Salat versus Dua in Islam
Differentiating Between the Five Obligatory Prayers and Supplication
It is generally known that Muslims pray five times a day as part of the five pillars of Islam. That particular kind of prayer is known as Salat and is to be done preferrably in congregation.
What Is the Meaning of Salat?
Salat is a word indicating a connection. It is from the same root in Arabic as the word used to describe sending a message from one person to another or one place to another; or to arrive or achieve one's destination.
When the Muslim begins his Salat with the words, "Allahu Akbar", he puts all wordly connections behind him and connects himself with Allah - a type of spiritual recharging of the batteries. Allahu Akbar means that Allah (God) is Greater - not just Great - Greater than anything that this world can offer.
The five times Salat are set at specific times of the day and night that a person would otherwise not be mindful of the bounties he has been given. One particular Salat time seems to be the hardest to keep and hence is given great care by having it mentioned in Qur'an and that is the 'Asr (afternoon) prayer.
This prayer is at a time that is usually directly in the height of focus on business and trying to wrap up sales, businesses, patients or whatever, so that one might get home on time that evening. It is intentional that time out be taken at that time to remind everyone that human beings are simply creations of one Creator, Who can provide them with sustenance or take it away at His Will.
In short, Salat, is the "silla" or "connection" between the one performing the Salat and the one he is praying to. During this connection, all worldly matters are to be shut out of one's mind and all focus directed toward praise and worship.
What Is the Meaning of Dua?
There is another word for prayer that is informal and can be done with the raising of hands, or solely in the heart, or before one goes to bed or at any time called Du'a. Literally Du'a is "a calling upon" or a "supplication". Putting it into context, when someone calls upon Allah for something, he is "making Du'a". The person who makes the Du'a is called the Da'iy. Similarly, those that go out and call to the people regarding the religion are making "Da'wa".
Some Differences between the Salat and Dua
- Salat is formal; Du'a is not (with a few exceptions).
- Salat is performed at fixed times; Du'a can be performed at any time.
- Salat requires ablution; Du'a does not.
- Salat is to be prayed in congregation; Du'a is an individual experience (however can be group)
- Salat must be performed in Arabic and only Arabic; Du'a can be performed in the supplicators native tongue as he or she pleases.
- There are rules as to who can and cannot lead group Salat; Du'a, if done in group, can be done by anyone.
- Specific Qur'anic passages must be read during Salat; Dua is a plea to Allah made from one's heart, however there are many dua's of various Prophets in the Qur'an that can be used, as well as Dua's found in the Ahadith (sayings and traditions of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him and all the Prophets)
page 2: Why Must Salat be in Arabic?
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