Prayer in the Islamic Tradition

Hisham Abdallah

For the Interfaith Breakfast on Prayer

(from notes taken from his talk)

Greeting in Arabic for Muslims is "salaam aleichem", "peace to you".  

1.  Muslims pray five times a day 

salah -- from sila meaning connection, connection between God and the servant of God.

Order through the day

1. Prior to sunrise
2. Mid Day
3. Midway between midday and sunset
4. Sunset (to one hour after sunset)
5. After darkness to dawn.  

2.  To Ask 

There is an order to asking for something in prayer.  Praise, confess short comings, then ask to get something

3.  Remembrance of God  (a constant state of prayer)

Mohamed taught various forms of supplications at each kind of moment of the day.  

• Wake up -- Praise be to God who resurrected me this day to awaken
• Going out a door
• Going in a car
• When there is something you like
• There are prayers to stop you from committing evil or indecency -- 
• To elevate the spirit by remembering God

4. Proscribed Actions and Voluntary Actions

• what is expected and a bit more if you want
• Only place where it is unlimited is in Remembrance prayer
• Mohamed: "Always keep your tongue moist with the Remembrance of God

5.  How do we Pray?

Form of one unity is standing, bowing, standing bowing.  This can be repeated.  

6.  To Whom do we Pray?

God, "Allah" comes from the Arabic work for the God.  a Muslim is one who submits to the will of God. 

7.  Pray for Everything

There is a pray for dead parent. 

• what they left behind
•  a charity they started
• a righteous child.