TLDR;
This video explores the book "Salah: A Believer's Ascension to Heavens" by Fethullah Gülen, discussing the essence of Salah (prayer) in Islam. The book emphasizes internalizing worship, performing it solely for God's sake (tabuddi), and achieving a spiritual connection akin to the Prophet Muhammad's ascension. It differentiates itself from other books on Salah by focusing on the joy and celebration of prayer, rather than just the technical aspects, and encourages mindfulness and a sense of universal connection during worship.
- The book emphasizes internalizing worship and performing it solely for the sake of God.
- It encourages mindfulness and a sense of universal connection during prayer.
- The book distinguishes itself by focusing on the joy and celebration of prayer.
Introduction to "Salah: A Believer's Ascension to Heavens" [0:10]
The book "Salah" is about the Islamic pillar of prayer, not soccer player Mo Salah. Salah is a universal experience with values found in other faiths. It's a crucial worship that holds the house of Islam together. The book explores and celebrates this worship, highlighting its universal values and connections to other faith traditions.
Escaping Ritualism and Internalizing Salah [2:28]
The core of the book focuses on overcoming the ritualistic aspect of religious practice by internalizing worship and seeking a connection with the divine. Fethullah Gülen lived his teachings, inspiring millions to pursue peaceful coexistence through the core teachings of Islam. The key is to internalize the meaning of Salah and become one with it.
The Concept of Tabuddi [4:10]
Tabuddi means performing worship solely for the sake of God, without seeking worldly benefits. While activities like fasting and charity have worldly benefits, Muslims perform them as commands from God. The intention behind Salah should be to attain God's pleasure, with any resulting benefits being a bonus.
The Spiritual Aspect of Salah and Mirage [6:17]
The book emphasizes the spiritual engagement with the divine, aiming to attain a state of miraj, a heavenly ascension. While outward forms of prayer are important and should follow the Prophet's example, the focus should be on the spiritual journey. The ultimate purpose of Islamic practice is personal engagement with the divine, seeking a spiritual experience.
The Making of the Book [9:31]
The book originated from a series of sermons delivered by Fethullah Gülen in İzmir in 1978, with later material added by his students. Translating the book from Turkish to English was a significant challenge, requiring multiple translators and editors to accurately convey the ideas to a modern audience. The translation has been praised for capturing not just the meaning but also the feeling of the original Turkish version.
Mindfulness and the Essence of Prayer in Modern Times [12:03]
In today's distracting world, the book aims to reinvigorate the spirit of prayer and encourage mindfulness during worship. The editor was touched by the author's emphasis on the Prophet's example, highlighting his deep focus and detachment during prayer. The book encourages readers to transform their lives through this specific form of worship.
What Makes This Book Different [14:36]
This book differs from others on Salah by not just providing formulaic information or details on how to observe specific prayers. Instead, it aims to inspire joy and a sense of connection to the Muslim community and the entire cosmos during prayer. It beautifully describes the inner sentiments and encourages readers to feel like they are leading the entire creation in offering praises to God.