Asalamualaykum
Bismillah
Day 41
Class:Word Analysis and Tafsir
Focus: Surah Al Baqarah ayah 238
[use www.quran/2 to look at the Arabic. I'll be using transliteration in this post.]
Maintain with care the [obligatory] prayers and [in particular] the middle prayer and stand before Allah , devoutly obedient.
Here, “Hafizhu” is a command, an instruction. It comes from the word “hifzh” which means to protect and preserve something so that it does not get wasted. “Hafizhu” also gives the meaning of constantly doing something.
As salawat is the plurul of salah. “Al” here gives meaning to specific salawat. Meaning, the five daily prayers.
The word “wusta” is used. Out of the five daily prayers, “salatil wusta” refers to ‘Asr. It’s between Fajr, Zuhr, and then Maghrib, Isha. It has great importance in Islam.
Guarding the prayer is very important for muslims. 50 prayers were initially presecribed. Eventually, the number came to 5. Whoever prays all 5, provided he does the hifzh, he’ll get reward for 50 salah.
What does “Guarding the salah” mean?-
1)Performing the salah properly. Fulfilling all the conditions, performing it in the correct manner according to the sunnah of the Prophet (saw)
2)Performing the salah on time.
3)Praying the salah constantly (not missing out or delaying even one prayer)
In particular, guard ‘Asr because it’s midmost. Why is salahtul ‘Asr mentioned in particular? All 5 are important. But one is particularly mentioned. Whoever misses the ‘Asr prayer will be like the one who lost his entire family and his entire money. Many times, being busy in our work or being busy with our family makes us neglect our ‘Asr salah.
On a cloudy day, perform ‘Asr early so you don’t miss it. This doesn’t mean to pray ‘Asr before it’s time, but as soon as you think it’s ‘Asr time, pray it. Whoever misses the ‘Asr prayer will have his good deeds wasted (this is from a sahih hadith).
(I’d just like to point out that Allah mentions salah in the middle of verses about divorce. When people are going through something like divorce, they may forget to pray. Their minds may be else where. But look, Allah is reminding us about prayer. He’s reminding us not to forget His remembrance.)
Whoever prays the two cool prayers, he will go to jannah.
The two cool prayers are Fajr and ‘Asr. Fajr because it’s at a time that is very cool. If you miss your morning, you miss out on a lot. (Challenge yourself to stay up after Fajr! You’ll see the barakah in your time) ‘Asr is a cool prayer because the sun isn’t high up…the day isn’t too hot.
When the full moon is out, everyone can see it clearly. Whoever is outside can just look up, no matter how big of a crowd there is around them. Only if you avoid missing Fajr and ‘Asr will you be able to see Allah clearly. If you want to see Allah, guard this prayer. So, if you can avoid missing the salah of ‘Asr and Fajr, you must do so!
At the end of the verse, the word “Qaniteen” is seen. This word is from “qunoot” which means obedience. to stand. calmness. stillness. stand with humility. stand with khushoo’. Perform the salah with khushoo’. Where are our minds when we’re praying salah? Our minds should be on Allah-not on other things or other people. “Qunoot” also means to become still. We must have stillness in our bodies and tongues. Of course we must say the words of salah, but we should not talk to others while praying. In salah, we remember Allah with our tongue and with our hearts.
Though ‘Asr and Fajr are the two cool prayers, this doesn’t mean that we don’t have to guard the other three prayers. All prayers must be performed on time. If for some reason (like if you’re sitting in a gathering of knowledge) you need to delay salah, it’s okay. BUT you MUST pray within the specified time period. You can’t pray Zuhr and ‘Asr time! Also, if you’re with a group of only women, why not pray in jumaat? It’s not obligatory, but it’s a chance of getting more reward!
So, next time you’re having a hard time waking up for Fajr, remember the reward: you get to see Allah clearly.
Also, when you’re having trouble concentrating, think of this: What if you’re having a conversation with someone you love? Do you speak to them while your mind is elsewhere? No. If you do, the person you’re speaking to will become upset! Learn the meaning of salah. Focus when you’re talking to your Lord. Don’t mindlessly say the entire salah just to “Get it over with”!
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