Which Quranic words to utter in Salat
Email with Question:
When observing the prayer (salat), is it acceptable to read anything from the Quran? or should we stick to certain verses that do not refer to prophets, messengers etc? Would it be acceptable to read only the verses that glorify God, like the prayer of Ibrahim and the Key (Fatihah) and Sura Ikhaas?
Reply
God promises us that the Quran gives us explanations to everything we need to practice our religion:
"We have revealed to you this book to provide explanations for everything, and guidance, and mercy, and good news for the submitters." 16:89
The reply to your question can be found in the following Quranic verse:
“I am God; there is no other god beside Me. You shall worship Me alone, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) to commemorate Me.”
Since the prayer is for commemorating and glorifying God alone, then it makes good sense that we use Quranic words that satisfies this purpose, rather than reading other Quranic words that speak about other topics.
It is important to know that God did not give us a precise text to utter during salat, God only expects us to observe the salat to commemorate Him alone and that we utter Quranic words during the salat.
So as long as we fulfil these two requirements, and in theory, we are free to use any Quranic words, however, God tells us that there are some words that we should include in our salat, so we are well advised to utter those words, plus any other words we may like to add.
You will find general guide lines for Salat words at: