What was the position of Salaat before Mi'raaj?

Answer

Before Mi'raaj, two Salaats were Fardh - Fajr and Asr. Prior to these two Salaat becoming fardh, Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) would remain in the Cave of Hira in meditation for days and sometimes weeks. One day, just before Nubuwwat was conferred on him, while he was sitting outside the Cave washing his hands and face, Hadhrat Jibraeel (Alayhis salaam) appeared.

On this occasion, Jibraeel (Alayhis salaam) taught our Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) the method of performing Salaat. On this occasion, the first 5 Aayats of Surah Iqra' were revealed. Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was also taught to recite Surah Faatihah on this same occasion.