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SALAT POSITIONS

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The Quran gives us the three positions observed during the Salat.  These are Standing, Bowing and Prostrating.   The Salat starts in the standing position:

"You shall consistently observe the Salat (Contact Prayers), especially the middle prayer, and STAND before God in submission."  2:238

"The angels called to him as he was STANDING praying in the sanctuary: "God gives you good news of John; a believer in the word of God, honorable, moral, and a righteous prophet."  3:39

"When you are with them, and lead the Salat (Contact Prayer) for them, let a group of them STAND with you and let them hold their weapons, and let them stand behind you as you prostrate.  Then, let the other group that has not prayed take their turn praying with you, while the others stand guard and hold their weapons." 4:102

All the above three verses indicate the standing postion.  Verse 4:102 in particular indicates that the Salat starts in the standing position.   The words : "When you are with them, and lead the Salat for them, let a group of them STAND with you and let them hold their weapons" indicate the biginning of the salat, that is because it is not feasible to say that the group of believers would join the salat in its middle or near its end!  Consequently the words  "let a group of them STAND with you" indicate that the salat starts in the standing position.

Submission to God should be declared physically and symbolically by first bowing down and prostrating:

"We appointed Abraham to establish the Shrine: "You shall not idolize any other god beside Me, and purify My shrine for those who visit it, those who live near it, and those who BOW and PROSTRATE."  22:26

"Muhammad-the messenger of God, and those with him are harsh and stern against the disbelievers, but kind and compassionate amongst themselves.  You see them BOWING and PROSTRATING, as they seek God's blessings and approval."  48:29

The greater majority of Quranic verses speak of bowing and prostrating in that order.  This seems the logical progression from the standing position, i.e. standing then bowing then prostrating.

The Salat ends with the last prostration:

" ...... then when they have performed their prostration (fa iza sajadu) let them fall to the rear and let another group come that has not worshipped yet and let them worship with you ......"  4:102 

These three Quranic physical movements (standing, bowing and prostrating) are not required at the times of emergencies, fear, and unusual circumstances (2:239).

"Under unusual circumstances, you may pray while walking or riding. Once you are safe, you shall commemorate God as He taught you what you never knew."  2:239

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