Contact Prayers (Salat) too loudly, nor secretly; use a moderate tone.

During a group prayer, only the Imam is audible; everyone else listens.

Two or more people may observe the Contact prayers together. One person leads the group prayer, uttering "The Key" in a loud enough voice to be heard by everyone in the group. Other utterances must be silent. Anyone may join the group late, in the middle of the prayer. He or she must make the same moves as the group. Then, at the end of the prayer, he or she must stand up and make up whatever portion was missed.