How did prayers reach today from the previous prophets? Did the other prophets and their ummahs perform prayers?

The Answer

Dear Brother / Sister,

The times and forms of prayers of during the periods of other prophets might have been different. However, along with hadiths mentioning that prayer was a deed of worship that continued, there are some verses that mention ruku’ (bowing down) and sajdah (prostration). Some of those verses are as follows:

Hz. Ibrahim prayed as follows:

“O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in a valley without cultivation, by Thy Sacred House; in order, O our Lord, that they may establish regular Prayer: so fill the hearts of some among men with love towards them, and feed them with fruits: so that they may give thanks.”

“O my Lord! Make me one who establishes regular Prayer, and also (raise such) among my offspring O our Lord! And accept Thou my Prayer.”
(Ibrahim, 14/37 and 40).

The following is stated related to the prophets Ibrahim, Lut, Ishaq and Yaqub:

“And We made them leaders, guiding (men) by Our Command, and We sent them inspiration to do good deeds, to establish regular prayers, and to practise regular charity; and they constantly served Us (and Us only).” (al-Anbiya, 21/73)

“He (Ismail) used to enjoin on his people Prayer and Charity, and he was most acceptable in the sight of his Lord.” (Maryam, 19/55)

Hz. Luqman gives the following advice to his son:

“O my son! Establish regular prayer, enjoin what is just, and forbid what is wrong...” (Luqman, 31/17)

Some other verses regarding the issue are as follows:

“They said: ‘O Shu´aib! Does thy (religion of) prayer command thee that we leave off the worship which our fathers practised, or that we leave off doing what we like with our property? truly, thou art the one that forbeareth with faults and is right-minded.’” (Hud, 11/87)

“We inspired Moses and his brother with this Message: ‘Provide dwellings for your people in Egypt, make your dwellings into places of worship, and establish regular prayers: and give glad tidings to those who believe.’” (Yunus, 10/87)

“O Children of Israel!... be steadfast in prayer; practice regular charity; and bow down your heads with those who bow down (in worship).” (al-Baqara, 2/40-43)

“O Mary! worship Thy Lord devoutly: Prostrate thyself, and bow down (in prayer) with those who bow down."(Aal-i Imran, 3/43)

"He (Jesus) said: ‘I am indeed a servant of Allah: He hath given me revelation and made me a prophet; And He hath made me blessed wheresoever I be, and hath enjoined on me Prayer and Charity as long as I live.’”(Maryam, 19/30-31)

The People of the Book were ordered to perform prayers:

“Nor did the People of the Book make schisms, until after there came to them Clear Evidence. And they have been commanded no more than this: To worship Allah, offering Him sincere devotion, being true (in faith); to establish regular prayer; and to practice regular charity; and that is the Religion Right and Straight." (al-Bayyina, 98/4-5)

For more information, please click on the link given below;

It is stated that the other prophets also performed prayers. Did performing prayers exist in other religions?

Questions on Islam

Was this answer helpful?
Author:
Questions on Islam
Subject Categories:
Read 41 times
In order to make a comment, please login or register