Contact Prayers (Salat)

Divinely Preserved

Who would forsake the religion of Abraham, except one who fools his own soul?
(2:130)

We learn from the Quran that all religious practices of Submission (Islam) were given to Abraham. Therefore, these practices, Salat (Contact Prayers), Zakat, (obligatory charity), fasting, and Hajj pilgrimage, were already established before the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad. This is contrary to the common belief that Muhammad is the founder of the religion of Submission.

Recall that Abraham said, “My Lord, make this a peaceful land, and protect me and my children from worshiping idols. My Lord, they have misled so many people. As for those who follow me, they belong with me. As for those who disobey me, You are Forgiver, Most Merciful. Our Lord, I have settled part of my family in this plantless valley, at Your Sacred House. Our Lord, they are to observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), so let throngs of people converge upon them, and

provide for them all kinds of fruits, that they may be appreciative. Our Lord, You know whatever we conceal and whatever we declare—nothing is hidden from God on earth, nor in the heavens. Praise be to God for granting me, despite my old age, Ismail and Isaac. My Lord answers the prayers. My Lord, make me one who consistently observes the Contact Prayers (Salat), and also my children. Our Lord, please answer my prayers.” (14:35-40)

We made them imams who guided in accordance with our commandments, and we taught them how to work righteousness, and how to observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and the obligatory charity (Zakat).... (21:73)

In fact, according to the Quran, Submission is called the religion of Abraham, and Muhammad was a follower of Abraham. So were Isaac, Ismail, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, Jesus, and other messengers of God.

Abraham was indeed an exemplary vanguard in his submission to God, a monotheist who never worshiped idols. Because he was appreciative of His Lord's blessings, He chose him and guided him in a straight path. We granted him happiness in this life, and in the Hereafter he will be with the righteous. Then we inspired you (Muhammad) to follow the religion of Abraham, the monotheist; he never was an idol worshiper. (16:120-123)

The practices of our religion have been preserved in their basic form since the time of Abraham despite the efforts of corruption and distortion by idol worshipers and disbelievers. Each messenger who came after Abraham purified and followed these practices in accordance with God’s will, making sure that all practices are devoted to God alone.

And mention in the scripture Ismail.

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