In addition to fasting, Ramadan is often a time associated by most people with an increased amount of prayer, and more intimate conversation with their Lord. The word صلاة itself, often translated merely as ‘prayer’, actually embodies a much deeper meaning.
While the technical definition of the word is to worship Allah by means of certain known and prescribed actions and sayings at very specific times, there are different opinions as to where the word originates.
One of which is that it comes from the root ص ل و - which refers to asking for and seeking forgiveness and mercy, for this is what we do and hope for when we perform the صلاة.
Another view is that it comes from the root و ص ل which refers to joining, connecting and attaching. A صِلَة - also from this root - is a connection, and the صلاة is the connection between us and our Creator.
The beauty of this word is that rather than having to choose which opinion to follow, we can take them both, as together they present a deeper, more complete meaning.
For the rest of this series, we will insha’Allah take a look at the deeper meanings of the key words and phrases we repeat as we seek Allah’s forgiveness and mercy in our connection with Him.