Wathakara isma rabbihi fasalla (surah Al Ala: 15)

Tafseer Tafheem-ul-Quran by Syed Abu-al-A'la Maududi

(87:15) remembering his Lord's name *14 and praying. *15

Wa zakaras ma Rabbihee fasallaa

*14) To remember AIlah signifies His remembrance in the heart as well as with the tongue.
*15) That is, he did not remain content only with remembering AIlah but proved by performing the Prayer that he is practically also prepared to obey God in Whom he has affirmed the faith, and will remember His name as long as he lives. In this verse mention has been made of two things respectively: first, to remember Allah, then to perform the Prayer. Accordingly, the method enjoined is that the Prayer be begun with Allahu Akbar. This is an evidence to prove that all the elements of the procedure that the Holy Prophet (upon whom be peace) has taught of performing the Prayer, are based on the allusions in the Qur'an. But, no one else, apart from the Messenger of Allah, could by combining these injunctions and allusions give the Prayer the form that it has.