Hi everyone,
I was wondering how approptiate you all think it would be for a Christian to perform the salah, or even just to pray in the salah format. I think its a really beautiful way to remember God and keep him in your heart throughout the day, and I also desire a way to physically express my love and graditude to God physically, using my body. I have some questions though; I know the prayers have to be in Arabic, and I want to be able to fully understand what I am praying, etc. But stıll, I respect Islam a lot and wish to learn more about it.
That is the short version lol, here is a bit of backstory:
---------------------
I am an American college student studying abroad in Turkey. I am here for the whole year. I was raised in a conservative church as a child but when I was 15-16 I left my parent's church and joined a more liberal one that was more accepting of other faiths and religions (Episcopalian). At this new church I felt very at home with the other members and priests, and I went to church every Sunday and became what you would call quite observant, even though my new church didn't have many set rules in stone. Still, it became like my second home.
Unfortunately when I went off to college in a different city I could not find another church that was exactly like my old one, where I felt at home. (Even inside the same denomination or sect, many Christian churches can be quite different from one another.) I admit that I stopped going to church and slept in on Sundays, even though whenever I went back home I would always go back every Sunday to my own church. I think what added to the problem is that my college friends, even though I wouldn't change a thing about them, are mostly athiest, agnostic, or non-religious. So I had nobody to talk about God or faith with for several years after high school.
Now it is my 4th year of college and I am in Turkey for study abroad. I have become really good friends with some Turkish students in my school. as God would have it all the friends I ended up making turned out to be quite observant and religious Muslims. You couldn't tell just by looking but they always perform the salah and totally abstain from alcohol. They're also very well read, have answered all my questions about Islam, and are some of the nicest, friendliest, warmest guys I have ever met. Of course we all have similar progressive beliefs and they are very accepting of other cultures and religions, like I am.
When I hang out wıth my friends, I feel truly blessed, like God's love is expressed on Earth through other people. At first I was scared to ask them questions about Islam but one of my friends said "It would make me really really happy" if I did. So I have beeb asking a lot, but I am still too afraid to ask them about whether I can pray salah though. I think they really respect the fact that I am a Christian, they have accepted me as a fellow believer of God, and that has actually made me more open to the idea of converting haha. Anyway this is a confusing time for me because my spirituality has been awakened here, but it's been through İslam (the beautiful mosques here) and my Muslim friends. I respect Islam a lot, but I am still proud to be a liberal Christian.
So I am trying to work up the courage to ask if I can pray the salah with them. I have some questions lıke - is it respectful to just pray with my body or kneel even if I don't know the Arabic prayers?
Are there any places where I can find an English translation of the arabic prayers you say during salah? Just so I can have the general meaning in my head when I do it?
Also in your own words, what would you say is important about performing the salah for Muslims?
Is it the same reasons I said, for keeping God in your mind throughout the day and physically showing your love to him?
Also I was thinking of maybe performing it in my room a few times before I work up the courage to ask my friends if I can do it with them. I don't know how they will react at all.
But if I want to perform it in my room, should I go out any buy a prayer mat somewhere? Also should the rest of my room be really nice and clean before I perform it?
Thanks again!
Anyway I will post more questions and thoughts later but any thoughts you have would be appreciated!
I find that to be a very wonderful thought. I can not find anything that forbids such as you are doing so to draw closer to God(swt)
The prayers are very much in the manner Jews and Christians also prayed in the past.
Perhaps this is the first step for you on the road to return home.
Here is a nice first step for learning Salah:
You will also find your Turkish friends will gladly help you in learning Salah and how to do wudu first.
Salaam/ Peace
Welcome to the forum .
Well , don't know about fatwa . If u want to try salat , here is an animation. Also , if u don't know Arabic , just say Bismi Allah ( with the name of Allah ) , Allahu Akbar ( only God is Great / God is the gretest ) , Alhamdulillah ( all praises and thanks to God ) etc.
[youtube=425,350]=QsGEWn21mL8[/youtube]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsGEWn21mL8
Hi there
You desire to perform Salah in the Islamic form indicates that it is a natural thing. The more you know about Islam, the more you will like it.
Go on searching
Salaam/ Peace
format_quote Originally Posted by Max-DC
pl. feel free to ask.
it's not a must to use prayer mat ; if u have any clean cloth like clean bed sheet , u can offer salat on it. It's a must to have a clean place for salat i.e u must not do it at any place where there is a risk that the place is unclean / impure.
I will post more questions and thoughts later
Salaam
I haven't reverted yet but i found a wonderful website that teaches the arabic pretty much syllable by syllable and its full of repition which helps us learn. It doesn't show the body poses in full... but it gives you the words and i'm up to the fourth video... i don't change videos until i can recite it along w/ the speaker who is very clear. I try to go over them once a night if not twice... and i think there's eight videos.
Serena
Salaam/Peace
format_quote Originally Posted by serena77
if u believe Islam is the Truth ,then don't wait for
8th vidoe
btw which site is that ?
I read a story where a new Muslim saved the salat rules in
the laptop and used to put that in front of her while praying. She then watched and could recite easily
[/QUOTE]
my big opposition to reverting. ...
location location location
and parents.
Its not that i don't agree w/ anything i've read
but i do have a question... this kinda goes along w/ the originial thread and i hope the OP will forgive me for additng this to the thread.
I am technically still catholic..(sigh) ... and i wanted to know... what are islamic prayer beads for... i mean i know what they are for as a catholic.. and i have too many as far as i'm concerned thanks to a well meaning person... but ... why in Islam. I hope no one minds asking...
serena
the first video in the series
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rywok...eature=related
its really helping w/ pronunciation... its not meant to help w/ the stand up sit down kneel stand ( oops that catholic ) sorry
but the video is really good.... of course if someone watches it and says omg its so wrong... please let me know.
Serena
You may want to check out the origin of the rosary beads. St Claire introduced them as a means of keeping track of the prayers in the rosary after watching Muslims in North Africa using Dhiker Beads. Prior to that the common practice was to use a pile of pebbles. they are similar to rosary beads in that they are a memory aide to keep track of the number of prayers or supplications said. Also a good tool to use when learning the 99 names of Allaah(swt)format_quote Originally Posted by serena77
it isnt a MUST or a NEED nor recommanded it is best to use our fingers but people use the to count certain thingsformat_quote Originally Posted by serena77
thank you both...
umm i'm sure this will get a few laughs... but do people really memorize all 99 names?
Your posy reminds me of the former Reverend Gerald Driks' story. He described himself as an 'atypical Christian' for a long time.
http://www.thedeenshow.com/show.php?...detail&id=1239
http://www.thedeenshow.com/show.php?...detail&id=1227
Enjoy praying brother.
^ Thank you brother. =)
Anyway I have a nice update for everyone; I asked my friend a few days ago and he said he would take me to the mosque sometime and show me the positions; he has not showed me yet, but since I am here in Turkey for one year I am not in any big rush, and I was really happy to hear back from him.
Then I got an invitation from my friends to perform the Asura fast with them, I was really honored and so I went over to their house and had a nice pre-sunrise meal with them and I'm fasting right now. Like I said before, I'm really grateful to have reconnected with God like this, at times like this I feel a really nice inner peace. Thank you for the encouragement everyone.
Salaam/Peace
thanks for the update. Keep us informed like this pl.
salaam serena, i don't believe it's the 99 names, but the prophet's (may peace be upon him) recommendation to say glory be to Almighty God 33 times, Praise be to Almighty God 33 times, and Almighty God is The Greates of all 34 times,
i personally don't like using them as it feels cosmetic and insincere, but i do often read them off my finger notches and i feel that reading them after prayers does make you feel at peace with the Creator of ourselves and the universe,
peace,
abz
Hi everyone,
So I was grateful enough to finally be taught the namaz positions by 3 of my friends this past Thursday. We did it in my room. It was really nice, now everything makes a lot more sense. Because you perform namaz in “units” (2 units, 3 units, etc) I think it is much easier to learn than I previously thought.
Even though I feel much better knowing the positions now, finding out how much of the Quran you have to memorize and speak at every position is, I admit, very intimidating. =( Especially if you are not born speaking Arabic already; my friends are all Turkish, so they also have had to memorize many verses in a language they don’t even speak. Of course, they were lucky enough to learn these growing up, over many years, as children. But I guess I shouldn’t even be “jealous” about this, because God chose for me to be born in America for a reason, and that my friends said he gives everyone unique struggles and challenges they have to face, and I totally agree. I guess this trust in god’s will is also a big part of Islam.
They also told me that they know the translation/understand of what they are saying, just as I can learn the verses and then the English translation. So I know it is not meaningless for them, but I still wonder if it becomes just like a robotic rote memorization thing for you, if you sometimes end up doing it automatically, if you can’t always think about the full meaning if you do it so many times.
Just a few questions, it’d be nice to know some member’s personal thoughts on this....
If this is the case with memorization (not always thinking of full meaning but just saying), do you believe God still appreciates the fact that you are praying to him with such dedication?
And do you also believe that praying so many times a day increases your conciousness/awareness of God so he is never far from your thoughts throughout the day? If this is true, then what is the purpose of praying in such a rigid/set format?
Is it okay for me to continue to practice Namaz, but then to try to say my own prayers to God at every "station" (bowing, prostrate, sitting) instead? Until I learn all of the verses, I guess.
I hope these questions are not too negative and tough. I am going to continue to practice the namaz positions, and I’m going to try to learn the first verse of the Quran that my friend said was the most important verse you recite when praying namaz (he even said you can pray namaz even if you only know this first verse.)
My friends say that praying namaz throughout the day brings them a feeling of peace, and I can definitely understand that. Last week I got into a fight with my father over webcam/Skype about money, and I was feeling upset so I asked my friend if I could go to the afternoon prayer with him and just copy his movements. I admit I felt much better and more at peace afterwards, just how I would feel if i went into a church and prayed.
Finally when I return to the US to visit my family over winter break, I am going to try to visit an mosque for Friday prayers so I can finally go to an english-language sermon and see what it’s like.
Anyway thanks a lot guys, please feel free to give me your views on my questions or why namaz is important to you, etc.
Yes, my perspective is that they are a time-honored gestures of humility and submission to another one's authority.format_quote Originally Posted by Max-DCYes, this was very difficult for me as well when I converted to Islam. Initially, I memorized based on written transliterations of the Arabic, but later found out that I was mis-pronouncing a lot of the words. I have found the Juz30 software to be an excellent way to learn the Arabic. I suggest learning Surahs 1, 103, 108, and 112 http://www.imaanstar.com/juz30.phpEven though I feel much better knowing the positions now, finding out how much of the Quran you have to memorize and speak at every position is, I admit, very intimidating.Yes, any ritual can become like you said. I have to put forth effort to think (in English) about what I am reciting in Arabic and to remember how many units or rakat that I have said. It is very easy for one's mind to wander to other things during salah and one has to be constantly aware of his prayer.They also told me that they know the translation/understand of what they are saying, just as I can learn the verses and then the English translation. So I know it is not meaningless for them, but I still wonder if it becomes just like a robotic rote memorization thing for you, if you sometimes end up doing it automatically, if you can’t always think about the full meaning if you do it so many times.Yes, we are still fulfilling our duty to pray 5 times a day and He realizes our human limitations. We strive toward perfection whereby we pray as though we see our Lord and if we can't achieve that level of ihsan, or perfection, then we strive to pray with the realization that He sees us.Just a few questions, it’d be nice to know some member’s personal thoughts on this....
If this is the case with memorization (not always thinking of full meaning but just saying), do you believe God still appreciates the fact that you are praying to him with such dedication?It helps to protect me from sin in that it would be hypocritical to do so and then get up for salah. An essential element of Islam is that we worship God in the manner prescribed by Him through His prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Quran was a revelation from God as was the means of worship demonstrated by the prophet (pbuh). It is reprehensible to deviate from this prescribed ritual and all bidah, or innovation, leads to the Hellfire.And do you also believe that praying so many times a day increases your conciousness/awareness of God so he is never far from your thoughts throughout the day? If this is true, then what is the purpose of praying in such a rigid/set format?Not sure about this. We make our personal supplications most usually while in prostration.Is it okay for me to continue to practice Namaz, but then to try to say my own prayers to God at every "station" (bowing, prostrate, sitting) instead? Until I learn all of the verses, I guess.You might be surprised. Invite them to join you.Finally when I return to the US to visit my family over winter break, I am going to try to visit an mosque for Friday prayers so I can finally go to an english-language sermon and see what it’s like.Salah is an essential part of being a Muslim which is an essential part of my self identity.Anyway thanks a lot guys, please feel free to give me your views on my questions or why namaz is important to you, etc.
Peace Max,format_quote Originally Posted by Max-DC
That is sort of right, though there are many benefits and reasons we Muslims have for Namaz.
- By Praying 5 times a day, it helps us more likely keep away from sinful acts. How many times in the world have people gotten angry over something, done their wudu and prayed and then come out in such a peacful state of mind. By praying 5 times during the day, your hopefully further away from doing things you know you shouldn't be.
- Being grateful. Let me literate some verses of the Quran -
“We showed him (i.e. man) the way: whether he be grateful or ungrateful (rests on his will).”(al-Insân 76:3)
“It is He Who brought you forth from the wombs of your mothers when you knew nothing; and He gave you hearing and sight and intelligence and affection: that you may give thanks (to Allâh).” (an-Nahl, 16:78)
"Then I will certainly come to them from before them and from behind them, and from the right-hand side and from the left-hand side, and Thou (Allah) shall not find most of them thankful." [Qur'an 7:17]
"Therefore remember Me, I will remember you, And be thankful to Me, and do not be ungrateful to Me." [Qur'an 2:152]
"And He gives you all that you ask for. But if you count the favors of Allah, never will you be able to number them. Verily, man is given up to injustice and ingratitude." [Qur'an 14:34]
Praying is one way of being Grateful to your Creator, and what Musilm isn't Grateful? Look at this Hadith -
Narrated Al-Mughira: The Prophet used to stand (in the prayer) or pray till both his feet or legs swelled. He was asked why (he offered such an unbearable prayer) and he said, “should I not be a thankful slave?” (Sahih Bukhari – Book #21, Hadith #230)
There's also other reasons, which are certainily beneficial to ourselves, but hope that gives you an insight as to why Prayer is so important.
I am a former Texan. There are quite a few Masjids in Houston. Down in the Southern Section not far from the Pasadena area.format_quote Originally Posted by Max-DCHi everyone,
So I was grateful enough to finally be taught the namaz positions by 3 of my friends this past Thursday. We did it in my room. It was really nice, now everything makes a lot more sense. Because you perform namaz in “units” (2 units, 3 units, etc) I think it is much easier to learn than I previously thought.
Even though I feel much better knowing the positions now, finding out how much of the Quran you have to memorize and speak at every position is, I admit, very intimidating. =( Especially if you are not born speaking Arabic already; my friends are all Turkish, so they also have had to memorize many verses in a language they don’t even speak. Of course, they were lucky enough to learn these growing up, over many years, as children. But I guess I shouldn’t even be “jealous” about this, because God chose for me to be born in America for a reason, and that my friends said he gives everyone unique struggles and challenges they have to face, and I totally agree. I guess this trust in god’s will is also a big part of Islam.
They also told me that they know the translation/understand of what they are saying, just as I can learn the verses and then the English translation. So I know it is not meaningless for them, but I still wonder if it becomes just like a robotic rote memorization thing for you, if you sometimes end up doing it automatically, if you can’t always think about the full meaning if you do it so many times.
Just a few questions, it’d be nice to know some member’s personal thoughts on this....
If this is the case with memorization (not always thinking of full meaning but just saying), do you believe God still appreciates the fact that you are praying to him with such dedication?
And do you also believe that praying so many times a day increases your conciousness/awareness of God so he is never far from your thoughts throughout the day? If this is true, then what is the purpose of praying in such a rigid/set format?
Is it okay for me to continue to practice Namaz, but then to try to say my own prayers to God at every "station" (bowing, prostrate, sitting) instead? Until I learn all of the verses, I guess.
I hope these questions are not too negative and tough. I am going to continue to practice the namaz positions, and I’m going to try to learn the first verse of the Quran that my friend said was the most important verse you recite when praying namaz (he even said you can pray namaz even if you only know this first verse.)
My friends say that praying namaz throughout the day brings them a feeling of peace, and I can definitely understand that. Last week I got into a fight with my father over webcam/Skype about money, and I was feeling upset so I asked my friend if I could go to the afternoon prayer with him and just copy his movements. I admit I felt much better and more at peace afterwards, just how I would feel if i went into a church and prayed.
Finally when I return to the US to visit my family over winter break, I am going to try to visit an mosque for Friday prayers so I can finally go to an english-language sermon and see what it’s like.
Anyway thanks a lot guys, please feel free to give me your views on my questions or why namaz is important to you, etc.
ISGH would be very pleased to help you find one near you:
Islamic Society of Greater Houston (Isgh):
3110 Eastside Street
Houston, TX 77098
(713) 524-6615
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