Someone recently asked me about Solah (Prayers in Islam). To the best of my ability and knowledge (which is not much I must say), I explained about some basics and the verses to read throughout the performance of Solah. I then suggested that she find out / learn more about Solah. And there are a lot of write-ups available even in the internet that she can easily read.
I also recommended a book for her to read, titled 'Soal Jawab Remeh Temah Tentang Solat' by Us. Mohammad Nidzam Abdul Kadir. This book contains many simple questions about Solah, that as a born Muslim, we may be shy to ask. I would also recommend this to everyone who may have questions, simple questions or not, about Solah.
For my friend, I thank Allah for opening her heart to ask me about Solah. In my heart, I actually envy her for asking, because I know that she will not be asking if there is no hidayah granted by Allah. And Masyallah, hidayah is not given to everyone - it is given only to the CHOSEN ONE as Allah have mentioned in the Quran.
"For sure you will not be able to give hidayah to anyone you love, instead only Allah can give hidayah to whoever He wants. Indeed Allah knows best on who deserved to be given hidayah"
(Surah Al-Qashash: 56)
May Allah continue to bless her with this priceless gift!
Moving on from there, I would like to now share what I know about Solah, particularly the history of Solah.
The way the command to perform Solah was given to Prophet Muhammad was special. It was NOT given like any other commands like do not drink, do not gamble, perform Hajj and so on. Those commands were given to Prophet Muhammad by revelations through the Angel Jibril. But for the command of Solah, Prophet Muhammad was taken to meet Allah 'in person' and received the command first-hand from Allah Himself.
This is the story of Israk and Mikraj - The great journey of Prophet Muhammad.
It happened in the 10th year after the first revelation in Hira' Cave. In that year, Prophet Muhammad lost 2 people most dear to his heart - His beloved wife, Siti Khadijah and his beloved uncle, Abu Thalib.
Siti Khadijah is a well-respected business lady at that time. She is also the FIRST believer in the true teachings of Islam. When Prophet Muhammad received his first revelation in Hira' Cave, he came down from the cave shivering and told his wife what has just happened. Without any hesitations, she accepted the revelation and she has always been the pillar of strength for Prophet Muhammad - financially and spiritually, until that year when she passed away.
Not long after the passing of his wife, Prophet Muhammad suffered another great lost when his beloved uncle, Abu Thalib also passed away.
Abu Thalib is a well-respected public figure at that time. All tribes have leaders of their own, but Abu Thalib from the Bani Hashim tribe is considered the head among them. During his life, when the people of Quraisy were angry at Prophet Muhammad for bringing a 'new religion', Abu Thalib defended his nephew from any harm from the people. Although Abu Thalib himself never accepted Islam, but his love for his nephew made the beginning of Islam much easier, until that year when he passed away.
During this sad period, Prophet Muhammad was taken on a great journey to meet Allah - The journey known as Israk and Mikraj.
'Israk' is the journey from Masjidil Haram in Mecca to Masjidil Aqsa in Jurussalam.
'Mikraj' is the journey from Masjidil Aqsa on earth to the Arash of Allah.
 |
| Masjidil Haram in Mecca |
 |
| Masjidil Aqsa in Jurussalam |
But honestly, Israk and Mikraj is a huge topic by itself. Insya-Allah, given the opportunity, I will elaborate about this great journey in more detail in another write-up soon. For now, I will fast forward the story to emphasize more on the receiving of the command for Solah.
During this great journey, Prophet Muhammad was accompanied by the Angel Jibril. They were together until they have passed the highest heaven. Then, Jibril said to Prophet Muhammed that he now need to continue alone to meet Allah in Sidratul Muntaha. And so he did.
As Prophet Muhammad entered, he gave praises to Allah:
"All praises, blessings, peace and goodness are Yours, ya Allah"
Allah responded:
"Peace upon you, ya Nabi, as well as blessings and barokah for you"
And Prophet Muhammad said:
"May peace be upon all of us, your faithful servants"
This conversation is now repeated in our every Solah during Tahiyyatul-Awal and Tahiyyatul-Akhir.
Allah then commanded the Solah be made compulsory for the people 50 times a day. Prophet Muhammad accepted the command and was on his way down, when he met again with Prophet Musa. Prophet Musa asked what was the command by Allah. And Prophet Muhammad answered 50 times compulsory Solah in a day. Prophet Musa feel that it will be too heavy of a duty for the people and recommended that Prophet Muhammad ask for the amount to be reduced.
And so Prophet Muhammad went back up to meet Allah and requested for the amount to be reduced. Allah granted the request and reduce the amount by 5, making it only 45 times compulsory Solah a day. On the way down, Prophet Muhammad met with Prophet Musa again and he told about the reduced amount. Prophet Musa feel that it is still too heavy of a duty for the people and recommended that Prophet Muhammad ask for the amount to be reduced.
And so Prophet Muhammad went back up to meet Allah and requested for the amount to be reduced. Allah granted the request and reduce the amount by another 5, making it only 40 times compulsory Solah a day.
This process repeated many more times, until the amount of compulsory Solah was just 5 times a day. Even that, Prophet Musa feel that it is still too heavy for the people and recommended that Prophet Muhammad ask for the amount to be reduced. But at this point, Prophet Muhammad feels so ashamed to meet Allah again to ask for the amount to be further reduced. And so it is, the compulsory Solah for Muslims now remain as 5 times a day.
In a hadith by Anas bin Malek, he said:
May Allah give us guidance and blessings always!
LET'S SOLAT!! :)
And so Prophet Muhammad went back up to meet Allah and requested for the amount to be reduced. Allah granted the request and reduce the amount by 5, making it only 45 times compulsory Solah a day. On the way down, Prophet Muhammad met with Prophet Musa again and he told about the reduced amount. Prophet Musa feel that it is still too heavy of a duty for the people and recommended that Prophet Muhammad ask for the amount to be reduced.
And so Prophet Muhammad went back up to meet Allah and requested for the amount to be reduced. Allah granted the request and reduce the amount by another 5, making it only 40 times compulsory Solah a day.
This process repeated many more times, until the amount of compulsory Solah was just 5 times a day. Even that, Prophet Musa feel that it is still too heavy for the people and recommended that Prophet Muhammad ask for the amount to be reduced. But at this point, Prophet Muhammad feels so ashamed to meet Allah again to ask for the amount to be further reduced. And so it is, the compulsory Solah for Muslims now remain as 5 times a day.
In a hadith by Anas bin Malek, he said:
"Five times daily prayers have been made compulsory to Prophet Muhammad on the night of Israk and Mikraj for 50 times daily, then it was reduced to 5, then Allah said "Ya Muhammad, indeed my words will not change and the reward for that 5 times is the same as 50 times for you""
May Allah give us guidance and blessings always!
LET'S SOLAT!! :)
No comments:
Post a Comment