Some important aspects of Salat and their relationship other religious traditions.

From the reading about Salat which reflects the religious content of prayer in a more significant way than physical posture, I came to realize that it is an integral part Islamic religion as it is the best possible way through which the adherents and faithful followers can express their allegiance, trust, obedience, nothingness, worship, devotion. In relation to other religions, especially Christianity and Judaism, I don’t there is any much difference. However, the methods of the ritual could be different, and some cases different theological interpretation. The common denominator when Salat is compared to something like it in other religions is that it is a religious practice believed to have been legislated by God. To this end, it becomes arbitrarily obedience to God’s law each time we lift our minds to God either as a congregation(Juma’a )gathering of two or three persons(Salat al-jama’a), or as individuals, that is supererogatory, the prayer in solitude. From this one sees Christianity’s emphasis on both communal and private prayers. The interesting part of this is the condemnation of the ostentatious prayers which Christ did in the Gospel of Matthew chapter 6. That is, discouraging that supererogatory prayer should be said not in a public place as that will be a show of hypocrisy. Another important aspect is du’a’ which means supplication prayer. By this it is required of Muslim to always make supplication as it is a way of showing their limitations, shortcomings, dependence, allegiance, and obedience to God. I think both the Christianity and Judaism hold this same view. And for Islam, as du’a’ requires a spiritual preparation so also that in Christianity the prayer of petition requires spiritual rejuvenation as such a prayer is one of the most salutary medicines.