Name: Salat · Islamic Prayer I 27th Feb. 07 — Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Duration: 1 h 3 min 30 s
Channel: Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Description: Read the full transcript of “Salat · Islamic Prayer I 27th Feb. 07”, a lecture by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, with timestamps. Covers: Introduction to Islamic prayer.

0:04 bismillah rahman rahim, wasallallahu ala nabiyyil karim. بسم اللہ الرحمن الرحیم، وصلی اللہ علی النبی الکریم۔

0:17 rabishrah li sadri, wayassir li amri, wahalil uqdata min lisani, yafqahu qawli. رب اشرح لی صدری، ویسر لی امری، واحل العقدۃ من لسانی، یفقہ قولی۔

0:31 The theme for this day is Islamic prayer. The theme for this day is Islamic prayer.

0:45 The Arabic equivalent to the prayer is Salat, and in Persian and Urdu it is called Namaz. The Arabic equivalent to the prayer is Salat, and in Persian and Urdu it is called Namaz.

0:59 so prayer, and salat, and namaz are one and the same. you know, there is a hadith. So prayer, and Salat, and Namaz are one and the same. You know, there is a Hadith.

1:21 In this Hadith, the Prophet of Islam has said that there are five pillars of Islam: Bani al-Islam, In this Hadith, the Prophet of Islam has said that there are five pillars of Islam: Bani al-Islam,

1:37 Awla Khams, Shahadat Alla ilaha illallah, Wanna Muhammadan Nabihu wa Rasuluh, Wa Iqam as-Salah, Wa Eta'id Zakah, Wal-Hajj, Wasawm-e-Ramadan. Awla Khams, Shahadat Alla ilaha illallah, Wanna Muhammadan Nabihu wa Rasuluh, Wa Iqam as-Salah, Wa Eta'id Zakah, Wal-Hajj, Wasawm-e-Ramadan.

1:54 Out of these five Islamic pillars, one is the prayer, or Salat, or Namaz. Out of these five Islamic pillars, one is the prayer, or Salat, or Namaz.

2:11 So I will try to explain what is Salat. So I will try to explain what is Salat.

2:21 Salat is a mode of worship. Salat is a mode of worship.

2:32 Worship is the basic teaching of Islam. Worship is the basic teaching of Islam.

2:43 Worship means Ibadah. Worship means Ibadah.

2:54 There is a Hadith the Prophet of Islam has said: "Ta'budillah kannaka taraa." Do worship in such a There is a Hadith the Prophet of Islam has said: "Ta'budillah kannaka taraa." Do worship in such a

3:05 way as though you are seeing God Almighty. way as though you are seeing God Almighty.

3:16 So Salat is a worship, and the most important aspect of Salat is that when you are involved So Salat is a worship, and the most important aspect of Salat is that when you are involved

3:27 in Salat, when you are engaged in Salat, when you perform Salat in its literal spirit, with its in Salat, when you are engaged in Salat, when you perform Salat in its literal spirit, with its

3:38 inner content and its external content, then you feel that you are in the presence of God, in inner content and its external content, then you feel that you are in the presence of God, in

3:49 the presence of God. the presence of God.

4:01 so prayer or salat is the most important teaching of Islam. now, there is a hadith: "as-salatu mi'rajul mumineen." namaz is the mi'raj of a believer. So prayer or Salat is the most important teaching of Islam. Now, there is a Hadith: "As-Salatu Mi'rajul Mumineen." Namaz is the Mi'raj of a believer.

4:31 mi'raj means ascension. so namaz is like ascension because it brings you in the presence of god. Mi'raj means ascension. So Namaz is like ascension because it brings you in the presence of God.

4:47 then there is a hadith: "al-masajid buyutul muttaqin." the mosque is the house of pious people. Then there is a Hadith: "Al-Masajid Biutul Muttaqin." The mosque is the house of pious people.

5:04 It means that mosque is a center of Taqwa. It means that mosque is a center of Taqwa.

5:13 Mosque is a center of Taqwa. Mosque is a center of Taqwa.

5:23 Then the second Caliph, Umar Farooq, has said: "As-Salatu Imaduddin." Then the second Caliph, Umar Farooq, has said: "As-Salatu Imaduddin.

5:32 Man aqamha, aqamuddin. Man aqamha, aqamuddin.

5:42 Woman hadamha, hadamuddin." It means that prayer or Salat, or Namaz, is a pillar of Islam. Woman hadamha, hadamuddin." It means that prayer or Salat, or Namaz, is a pillar of Islam.

5:52 One who demolishes this pillar, he will demolish the whole edifice of Islam. One who demolishes this pillar, he will demolish the whole edifice of Islam.

6:06 By these references, you can understand the importance of Namaz or Salat. By these references, you can understand the importance of Namaz or Salat.

6:20 Now, let us go to the detail. Now, let us go to the detail.

6:35 Namaz begins from the call, that call that is Azan. Namaz begins from the call, that call that is Azan.

6:46 In every mosque, there is a muezzin. In every mosque, there is a muezzin.

6:58 Muezzin calls and recites some Kalimah, some words. Muezzin calls and recites some Kalimah, some words.

7:09 The first Kalimah of Azan is: "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar." You know, Namaz is obligatory for five times, five times. The first Kalimah of Azan is: "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar." You know, Namaz is obligatory for five times, five times.

7:21 The first Namaz, that is Fajr, begins after the morning twilight. The first Namaz, that is Fajr, begins after the morning twilight.

7:33 Then the second Namaz, that is Dhuhr, the time of the second Namaz of Dhuhr begins just after Noon. Then the second Namaz, that is Dhuhr, the time of the second Namaz of Dhuhr begins just after Noon.

7:47 Then the third Namaz, that is Salat, the time of Asr, the time of Asr begins before the sunset. Then the third Namaz, that is Salat, the time of Asr, the time of Asr begins before the sunset.

8:02 And the time of the fourth Namaz, that is Maghrib, begins after the sunset. And the time of the fourth Namaz, that is Maghrib, begins after the sunset.

8:17 And the fifth Namaz, that is Isha', the time of Isha' begins after the evening twilight. And the fifth Namaz, that is Isha', the time of Isha' begins after the evening twilight.

8:32 There are the five. There are the five.

8:40 So Namaz is obligatory for five times. So Namaz is obligatory for five times.

8:49 In these prayers, the oft-repeated word is: "Allahu Akbar." "Allahu Akbar" is repeated in these five-time prayers no In these prayers, the oft-repeated word is: "Allahu Akbar." "Allahu Akbar" is repeated in these five-time prayers no

8:58 less than 250 times. less than 250 times.

9:07 So it is very important. So it is very important.

9:16 Now, "Allahu Akbar" means God is great. Now, "Allahu Akbar" means God is great.

9:25 It means that God is great and I am not great. It means that God is great and I am not great.

9:34 God is great and I am not great. God is great and I am not great.

9:43 So there is a message of modesty, modesty. So there is a message of modesty, modesty.

9:52 The most important spirit of Salat, or Namaz, is modesty. The most important spirit of Salat, or Namaz, is modesty.

10:01 Every believer must live in modesty. Every believer must live in modesty.

10:10 Arrogance is quite against the Islamic spirit. Arrogance is quite against the Islamic spirit.

10:19 And modesty is just according to the Islamic spirit. And modesty is just according to the Islamic spirit.

10:28 Arrogance is un-Islamic, and modesty is Islamic. Arrogance is un-Islamic, and modesty is Islamic.

10:37 So first of all, Namaz tries to inculcate the spirit of modesty in every believer. So first of all, Namaz tries to inculcate the spirit of modesty in every believer.

10:46 Then, before going to Salat, everyone makes Wudu, ablution. Wudu is like a mini bath. It is like a mini bath. Then, before going to Salat, everyone makes Wudu, ablution. Wudu is like a mini bath. It is like a mini bath.

11:08 You wash your hands and your legs and your face by water. So it is like a mini bath. You wash your hands and your legs and your face by water. So it is like a mini bath.

11:22 After finishing the Wudu, you say: "Allahumma Jalni minat-Tawwabeen, Wajalni minal-Matatahreen." O God, make me a purified person. After finishing the Wudu, you say: "Allahumma Jalni minat-Tawwabeen, Wajalni minal-Matatahreen." O God, make me a purified person.

11:47 So it is a Dua. Externally, you wash your hands and your face, but internally, you do this Dua: O God, purify my personality, purify my heart and mind. So it is a Dua. Externally, you wash your hands and your face, but internally, you do this Dua: O God, purify my personality, purify my heart and mind.

12:12 So Wudu is an act of purification, not only your body but your soul. So Wudu is an act of purification, not only your body but your soul.

12:24 Then, when you join the Salat, there are several words recited during the Salat. Then, when you join the Salat, there are several words recited during the Salat.

12:37 For example, in every Salat, you recite Surah Al-Fatihah that begins from: "Alhamdulillahi Rabbil Alameen." It means all For example, in every Salat, you recite Surah Al-Fatihah that begins from: "Alhamdulillahi Rabbil Alameen." It means all

12:50 praise be to God Almighty, the Lord of the universe. praise be to God Almighty, the Lord of the universe.

13:03 So here you acknowledge the blessings of God. So here you acknowledge the blessings of God.

13:16 Here you acknowledge that God is your Creator, God is your Sustainer. Here you acknowledge that God is your Creator, God is your Sustainer.

13:28 God has provided you all those blessings that are called the Life Support System. God has provided you all those blessings that are called the Life Support System.

13:41 So "Alhamdulillah" means that you are acknowledging all those blessings and presenting your thanksgiving to God Almighty. So "Alhamdulillah" means that you are acknowledging all those blessings and presenting your thanksgiving to God Almighty.

13:53 Then, after reading some more verses from the Quran, you go to Ruku. Then, after reading some more verses from the Quran, you go to Ruku.

14:06 You bow your head before God. You bow your head before God.

14:19 Then you do Sajdah. You put your head on the earth. This is a symbol of surrendering before God. It is a symbol of submission. Then you do Sajdah. You put your head on the earth. This is a symbol of surrendering before God. It is a symbol of submission.

14:37 Submission is the essence of Salat. Submission is the essence of Salat.

14:45 Submission is the universal religion. Submission is the universal religion.

14:53 Submission is the religion of both man and the universe. Submission is the religion of both man and the universe.

15:01 The whole universe, all parts of the universe, all planets, all stars, and mountain and ocean, everything is The whole universe, all parts of the universe, all planets, all stars, and mountain and ocean, everything is

15:09 submitted to God. submitted to God.

15:17 Everything is surrendering to God. So Namaz is also an act of surrender, an act of submission. Everything is surrendering to God. So Namaz is also an act of surrender, an act of submission.

15:32 So when you perform Ruku, even you perform Sajdah. So externally, it is Ruku or Sajdah, but internally, it is surrender, it is submission. So when you perform Ruku, even you perform Sajdah. So externally, it is Ruku or Sajdah, but internally, it is surrender, it is submission.

15:49 This is the spirit of Salat. This is the spirit of Salat.

15:58 Then you recite some more Kalimah like: "Samme Allahu liman hamda, Allahu Akbar," and some parts of the Quran. Then you recite some more Kalimah like: "Samme Allahu liman hamda, Allahu Akbar," and some parts of the Quran.

16:07 And you perform several units like this. And you perform several units like this.

16:16 Namaz comprises several units. Namaz comprises several units.

16:25 Some two units, some three units, some four units. Some two units, some three units, some four units.

16:34 So every believer performs Namaz with these units. So every believer performs Namaz with these units.

16:43 In the Salatul Fajr, in the morning prayer, there are two units. In the Salatul Fajr, in the morning prayer, there are two units.

16:52 And in the Salatul Maghrib, that is just after sunset, there are three units. And in the Salatul Maghrib, that is just after sunset, there are three units.

17:01 And in Dhuhr and Asr, Isha', there are four units. And in Dhuhr and Asr, Isha', there are four units.

17:10 This is the form of Namaz. This is the form of Namaz.

17:20 So there is a form of Namaz, a complete form. But only form is not the whole Namaz. So there is a form of Namaz, a complete form. But only form is not the whole Namaz.

17:32 In every Namaz, in every Salat, there are two aspects. Its outer form and its inner content. So inner content is Taqwa, fear of God. In every Namaz, in every Salat, there are two aspects. Its outer form and its inner content. So inner content is Taqwa, fear of God.

17:57 And in the outer content, there is Ruku and Sajdah and Qiyam. Qiyam and Ruku or Sajdah are its outer form. And the inner form is Taqwa, fear of God. And in the outer content, there is Ruku and Sajdah and Qiyam. Qiyam and Ruku or Sajdah are its outer form. And the inner form is Taqwa, fear of God.

18:16 There is a Hadith: "La Salat lamallam yatakhsha." Only that Namaz is Namaz in which there is Taqwa. There is a Hadith: "La Salat lamallam yatakhsha." Only that Namaz is Namaz in which there is Taqwa.

18:27 It means that without Taqwa, without fear of God, Namaz is nothing. It means that without Taqwa, without fear of God, Namaz is nothing.

18:38 There is a Hadith that one day the Prophet was sitting in the mosque of Madinah. There is a Hadith that one day the Prophet was sitting in the mosque of Madinah.

18:49 Then a Muslim came over there. Then a Muslim came over there.

19:01 He performed Namaz, perhaps Salatul, perhaps Tahiyyatul Masjid. He performed Namaz, perhaps Salatul, perhaps Tahiyyatul Masjid.

19:12 Then he came to the Prophet and said, "Assalamu Alaikum." The Prophet said, "Irji fasalli, fainnaka lam tusalli." Then he came to the Prophet and said, "Assalamu Alaikum." The Prophet said, "Irji fasalli, fainnaka lam tusalli."

19:23 It means that go back and perform again your Namaz. It means that go back and perform again your Namaz.

19:35 You see, this person has already performed the Namaz, but his Namaz was only in its outer form, its external form, in the form of Qiyam or Ruku or Sajdah. But inner spirit was absent in his Namaz. But the inner spirit was absent in his Namaz. You see, this person has already performed the Namaz, but his Namaz was only in its outer form, its external form, in the form of Qiyam or Ruku or Sajdah. But inner spirit was absent in his Namaz. But the inner spirit was absent in his Namaz.

20:05 So the Prophet said, "Go back and perform your Namaz again because this kind of Namaz will not So the Prophet said, "Go back and perform your Namaz again because this kind of Namaz will not

20:16 be accepted by God." So then let us take the Salatul Jama'ah, that is congregational prayer. be accepted by God." So then let us take the Salatul Jama'ah, that is congregational prayer.

20:28 In every mosque, you see that people gather over there. In every mosque, you see that people gather over there.

20:40 They perform Namaz in a congregational way. They perform Namaz in a congregational way.

20:52 That is, one among those Muslims stands before on Musalla and he leads the Namaz. That is, one among those Muslims stands before on Musalla and he leads the Namaz.

21:04 And all other Muslims follow this Imam. And all other Muslims follow this Imam.

21:15 So this is a great--this has a great lesson. So this is a great--this has a great lesson.

21:26 It means that if you are 10,000 or 10,000, you have to live life like this. It means that if you are 10,000 or 10,000, you have to live life like this.

21:38 This is a message of unity, a message of organization. This is a message of unity, a message of organization.

21:49 It means that you have to select one person as your leader, and all the other believers must It means that you have to select one person as your leader, and all the other believers must

22:00 follow this leader. follow this leader.

22:12 Just like congregational prayer, you know in congregational prayer, one Imam is the leader and all believers are Just like congregational prayer, you know in congregational prayer, one Imam is the leader and all believers are

22:23 standing behind him. standing behind him.

22:35 So all the believers, except one, take the seat behind that Imam. So all the believers, except one, take the seat behind that Imam.

22:42 This is the Islamic organization. This is the Islamic organization.

22:50 That is the way of Islamic unity. That is the way of Islamic unity.

22:57 You have to select one as your Imam or leader. You have to select one as your Imam or leader.

23:05 And every Muslim, every believer must follow this leader completely. And every Muslim, every believer must follow this leader completely.

23:13 This is the secret of unity. This is the secret of unity.

23:20 This is the method of organization. This is the method of organization.

23:28 This is the true spirit of Islam. This is the true spirit of Islam.

23:36 Then in the end, when we complete Namaz, so in the end, every Muslim says like this: "Assalamu Alaikum warahmatullah, Assalamu Alaikum warahmatullah." This is the last word of Namaz. Then in the end, when we complete Namaz, so in the end, every Muslim says like this: "Assalamu Alaikum warahmatullah, Assalamu Alaikum warahmatullah." This is the last word of Namaz.

24:02 Now what it means, "Assalamu Alaikum warahmatullah" means peace and blessing upon you. Peace be upon you and blessing of God be upon you. This is the last word of Namaz. Now what it means, "Assalamu Alaikum warahmatullah" means peace and blessing upon you. Peace be upon you and blessing of God be upon you. This is the last word of Namaz.

24:32 By saying this, the believer addresses all mankind, all those people who are living on this globe. It is not a simple recitation. It is not a simple word. By saying this, the believer addresses all mankind, all those people who are living on this globe. It is not a simple recitation. It is not a simple word.

24:55 By saying "Assalamu Alaikum warahmatullah," believers address all human beings, all men and women living on the globe. By saying "Assalamu Alaikum warahmatullah," believers address all human beings, all men and women living on the globe.

25:08 Explaining this, a great scholar, a great Muslim scholar, a great Islamic scholar has said, his name was Ibn Uwayna. Explaining this, a great scholar, a great Muslim scholar, a great Islamic scholar has said, his name was Ibn Uwayna.

25:22 So Ibn Uwayna says, "Do you know? So Ibn Uwayna says, "Do you know?

25:36 " هل تدريم السلام؟ Do you know what is saying Assalam? What is the meaning of Assalam? يقول أنت آمن مني أنت آمن مني By saying this, the believers say, "Oh people, you are safe from Myself. " هل تدريم السلام؟ Do you know what is saying Assalam? What is the meaning of Assalam? يقول أنت آمن مني أنت آمن مني By saying this, the believers say, "Oh people, you are safe from Myself.

26:03 I am not going to create any problem for you." So this is the Namaz or Salat. I am not going to create any problem for you." So this is the Namaz or Salat.

26:14 One who performs this Salat with its literal spirit, with its inner content and its outer form, so One who performs this Salat with its literal spirit, with its inner content and its outer form, so

26:26 it is but natural that he will live in a society. it is but natural that he will live in a society.

26:37 He must live in a society as a peaceful member. He must live in a society as a peaceful member.

26:49 So Salat inculcates the spirit of peace, the spirit of love towards all human beings. So Salat inculcates the spirit of peace, the spirit of love towards all human beings.

27:03 Salat or Namaz inculcates the spirit of Taqwa, that is fear of God, that is accountability. Salat or Namaz inculcates the spirit of Taqwa, that is fear of God, that is accountability.

27:18 So Salat inculcates this spirit of accountability, spirit of Taqwa, spirit of peace, spirit of intolerance. So Salat inculcates this spirit of accountability, spirit of Taqwa, spirit of peace, spirit of intolerance.

27:33 So those people who perform Taqwa must live like this. So those people who perform Taqwa must live like this.

27:43 They have to live as a peaceful member of their society. They have to live as a peaceful member of their society.

27:53 They have to live as a harmless member of their society. They have to live as a harmless member of their society.

28:03 There is a verse in the Quran: INNAS SALATA TANHA ANIL FACHAI WAL MUNKAR In this verse, you can There is a verse in the Quran: إِنَّ الصَّلَاةَ تَنْهَى عَنِ الْفَاشَاءِ وَالْمُنْكَرِ In this verse, you can

28:13 find the definition of Salat. find the definition of Salat.

28:23 It means that prayer keeps away from indecency and evil. It means that prayer keeps away from indecency and evil.

28:34 innal salata tanha anil fashai wal munkar Prayer keeps away from indecency and evil. إِنَّ الصَّلَاةَ تَنْهَى عَنِ الْفَاشَاءِ وَالْمُنْكَرِ Prayer keeps away from indecency and evil.

28:44 It is not an automatic result of Salat. No. It is not an automatic result of Salat. No.

28:54 This verse gives us a criterion to judge the purity of Salat. This verse gives us a criterion to judge the purity of Salat.

29:04 So this verse, innal salata tanha anil fashai wal munkar is not in the sense that this quality is So this verse, إِنَّ الصَّلَاةَ تَنْهَى عَنِ الْفَاشَاءِ وَالْمُنْكَرِ is not in the sense that this quality is

29:14 an automatic result. an automatic result.

29:25 This quality comes as an automatic result of Salat. No. This quality comes as an automatic result of Salat. No.

29:34 It is a criterion. It is a criterion.

29:43 By this criterion, you can judge every person's Salat. By this criterion, you can judge every person's Salat.

29:53 Prayer keeps away from indecency and evil. Prayer keeps away from indecency and evil.

30:02 So you have to see after Salat, one who performs Salat in the mosque and then he returns So you have to see after Salat, one who performs Salat in the mosque and then he returns

30:11 to his society, to his home, to his market. to his society, to his home, to his market.

30:21 So you have to judge his Salat by this criterion. So you have to judge his Salat by this criterion.

30:32 If he lives as a person who keeps himself away from evil and indecency, who is living as If he lives as a person who keeps himself away from evil and indecency, who is living as

30:43 a responsible person, who is living in the society as a God-fearing person, then he has performed the a responsible person, who is living in the society as a God-fearing person, then he has performed the

30:54 Salat in true sense of the word. Salat in true sense of the word.

31:06 So this is the criterion. So this is the criterion.

31:15 If this criterion is not fulfilled, then the Prophet of Islam says about that kind of people, irji If this criterion is not fulfilled, then the Prophet of Islam says about that kind of people, إِرْجِي

31:24 fasalli fainnaka lam tusalli Go back and perform your Salat again because you failed to perform your Salat فَسَلِّ فَإِنَّكَ لَمْ تُسَلِّ Go back and perform your Salat again because you failed to perform your Salat

31:33 in true sense of the word. in true sense of the word.

31:42 So this is the true picture of Salat. So this is the true picture of Salat.

31:51 This is the true picture of prayer, the true picture of Islamic prayer. This is the true picture of prayer, the true picture of Islamic prayer.

32:00 Islamic prayer is not simply a ritual, a set of rituals. No. Islamic prayer is not simply a ritual, a set of rituals. No.

32:09 Although there are some forms that may be seen as a ritual, but in fact, Namaz is not a ritual. Although there are some forms that may be seen as a ritual, but in fact, Namaz is not a ritual.

32:18 Namaz is a living practice. Namaz is a living practice.

32:27 Namaz is an intellectual worship. Namaz is an intellectual worship.

32:37 It is very important to know that Islamic prayer is not a ritual or spiritless form. It is very important to know that Islamic prayer is not a ritual or spiritless form.

32:56 Islamic prayer is a living prayer. It is intellectual worship, worship with its spirit, worship with full consciousness. Islamic prayer is a living prayer. It is intellectual worship, worship with its spirit, worship with full consciousness.

33:20 If your body is involved in Islamic prayer but your mind is absent, then it is not prayer. If your body is involved in Islamic prayer but your mind is absent, then it is not prayer.

33:30 You know every human being has a body. You know every human being has a body.

33:40 At the same time, he has a mind. At the same time, he has a mind.

33:51 So mind and body both must be involved in Islamic prayer. So mind and body both must be involved in Islamic prayer.

33:58 Bodily, you will perform the outer aspect of prayer. Bodily, you will perform the outer aspect of prayer.

34:06 But intellectually, you must be involved in prayer. But intellectually, you must be involved in prayer.

34:14 At the time of prayer, you must think about God. At the time of prayer, you must think about God.

34:22 You must think about the presence of God. You must think about the presence of God.

34:30 You must think about the accountability. You must think about the accountability.

34:39 When you read some part of the Quran in your prayer, you must understand its meaning. When you read some part of the Quran in your prayer, you must understand its meaning.

34:47 For example, when you say in your prayer, maliki yawm al-din Lord of the Day of Judgment, when For example, when you say in your prayer, مَالِكَ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ Lord of the Day of Judgment, when

34:56 you say this, Lord of the Day of Judgment, you have to remember the Day of Judgment. you say this, Lord of the Day of Judgment, you have to remember the Day of Judgment.

35:05 You have to think about accountability. You have to think about accountability.

35:15 So it is very important. So it is very important.

35:25 Prayer is a combination of mind and body. Prayer is a combination of mind and body.

35:36 Prayer is a combination of external act and also internal spirit. Prayer is a combination of external act and also internal spirit.

35:46 So you have to pray with both inner spirit and external form. So you have to pray with both inner spirit and external form.

35:57 Without form, there is no worship. And at the same time, without spirit, there is no Salat. So this is the true picture of Salat or prayer or Namaz. Without form, there is no worship. And at the same time, without spirit, there is no Salat. So this is the true picture of Salat or prayer or Namaz.

36:21 May God bless us to perform this Salat in the right way. May God bless us to perform this Salat in the right way.

36:30 I would like to say a few words about the Islamic prayer, that is Salat in Arabic and I would like to say a few words about the Islamic prayer, that is Salat in Arabic and

36:39 Namaz in Persian. Namaz in Persian.

36:48 Islamic prayer or Salat is the most important part of Islam. Islamic prayer or Salat is the most important part of Islam.

36:57 There is a Hadith that ban al-ubd wa an al-kufr tarku al-salat It means that one who fails to perform Salat, he is not a Muslim. There is a Hadith that بَانِ الْعُبْدِ وَانَ الْكُفْرِ تَرْكُوا الصَّلَاةَ It means that one who fails to perform Salat, he is not a Muslim.

37:20 ban al-ubd wa an al-kufr tarku al-salat One who fails to perform Salat, he is not a Muslim. مَانِ الْعُبْدِ وَانَ الْكُفْرِ تَرْكُوا الصَّلَاةَ One who fails to perform Salat, he is not a Muslim.

37:36 So Salat or Namaz is an integral part of Islam. So Salat or Namaz is an integral part of Islam.

37:47 There is no excuse, no excuse at all, because there are some consistencies. There is no excuse, no excuse at all, because there are some consistencies.

37:58 If you are ill, you are allowed to do Tayammum rather than Wudhu. If you are ill, you are allowed to do Tayammum rather than Wudhu.

38:09 If you are weak, you are allowed to perform Namaz without standing. If you are weak, you are allowed to perform Namaz without standing.

38:20 So there are many, many consistencies. So there are many, many consistencies.

38:31 So no one can present any excuse except one who is mad or his mind has failed, his So no one can present any excuse except one who is mad or his mind has failed, his

38:42 memory is no more. memory is no more.

38:53 In such instances, he is allowed not to perform Namaz. In such instances, he is allowed not to perform Namaz.

39:05 Otherwise, there is no excuse, no excuse. Otherwise, there is no excuse, no excuse.

39:15 But Salat is not simply a set of rituals. No. But Salat is not simply a set of rituals. No.

39:25 Namaz is a living practice. Namaz is a living practice.

39:35 Namaz is an intellectual worship with complete consciousness. Namaz is an intellectual worship with complete consciousness.

39:45 So Namaz is a combination of inner spirit and outer form both. This is an issue of the Times of India, dated February 26th. February 26th. So Namaz is a combination of inner spirit and outer form both. This is an issue of the Times of India, dated February 26th. February 26th.

40:11 Here you can see the caption. This is twenty—this is the first phase. This is the first page of Time International. Here you can see the caption. This is twenty—this is the first phase. This is the first page of Time International.

40:28 So here you can see a caption: "Islam Flourishes Among Black Americans." "Islam Flourishes Among Black Americans." This So here you can see a caption: "Islam Flourishes Among Black Americans." "Islam Flourishes Among Black Americans." This

40:43 report is prepared by a writer's reporter. report is prepared by a writer's reporter.

40:58 So in this report, he says that why Black Americans are embracing Islam. So in this report, he says that why Black Americans are embracing Islam.

41:13 He has given some reasons. He has given some reasons.

41:25 And one reason, and the foremost reason, is that in his words, "American Muslims are attracted to the And one reason, and the foremost reason, is that in his words, "American Muslims are attracted to the

41:37 disciplines of Islamic prayer." "American Muslims are attracted to the disciplines of Islamic prayer." This is the reason disciplines of Islamic prayer." "American Muslims are attracted to the disciplines of Islamic prayer." This is the reason

41:49 why these Americans are embracing Islam. why these Americans are embracing Islam.

42:02 It is very important. It is very important.

42:08 This reminds me of an event. This reminds me of an event.

42:14 Once an American professor visited Delhi. Once an American professor visited Delhi.

42:20 He also came to our center. He also came to our center.

42:26 It was Friday. It was Friday.

42:32 This American was—he was a research scholar—and his theme was Islam. This American was—he was a research scholar—and his theme was Islam.

42:38 So I said to him that today it is Friday. If you want, you can visit the nearest mosque and join us in the Friday prayer, and you can experience Namaz. So I said to him that today it is Friday. If you want, you can visit the nearest mosque and join us in the Friday prayer, and you can experience Namaz.

43:06 I said to him that without being a Muslim, you can experience Namaz. Without being a Muslim, you can experience Namaz. I said to him that without being a Muslim, you can experience Namaz. Without being a Muslim, you can experience Namaz.

43:23 So he was very happy, and he visited that mosque with me and joined with us in the Jumu'ah prayer. He was very much impressed. He said that this is a true worship. So he was very happy, and he visited that mosque with me and joined with us in the Jumu'ah prayer. He was very much impressed. He said that this is a true worship.

43:48 Other forms of worship are like club exercises. So he was very much impressed by Namaz. Other forms of worship are like club exercises. So he was very much impressed by Namaz.

44:05 Then I will narrate a very interesting story. During the second Caliph of Farooq, Muslims entered Iran. So at that time, there were no mosques in Iran. Then I will narrate a very interesting story. During the second Caliph of Farooq, Muslims entered Iran. So at that time, there were no mosques in Iran.

44:31 These Muslims used to perform their Namaz in the open field, in the open field. These Muslims used to perform their Namaz in the open field, in the open field.

44:40 That is congregational prayer. That is congregational prayer.

44:50 So the Iranian General Rustam saw this scene several times. So the Iranian General Rustam saw this scene several times.

45:00 After seeing this congregational prayer, he said, aqal umar kabidi yalamul kalab al azab This event you can find After seeing this congregational prayer, he said, عَقَلَ عُمَرُ كَبِيدِيْ یَعْلَمُ الْكَلَابَ الْعَذَابَ This event you can find

45:10 in the Muqaddimah of Ibn Khaldun. in the Muqaddimah of Ibn Khaldun.

45:19 So Rustam said, aqal umar kabidi ya'lamul kalabul azab It means Umar is a great headache for me. So Rustam said, عَقَلَ عُمَرُ كَبِيدِيْ یَعْلَمُ الْكَلَابَ الْعَذَابَ It means Umar is a great headache for me.

45:29 Umar creates a headache for me. Umar creates a headache for me.

45:39 He teaches discipline to his men. He teaches discipline to his men.

45:49 This was the impression of Rustam, the commander of the Iranian army. This was the impression of Rustam, the commander of the Iranian army.

45:58 So Namaz, I mean congregational prayer, is a very impressive scene for anyone. So Namaz, I mean congregational prayer, is a very impressive scene for anyone.

46:08 I think that it is very unique. I think that it is very unique.

46:18 In every religion, there is no such kind of prayer. In every religion, there is no such kind of prayer.

46:28 Then, although there is discipline, you see the call, that is Azan and Qiyam and Ruku and Sujud Then, although there is discipline, you see the call, that is Azan and Qiyam and Ruku and Sujud

46:37 by following a leader. by following a leader.

46:47 All these things look like a very impressive discipline. All these things look like a very impressive discipline.

46:57 But there is a point. But there is a point.

47:07 This discipline is not simply a form. This discipline is not simply a form.

47:14 This discipline is not a mechanical discipline. This discipline is not a mechanical discipline.

47:22 It is not a robot discipline. It is not a robot discipline.

47:30 It is a discipline performed by a human being. It is a discipline performed by a human being.

47:38 So it is a living discipline. So it is a living discipline.

47:46 It is an intellectual discipline. It is an intellectual discipline.

47:53 I can say that Namaz is a culture of discipline. I can say that Namaz is a culture of discipline.

48:01 Namaz is a complete system of ethics. Namaz is a complete system of ethics.

48:09 Salat ethics, you can say it, Salat ethics, ethics. Salat ethics, you can say it, Salat ethics, ethics.

48:17 Namaz provides us a complete system of ethics. Namaz provides us a complete system of ethics.

48:25 In this sense, I can say that Namaz is a complete culture. In this sense, I can say that Namaz is a complete culture.

48:33 You may call it Salat culture. You may call it Salat culture.

48:43 So Salat culture is not simply a set of some rituals or some outer forms. So Salat culture is not simply a set of some rituals or some outer forms.

48:53 It is a living discipline. It is a living discipline.

49:03 It is, in Salat discipline, an outcome of faith, fear of God, sense of accountability. It is, in Salat discipline, an outcome of faith, fear of God, sense of accountability.

49:13 This is the inner spirit of Salat. This is the inner spirit of Salat.

49:23 A man who realizes that there is a God, there is a God all-powerful, the Sustainer, the Lord A man who realizes that there is a God, there is a God all-powerful, the Sustainer, the Lord

49:33 of the universe, after this realization, he wants to worship Him. of the universe, after this realization, he wants to worship Him.

49:44 He wants to surrender before Him. This spirit is translated into the form of Namaz. He wants to surrender before Him. This spirit is translated into the form of Namaz.

49:57 Namaz is an expression of this discovery or this realization. Namaz is an expression of this discovery or this realization.

50:07 Faith is a discovery. Faith is a discovery.

50:17 Faith is a great realization. Faith is a great realization.

50:27 So when this faith or this discovery or this realization translates into a form, it is called Namaz. So when this faith or this discovery or this realization translates into a form, it is called Namaz.

50:38 So Namaz or Salat culture is a beautiful combination of inner spirit and outer form. In its inner content, in its inner content, it is a realization of God. So Namaz or Salat culture is a beautiful combination of inner spirit and outer form. In its inner content, in its inner content, it is a realization of God.

51:05 In its outer form, it is a natural way of worship. In its outer form, it is a natural way of worship.

51:15 So it is a beautiful combination of a natural way of worship and the inner spirit of God's realization. So it is a beautiful combination of a natural way of worship and the inner spirit of God's realization.

51:26 It was this Salat culture that was the secret of that unity we see in the Muslims of It was this Salat culture that was the secret of that unity we see in the Muslims of

51:36 the early period. the early period.

51:47 In the Muslims of the early period, this kind of spirit and this kind of unity is a great power, a great source of strength. In the Muslims of the early period, this kind of spirit and this kind of unity is a great power, a great source of strength.

52:05 Then there is a verse in the Qur'an, astae'inu bis sabri was salati Seek help of God by Salat and Then there is a verse in the Qur'an, اسْطَعِنُوا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلَاةِ Seek help of God by Salat and

52:18 Sabr, prayer and patience. Sabr, prayer and patience.

52:32 This Qur'anic verse tells us that Sabr is also a part of Namaz. This Qur'anic verse tells us that Sabr is also a part of Namaz.

52:46 Sabr is also a part of Namaz or Islamic prayer. Why? Sabr is also a part of Namaz or Islamic prayer. Why?

52:58 Namaz or Islamic prayer requires great concentration, great, great concentration. Namaz or Islamic prayer requires great concentration, great, great concentration.

53:10 And without Sabr or patience, you cannot attain this kind of concentration. And without Sabr or patience, you cannot attain this kind of concentration.

53:22 You know, in this life, every time, in this life, every time, there are distractions, distractions, distractions, every time. You know, in this life, every time, in this life, every time, there are distractions, distractions, distractions, every time.

53:35 So you have to save yourself from these distractions. So you have to save yourself from these distractions.

53:47 And it is Sabr or patience that gives you the strength by which you can sustain yourself from And it is Sabr or patience that gives you the strength by which you can sustain yourself from

53:59 being a victim of those distractions. being a victim of those distractions.

54:12 So the formula is that a true Salat, a true Salat requires complete concentration. So the formula is that a true Salat, a true Salat requires complete concentration.

54:24 Complete concentration can be attained only by saving yourself from all kinds of distractions. Complete concentration can be attained only by saving yourself from all kinds of distractions.

54:36 And it is Sabr or patience that gives you that kind of strength. And it is Sabr or patience that gives you that kind of strength.

54:49 Only by Sabr can you save yourself from distractions. Only by Sabr can you save yourself from distractions.

54:59 So in this sense, Sabr is an integral part of Salat. So in this sense, Sabr is an integral part of Salat.

55:10 In this sense, Sabr or patience is an integral part of Salat or Islamic prayer. In this sense, Sabr or patience is an integral part of Salat or Islamic prayer.

55:20 It is very important. It is very important.

55:31 There are several verses in the Qur'an in which God has bracketed Sabr with Salat, istainu bis sabri was salat There are several verses in the Qur'an in which God has bracketed Sabr with Salat, اسْطَعِنُوا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلَاةِ

55:41 There are several verses in the Qur'an in which God has bracketed Sabr with Salat. There are several verses in the Qur'an in which God has bracketed Sabr with Salat.

55:52 And this is the secret of this. And this is the secret of this.

56:03 If you have no Sabr, then you are doomed to be distracted. If you have no Sabr, then you are doomed to be distracted.

56:13 Without Sabr, you will live in distractions. Without Sabr, you will live in distractions.

56:24 And when you are living in distractions, you cannot concentrate the inner spirit to the inner spirit of Salat. And when you are living in distractions, you cannot concentrate the inner spirit to the inner spirit of Salat.

56:34 So everyone who wants to perform true Salat, he must keep Sabr or patience. So everyone who wants to perform true Salat, he must keep Sabr or patience.

56:45 Both are an integral part to each other. Both are an integral part to each other.

56:56 Then there is a verse in the Qur'an, qad aflaha almu'minun alladhina hum fi salatihim khashi'un It means Then there is a verse in the Qur'an, قَدْ أَفْلَحَ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ الَّذِينَ هُمْ فِي صِلَاتِهِمْ خَاشِعُونَ It means

57:06 that successful are those who observe khushu in their Salat. that successful are those who observe khushu in their Salat.

57:17 Here you can see that khushu or God-fearing is a very important part of Salat. Here you can see that khushu or God-fearing is a very important part of Salat.

57:27 Salat, khushu is the inner spirit of Salat. Salat, khushu is the inner spirit of Salat.

57:38 Khushu means fear of God. Khushu means fear of God.

57:49 So fear of God is the inner spirit of Namaz or Islamic prayer. So one who keeps fear of God in his Salat, he is a successful person. So fear of God is the inner spirit of Namaz or Islamic prayer. So one who keeps fear of God in his Salat, he is a successful person.

58:14 Without khushu, there is no true Salat. And without true Salat, there is no success. Without khushu, there is no true Salat. And without true Salat, there is no success.

58:29 According to the Qur'an, Namaz is the key to Paradise. According to the Qur'an, Namaz is the key to Paradise.

58:41 qaloo lam naku minal musalleen It means that only those people will find entry into Paradise who were قَالُوا لَمْ نَكُوْا مِنَ الْمُسَلِّينَ It means that only those people will find entry into Paradise who were

58:53 performing their Salat in this world. performing their Salat in this world.

59:06 But what kind of Salat? It doesn't mean that Salat is only Salat as a ritual, as a form. But what kind of Salat? It doesn't mean that Salat is only Salat as a ritual, as a form.

59:23 No. No.

59:32 That is an underestimation of Salat. That is an underestimation of Salat.

59:41 If we take Salat as rituals, if we take Salat as a form, it is a reduced form of Salat. If we take Salat as rituals, if we take Salat as a form, it is a reduced form of Salat.

59:50 This kind of, this kind of Salat is a reduced form of Salat because the inner spirit is This kind of, this kind of Salat is a reduced form of Salat because the inner spirit is

59:59 an integral part of Salat or Namaz. an integral part of Salat or Namaz.

1:00:08 So it is true that Salat is a key to find Paradise. But here Salat doesn't mean that, doesn't mean in the sense of rituals or form. So it is true that Salat is a key to find Paradise. But here Salat doesn't mean that, doesn't mean in the sense of rituals or form.

1:00:31 No. No.

1:00:43 This Salat, the Salat that is the key to find God, is that Salat which is a combination This Salat, the Salat that is the key to find God, is that Salat which is a combination

1:00:55 of form as well as the inner spirit. of form as well as the inner spirit.

1:01:08 There are numerous Hadiths and Ayat or Qur'anic verses which tell us the detail of Salat. There are numerous Hadiths and Ayat or Qur'anic verses which tell us the detail of Salat.

1:01:20 The Prophet of Islam has said, Salu kama ra'aitumuni usalli Perform Salat as you see myself performing Salat. The Prophet of Islam has said, صَلُّوا كَمَا رَأَيْتُمُونِي أُصَلِّى Perform Salat as you see myself performing Salat.

1:01:32 So the present form of Salat is a prophetic form. So the present form of Salat is a prophetic form.

1:01:45 The companions of the Prophet saw the Prophet's Salat and they followed it. Then the companions of the companion saw the Salat of the companion and they followed it. The companions of the Prophet saw the Prophet's Salat and they followed it. Then the companions of the companion saw the Salat of the companion and they followed it.

1:02:15 Then after, then generation after generation, people used to follow this form. Then after, then generation after generation, people used to follow this form.

1:02:27 So the form we now follow is the form of the Prophet without any perversion, without any slightest perversion. So the form we now follow is the form of the Prophet without any perversion, without any slightest perversion.

1:02:39 So the form is preserved in its originality. So the form is preserved in its originality.

1:02:51 And then the spirit of Salat you can see in Qur'an and Hadith. And then the spirit of Salat you can see in Qur'an and Hadith.

1:03:04 Qur'an and Hadith tell us all those things that are the spirit of Salat. Now I would like to give a demonstration. By seeing this, you can understand what Salat is. The inner spirit of Salat is not demonstratable. Qur'an and Hadith tell us all those things that are the spirit of Salat. Now I would like to give a demonstration. By seeing this, you can understand what Salat is. The inner spirit of Salat is not demonstratable.

1:03:30 No one can give a demonstration of the inner spirit. But at least its form can be demonstrated. So here I would like to give a demonstration of Salat or Namaz or Islamic prayer. Allahu Akbar. Alhamdulillah Rabbil Alamin. Ar-Rahmanir-Rahim. Maliki Yawmid-Din. Iyyaka Na'budu Wa Iyyaka Nast'in. Ihdinas-Siratal-Mustaqim. Siratal-ladhina An'amta Alaihim Ghairil Maghdubi Alaihim Wa Lad-Dallin. Yawma Yafirrul Mar'u Min Akhihi Wa Ummihi Wa Abihi Wa Sahibatihi Wa Banihi. Lilikulli Imri'im Minhum Yawma'idhin Shaanun Yughnihi. Wujuhun Yawma'idhin Musfirah. Dahikatum Mustabshirah. Wa Wujuhun Yawma'idhin Alaiha Ghubarun. Tarhaquha Qatrah. Ulai'ika Humul-Kafaratu Al-Fajrah. Allahu Akbar. Sami Allahu Liman Hamidah. Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar. Alhamdulillah Rabbil Alamin. Ar-Rahmanir-Rahim. Maliki Yawmid-Din. Iyyaka Na'budu Wa Iyyaka Nast'in. Ihdinas-Siratal-Mustaqim. Siratal-ladhina An'amta Alaihim Ghairil Maghdubi Alaihim Wa Lad-Dallin. Wa Ma Adraka Ma Yawmid-Din. Thumma Ma Adraka Ma Yawmid-Din. Yawma La Tamliku Nafsun Linafsin Shai'an. Wal Amru Yawma'idhin Lillahi. Allahu Akbar. Sami Allahu Liman Hamidah. Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar. Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi. Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi. Rabbana Atina Fid-Dunya Hasanah Wa Fil Akhirati Hasanah Wa Qina Adhaban-Nar. Rabbana Atina Ma Wa'adtana Ala Rusulika Wa La Tukhizna Yawmal-Qiyamati Innaka La Tukhliful-Miyad. Rabbighfir Warham Wa Anta Khairur-Rahimin. Allahumma Hafizna Min Kulli Bala'id-Dunya Wa Adhabil-Akhirah. Rabbana Taqabbal Minna Innaka Antas-Sami'ul Alim. Wa Tub Alaina Innaka Antat-Tawwabur-Rahim. Wa Sallallahu Ta'ala Ala Khairi Khalqihi Muhammadin Wa Alihi Wa Ashabihi Ajma'in Birahmatik Ya Arhamar-Rahimin. No one can give a demonstration of the inner spirit. But at least its form can be demonstrated. So here I would like to give a demonstration of Salat or Namaz or Islamic prayer. اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ الحمد لله رب العالمين الرحمن الرحيم مالک یوم الدین ایاک نعبد وایاک نستعین اهدنا الصراط المستقیم صراط الذین انعمت علیہم غیر المغضوب علیہم ولا الضالین یوم یفر المر من اخیه وامہ وابی وصاحبته وبنی لکل امر من یوم شانی یغنی وجوہ یوم مسفرہ ذاہک مستبشرہ ووجوہ یوم علیہا غبرا ترحق قطرہ اولائکم الکفرۃ الفجر اللہ اکبر سمع اللہ لمن حمدہ اللہ اکبر اللہ اکبر اللہ اکبر اللہ اکبر الحمد للہ رب العالمین الرحمن الرحیم مالک یوم الدین ایاک نعبد وایاک نستعین اهدنا الصراط المستقیم صراط الذین انعمت علیہم غیر المغضوب علیہم ولا الضالین وما ادراک ما یوم الدین ثم ما ادراک ما یوم الدین یوم لا تملک نفس لنفس شیاء والامر یوم ذل اللہ اللہ اکبر سمع اللہ لمن حمدہ اللہ اکبر اللہ اکبر اللہ اکبر اللہ اکبر السلام علیکم ورحمۃ اللہ السلام علیکم ورحمۃ اللہ ربنا آتنا فی الدنیا حسنہ وفی الاخرۃ حسنہ وقنا عذاب النار ربنا آتنا ما وغطنا علی رسلک ربنا آتنا ما وغطنا علی رسلک ولا تخذنا یوم القیامہ انک لا تخلف المیاد رب اغفر وارحم وانت خیر الراحمین اللہم حافظنا من کل بلاء الدنیا وعذاب الاخرہ ربنا تقبل منا انک انت السمیع العلیم وتب علینا انک انت التواب الرحیم وصلی اللہ تعالی علی خیر خلقہ محمد والہ واصحابہ اجمعین برحمتک یا ارحم الراحمین.

Salat -- Islamic Prayer I 27th Feb. 07