Was the Prayer Ritual (Salah) Practiced Before the Time of Prophet Muhammad?

The practice of prayer, or Salah, is a central act of worship in Islam, often perceived as specific to the followers of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). However, the Quran indicates that prayer was an obligation for earlier prophets and their followers as well. Various verses in the Quran reference previous prophets and their engagement in prayer, suggesting that Salah is not unique to the Islamic community of Prophet Muhammad but is a longstanding form of worship across different eras and communities (see Quran 2:83, 10:87, 11:87, 14:37, 14:40, 19:30-31, 19:54-55, 20:14, 21:72-73, 31:17).

Prayer in the Lives of Previous Prophets

The Quran describes how prophets before Prophet Muhammad were tasked with the duty of prayer, often underlining this practice as central to their missions. These references show that prayer was a commandment given to earlier communities, highlighting its universal importance as a means to connect with the Divine. For instance, Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) is mentioned praying and asking for his descendants to be among those who observe prayer. Similarly, Prophet Isa (Jesus) and Prophet Musa (Moses) are depicted as calling their followers to prayer and instructing them to maintain this act of worship.

The Elements of Prayer: Ruku and Sujud

While the Quran affirms that prayer was practiced by earlier prophets, it does not elaborate extensively on the specifics of how they conducted their prayers. Nonetheless, basic elements such as ruku (bowing) and sujud (prostration) appear to have been present in the prayers of previous communities. These physical acts of submission are referenced throughout various texts and appear to be shared elements of prayer across prophetic teachings, symbolizing humility and devotion before God.

The presence of prayer as a practice among previous prophets underscores its timeless significance as an act of devotion and submission to God. While the exact forms and rituals may have varied, the core purpose of prayer — fostering a deep, personal connection with the Creator — remains constant across all prophetic traditions.

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