Prayers: The Source of Its Words and Actions Dear Brother The Qur'an does not detail the specifics of how to pray or what words to utter. Where did Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) get this information? Salaam Javed Mohammad Reply Salaat, as the usage of this word in the Qur'an clearly implies was not something unknown to the Arabs, even before the prophethood of Muhammad (pbuh). It is quite obvious that the Arabs were familiar with what we call salaat. This knowledge of the Arabs was actually based on Abrahamic tradition of their religion that was transferred to them through generations. But on the other hand, it also seems quite obvious that this Abrahamic tradition of religion had changed and corrupted over the centuries. A number of things were discarded and many were added. The Prophet (pbuh), on the basis of the revelation of God, revived the Abrahamic tradition of religion and cleansed this tradition of all corruption. Salaat was one of those things in the Abrahamic tradition of religion, which although was not completely discarded by the Arabs, but a number of changes were made in it. The Prophet (pbuh) on the basis of God's revelation - which according to God's own wisdom was not recorded in the Qur'an - reformed the institution of salaat, in all its actions and supplications, and taught the people of their Lord's liking in this respect. I hope this helps. In case any aspect of my answer needs further clarification, please feel free to write back to me, at your convenience. Regards The Learner