Understanding the Worship of Previous Nations: What We Need to Know

Focusing on What’s Relevant: The Worship of Previous Prophets and Their Communities

Question: Regarding the previous nations, such as those of Musa (Moses), Isa (Jesus), and Dawood (David), did their communities recite their scriptures? What was the method of their worship?

Answer: Scholars have pointed out that we should not delve into questions that do not benefit us. These are unnecessary questions, and seeking answers to them has been discouraged by scholars. 

Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) have conveyed to us what is necessary for our benefit. Therefore, we focus on what is relevant to us and what we need to practice.

Books were revealed to previous nations, and their followers likely recited their scriptures. Recitation means reading, and we know that one needs to read the book to act upon it. Worship existed in all the Prophets’ nations because they came to call people to worship Allah. The Prophets themselves worshiped Allah and demonstrated this to their communities. As for the details of how they worshiped, Allah alone knows. When Shaykh Ibn Baz (may Allah have mercy on him) was asked about the prayers of previous Prophets, he responded that only Allah knows. We are obligated to follow the prayer that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) brought to us and to perform it as he taught us.

✍ Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi (Hafizahullaah)

Jeddah Dawah Center – As-Salamah – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia