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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Salat (Prayer): The Mode of Divine Proximity and Recognition Reality of Salat It is evident that the Holy Qur’an has been revealed in eloquent Arabic. The Holy Prophet (‘s) and the infallible Imams (‘a) conveyed their views and opinions to the people in the customary language prevalent in those times. And there is no evidence or document in support of change in the meanings of terms used by these holy personalities.

Therefore, it is obligatory that every term that has come in the Qur’an or used by the Holy Prophet (‘s) and the infallible Imams (‘a), must be used in that very literal meaning as was prevalent in their times. This premise is applicable to all the terms and phrases used by them including the words that mean worship. But for the limitations and conditions set by them on the literal applications, especially of the words used to imply worship, we must apply the apparent meanings to achieve our aim.

The word ‘ Salat ’ is among the Arabic words which is used in abundance in Qur’an and the traditions of the Holy Prophet (‘s) and the infallible Imams (‘a). Thus, to know its actual meaning, first and foremost, we must search for its literal meaning and then strive to look for its conditions and definitions in the words of the infallibles (‘a). In Lesaanul Arab, vol. 14, p. 464, Ibn Manzoor writes: As-Salat means al-dua (invocation) and al-istighfar (seeking forgiveness)….

And Zujjaaj has said: The root in the word al-Salat is necessity. It is said, ‘when a thing becomes obligatory (i.e. when it does not become separate or separates a thing). And among the meanings of a musalli is the horse that comes second in the race, i.e. it trails behind the first horse. Yet another meaning of sal’ya is roasted meat and other roasted items. Also, Salat means to warm one’s hands… Salat also means to whirl or spin a staff to soften it or to make it straight.

Ibn Athir, in al-Nihayah , vol. 2, p. 50, writes: Salat means a special form of worship. Its literal root implies invocation….Also it is said that its literal meaning indicates respect. The meaning that has been accepted by all Arab litterateurs is ‘invocation’. This translation is also universally accepted among the jurists.

But considering the fact that the word invocation is always used in the transitive form, while Salat is non-transitive, it becomes clear that these are not synonyms or equivalents of each other.