The Core Practices God Prescribed — Simple, Universal, and Rooted in the Religion of Abraham
The Quran presents a clear and universal religion founded on devotion to God alone. While cultures added layers of rituals over time, the Quran identifies core duties established with Abraham and practiced by all prophets. These duties were not invented by later generations but restored and confirmed by the Quran.
All Religious Duties Come From Abraham
The Quran teaches that formal religious practices originated with Abraham, not Muhammad. God commanded all believers: “Follow the religion of Abraham” (16:123). The monotheistic foundation, core rituals, and spiritual principles were established through Abraham and carried forward by Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, and others.
Salat (Contact Prayers)
Salat is the formal practice of worshiping and communicating with God. It predates the Quran and was practiced by earlier prophets and their communities. The Quran confirms salat rather than introducing it, focusing on its purpose—devotion, remembrance, and moral discipline.
Zakat (Purifying Charity)
Zakat is a system of regular, purifying charity established long before Islam. It promotes compassion, reduces inequality, and purifies both wealth and character. All prophets practiced and taught zakat, reflecting its universal spiritual role.
Fasting (Siyam)
Fasting is one of the most ancient religious duties. The Quran states: “Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you” (2:183). It strengthens self-discipline, increases gratitude, and purifies the soul—a continuation of Abrahamic spirituality.
Hajj (Pilgrimage)
Hajj began when Abraham and Ishmael built the Ka‘bah and proclaimed it a sacred sanctuary. The Quran confirms this pilgrimage, describing it as a gathering for all peoples to affirm monotheism and unity. Its rituals are rooted in Abraham’s original practice.
Devotion to God Alone
Monotheism is the foundation of every religious duty. Worship must be directed solely to God without intermediaries or partners. This pure devotion defines the religion of Abraham and the spiritual core of all prophetic teachings.
Why Ritual Details Are Not Repeated in the Quran
The Quran does not present detailed instructions for salat or Hajj because these practices were already well-established in Abrahamic tradition. The Quran’s role is to restore purity, correct distortions, and emphasize spiritual purpose—not to recreate rituals already known to the community.
Distortion Through Human Tradition
Across generations, various communities added rituals, invented intermediaries, imposed restrictions, and developed extensive jurisprudence. The Quran returns believers to simplicity, clarity, and sincerity by removing man-made additions and reaffirming the original Abrahamic practices.
Religious Duties Are Meant to Free, Not Burden
The Quran emphasizes ease and balance: “He has not placed any hardship in the religion” (22:78). Rituals are meant to uplift the soul, strengthen character, and deepen one’s connection with God—never to burden believers.
Conclusion
Religious duties in the Quran are simple, purposeful, and rooted in the religion of Abraham: salat, zakat, fasting, Hajj, and devotion to God alone. These timeless practices uplift individuals, strengthen community, and preserve the purity of monotheism. They form the spiritual framework of true submission.