salaat
Definition
Noun: 1. The prescribed ritual prayer of Islam: Salat (also spelled salaat) is the obligatory prayer that constitutes the second of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is a specific liturgy performed five times daily at prescribed times. 2. A unit of this prayer: It can also refer to a single instance or performance of this ritual prayer.
Usage
- Salaat is a formal, religious term used specifically within the context of Islamic practice.
- It is typically used without an article when referring to the practice in general (e.g., "observe ").
- An article can be used when referring to a specific prayer time or instance (e.g., "perform Fajr ").
Examples
- Performing salaat five times a day is a fundamental duty for Muslims.
- He left the meeting to perform the afternoon salaat.
- The mosque was full of worshippers for the Friday salaat.
Advanced Usage
- To perform/observe/offer salaat: These are the standard verbs used with the term.
- Muslims are required to perform salaat facing the direction of Mecca.
- The five daily salaat: Refers to the complete set of obligatory prayers: Fajr (dawn), Dhuhr (midday), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (sunset), and Isha (night).
- Her phone app reminds her of the times for the five daily salaat.
Variants and Related Words
- Salat: An alternative, equally common transliteration of the same Arabic word (صلاة).
- Salah: Another common transliteration.
- Namaz: The term for Islamic ritual prayer in several languages like Persian, Urdu, and Turkish.
- Prayer: A general English synonym, but note that "prayer" (dua) in Islam can also mean personal supplication, which is distinct from the ritual liturgy of .
Synonyms
- Islamic prayer: The ritual prayer of Islam.
- Canonical prayer: Emphasizes its status as a prescribed, obligatory rite.
Notes on Meaning
The term salaat refers exclusively to the formal, physical act of worship in Islam with specific movements (standing, bowing, prostrating) and recitations. It is distinct from informal personal supplication or prayer, which is called dua in Arabic.
Noun
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the second pillar of Islam is prayer; a prescribed liturgy performed five times a day (preferably in a mosque) and oriented toward Mecca
