Related Article:PRAY AS WE HAVE TAUGHT YOU HOW TO PRAY - USING VERSE 2.239 AS SUPPORT FOR A FIXED FORM OF PRAYERhttp://quransmessage.com/articles/pray%20as%20we%20have%20taught%20you%20how%20to%20pray%20-%20using%20a%20verse%20to%20support%20a%20fixed%20form%20of%20prayer%20FM3.htmQM Forum Moderator.Dear Mr. Joseph,
As regards to clarification 2:239 you say:
"Therefore, it is clear from the above verse that the 'mushrikeen' (pagans) did practice 'salat' (prayers), but it amounted to nothing more than 'mukaan' (whistling) and 'tasdiyatah' (clapping).
What the ex-pagans (i.e. new believers) had been 'taught' was a new form of monotheistic 'dhikr' which also encompassed 'salat' and not a specific form"
My query is :
1) It is noted that chapter 73 is third in Quran revealing order. In 73:20 Prophet is ordained to establish Salaat. Which salat he is ordained to establish at initial stage of ministry/revelation of Qur'an, as he has no idea of previous scripture or Millat Abraham ( which initiated bow/prostrate as part of salaat on Muslims).
Does this mean the salaat at initial stage was - any ritual or Salaat has different meaning as far as this verse is concerned. I also noted Allah ( ST) will accept any call as long as He is remembered in morning and evening (6:52) irrespective of form of ritual/prayer.
2) Does Zikr means repeating /remembering Allah's name (encompassing salat) or exploring signs of Allah as
a) we have been instructed to use our AQL / reason otherwise we will be treated as cattle or creature worst than beast.
b)we have been advised to travel throughout the world to check the end of people due to not thinking over the signs of Allah ( natural events and its observation).
I also note Zikr has been given advantage over ritual prayer hence what will be meaning of Zikr?
And my understanding of calling/repeating /present form of slaat where reading verses without understanding will be like cattle who hears the soud but not call ( 2:171)
I hope you got my queries and hope to receive your thoughts.
Best Regards.