33:56 & Salat
Today, when most Muslims hear the word Salawat, they associate it with sending blessings to the prophet Muhammad. Some even think that it is mandatory to send blessings to the prophet continuously throughout their day and even during their Salat, and they attribute such understandings to the following verse. Usually, when questioned regarding this matter, they equate this understanding with the following verse.
[33:56] GOD and His angels yuṣallūna the prophet. O you who believe, you shall ṣallū to him, and greet him as he should be greeted.
إِنَّ اللَّهَ وَمَلَائِكَتَهُ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ يَاأَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا صَلُّوا عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا تَسْلِيمًا
1
inna
إِنَّ
Indeed,
2
l-laha
ٱللَّهَ
God
3
wamalāikatahu
وَمَلَـٰٓئِكَتَهُۥ
and His angels
4
yuṣallūna
يُصَلُّونَ
[they] salawat
5
ʿalā
عَلَى
upon
6
l-nabiyi
ٱلنَّبِىِّ
the prophet.
7
yāayyuhā
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا
O
8
alladhīna
ٱلَّذِينَ
those who
9
āmanū
ءَامَنُوا۟
[they] believed!
10
ṣallū
صَلُّوا۟
salawat [you all]
11
ʿalayhi
عَلَيْهِ
to him
12
wasallimū
وَسَلِّمُوا۟
and greet (him) [you all]
13
taslīman
تَسْلِيمًا
(with) greetings.
There are several errors in thinking this verse commands the believers to send perpetual prayers to the prophet. First, as we will see, this is not the meaning of the words yuṣallūna ( يُصَلُّونَ ) and ṣallū ( صَلُّوا۟ ) as used in the Quran. Second, the term "prophet" (nabi) in the verse indicates that the command was only applicable while the prophet was alive. Third, our duty as worshipers of God alone is to pray only to God alone.
Root of Salawat
The words “yuṣallūna” ( يُصَلُّونَ ) and “ṣallū” ( صَلُّوا ) can have one of two meanings pending on which root is applied; either “sad-lam-waw” ( ص ل و ) which is the root for prayer, or “waw-sad-lam ( و ص ل ) which is the same root as Salat and means to connect or join. If we apply the former, the verse would be interpreted as God and the angels are praying upon the prophet, and so should the believers. If we apply the latter root, it would be understood that God and the angels connect or support the prophet, and so should the believers.
We can determine which root is the correct one to apply by looking at how this word is used in other verses of the Quran. One example that clarifies that the root cannot be sending blessings or prayers can be seen in the following verse.
[9:99] Other Arabs do believe in GOD and the Last Day, and consider their spending to be a means towards GOD, and salawat of the messenger. Indeed, it will bring them nearer; GOD will admit them into His mercy. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.
وَمِنَ الْأَعْرَابِ مَنْ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ وَيَتَّخِذُ مَا يُنْفِقُ قُرُبَاتٍ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ وَصَلَوَاتِ الرَّسُولِ أَلَا إِنَّهَا قُرْبَةٌ لَهُمْ سَيُدْخِلُهُمُ اللَّهُ فِي رَحْمَتِهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ
Here is a word-by-word breakdown of the verse:
1
wamina
وَمِنَ
But among
2
l-aʿrābi
ٱلْأَعْرَابِ
the Arabs,
3
man
مَن
(is he) who,
4
yu'minu
يُؤْمِنُ
[he] believes
5
bil-lahi
بِٱللَّهِ
in God
6
wal-yawmi
وَٱلْيَوْمِ
and the Day
7
l-ākhiri
ٱلْـَٔاخِرِ
the Last,
8
wayattakhidhu
وَيَتَّخِذُ
and he takes
9
mā
مَا
what
10
yunfiqu
يُنفِقُ
he spends (as)
11
qurubātin
قُرُبَـٰتٍ
a means of nearness
12
ʿinda
عِندَ
with
13
l-lahi
ٱللَّهِ
God
14
waṣalawāti
وَصَلَوَٰتِ
and salawat
15
l-rasūli
ٱلرَّسُولِ
(of) the messenger.
16
alā
أَلَآ
No doubt
17
innahā
إِنَّهَا
Indeed, it (is)
18
qur'batun
قُرْبَةٌ
a means of nearness
19
lahum
لَّهُمْ
for them.
20
sayud'khiluhumu
سَيُدْخِلُهُمُ
[He] will admit them
21
l-lahu
ٱللَّهُ
God
22
fī
فِى
to
23
raḥmatihi
رَحْمَتِهِۦٓ
His mercy.
24
inna
إِنَّ
Indeed,
25
l-laha
ٱللَّهَ
God (is)
26
ghafūrun
غَفُورٌ
Forgiving,
27
raḥīmun
رَّحِيمٌ
Merciful.
This verse shows that spending money is considered a form of Salawat. This implies a physical component to Salawat, which involves physically supporting the messenger through resources. This verse shows that Salawat is not praying unless one wants to claim that spending money is a form of praying or sending blessings. Therefore, it makes more sense that Salawat, in these contexts, means a form of help and support. This is additionally supported in the following verse.
[9:103] Take from their money a charity to purify them and sanctify them. And [wasali] encourage them, indeed [salataka] your encouragement reassures them. GOD is Hearer, Omniscient.
خُذْ مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ صَدَقَةً تُطَهِّرُهُمْ وَتُزَكِّيهِمْ بِهَا وَصَلِّ عَلَيْهِمْ إِنَّ صَلَاتَكَ سَكَنٌ لَهُمْ وَاللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ
1
khudh
خُذْ
Take
2
min
مِنْ
from
3
amwālihim
أَمْوَٰلِهِمْ
their wealth
4
ṣadaqatan
صَدَقَةً
a charity,
5
tuṭahhiruhum
تُطَهِّرُهُمْ
[it] purifying them
6
watuzakkīhim
وَتُزَكِّيهِم
and [it] purify / sanctify them
7
bihā
بِهَا
by it,
8
waṣalli
وَصَلِّ
support (encourage)
9
ʿalayhim
عَلَيْهِمْ
for them.
10
inna
إِنَّ
Indeed,
11
ṣalataka
صَلَوٰتَكَ
your support (encouragement)
12
sakanun
سَكَنٌ
(are a) solace / reassurance
13
lahum
لَّهُمْ
for them.
14
wal-lahu
وَٱللَّهُ
And God (is)
15
samīʿun
سَمِيعٌ
Hearer,
16
ʿalīmun
عَلِيمٌ
Omniscient.
From this verse, we see that the salawat is bi-directional. The people sent money in the form of salawat (support) to the prophet, and in return, the prophet returned salawat (support) to them for their efforts.
This concept is similar to the requirement that the people go to the messenger when he was alive so that he could pray to God for their forgiveness, showing that the believers had a duty, as did the messenger.
[4:64] We did not send any messenger except to be obeyed in accordance with GOD’s will. Had they, when they wronged their souls, come to you and prayed to GOD for forgiveness, and the messenger prayed for their forgiveness, they would have found GOD Redeemer, Most Merciful.
وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا مِنْ رَسُولٍ إِلَّا لِيُطَاعَ بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ وَلَوْ أَنَّهُمْ إِذْ ظَلَمُوا أَنْفُسَهُمْ جَاءُوكَ فَاسْتَغْفَرُوا اللَّهَ وَاسْتَغْفَرَ لَهُمُ الرَّسُولُ لَوَجَدُوا اللَّهَ تَوَّابًا رَحِيمًا
This also corresponds perfectly when applying the root "waw-sad-lam".
Salawat from God
The first time the word salawat ( صَلَوَاتٌ ) is used in the Quran is in the following verse, where God is blessing the believers:
[2:157] These have deserved blessings from their Lord and mercy. These are the guided ones.
أُولَٰئِكَ عَلَيْهِمْ صَلَوَاتٌ مِنْ رَبِّهِمْ وَرَحْمَةٌ وَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُهْتَدُونَ
We see a similar phrasing in the following verse, where God is supporting the believers as well as the angels.
[33:43] He is the One who helps you, together with His angels, to lead you out of darkness into the light. He is Most Merciful towards the believers.
هُوَ الَّذِي يُصَلِّي عَلَيْكُمْ وَمَلَائِكَتُهُ لِيُخْرِجَكُمْ مِنَ الظُّلُمَاتِ إِلَى النُّورِ وَكَانَ بِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ رَحِيمًا
In the above verse, we see that God and His angels yuṣallī ( يُصَلِّي ) the believers. Again, depending on which root is applied to the verse, it can be understood that God and His angels either bless or connect (e.g., help and support) the believers. But from these verses, it is clear that God is not commemorating the names of the believers like they do in modern-day salawat towards the prophet, but instead supporting the believers in their efforts in this world by guiding them.
So, from these verses, we see that it is a commandment for the believers to help and support the messenger. And a commandment for the messenger to do the same to the believers. God also helps and supports the believers, as do the angels. But none of this implies that we are to do this during our Salat, as the Salat must be dedicated to God alone. That said, does the sending of salawat to the prophet even apply today now that the prophet is dead?
Nabi
Throughout the Quran, when the word Nabi is used in reference to Muhammad, it is only when he was alive. This is further reinforced by looking at the rest of the verse in 33:56, where God informs believers to “greet the prophet.” Obviously, one cannot greet someone who is no longer living; therefore, this only applies when the prophet is alive.
[33:56] GOD and His angels [they salawat] help and support the prophet. O you who believe, you shall [salawat] help and support him, and greet him as he should be greeted.
إِنَّ اللَّهَ وَمَلَائِكَتَهُ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ يَاأَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا صَلُّوا عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا تَسْلِيمًا
1
inna
إِنَّ
Indeed,
2
l-laha
ٱللَّهَ
God
3
wamalāikatahu
وَمَلَـٰٓئِكَتَهُۥ
and His angels
4
yuṣallūna
يُصَلُّونَ
[they] salawat
5
ʿalā
عَلَى
upon
6
l-nabiyi
ٱلنَّبِىِّ
the prophet.
7
yāayyuhā
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا
O
8
alladhīna
ٱلَّذِينَ
those who
9
āmanū
ءَامَنُوا۟
[they] believed!
10
ṣallū
صَلُّوا۟
salawat [you all]
11
ʿalayhi
عَلَيْهِ
to him
12
wasallimū
وَسَلِّمُوا۟
and greet (him) [you all]
13
taslīman
تَسْلِيمًا
(with) greetings.
Another clear example in the Quran that shows that when the word nabi is used, it only applies to when the prophet was alive is in the following verse:
[49:2] O you who believe, do not raise your voices above the voice of the prophet, nor shall you shout at him as you shout at each other, lest your works become nullified while you do not perceive.
يَاأَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَرْفَعُوا أَصْوَاتَكُمْ فَوْقَ صَوْتِ النَّبِيِّ وَلَا تَجْهَرُوا لَهُ بِالْقَوْلِ كَجَهْرِ بَعْضِكُمْ لِبَعْضٍ أَنْ تَحْبَطَ أَعْمَالُكُمْ وَأَنْتُمْ لَا تَشْعُرُونَ
From this verse, it is clear that one cannot raise their voice above that of the prophet once he is dead. Even if we look at the same Sura as 33:56 we see this principle of prophet (nabi) only being applied to when he was alive.
[33:28] O prophet, say to your wives, "If you are seeking this life and its vanities, then let me compensate you and allow you to go amicably.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّبِىُّ قُل لِّأَزْوَٰجِكَ إِن كُنتُنَّ تُرِدْنَ ٱلْحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَزِينَتَهَا فَتَعَالَيْنَ أُمَتِّعْكُنَّ وَأُسَرِّحْكُنَّ سَرَاحًا جَمِيلًا
[33:50] O prophet, we made lawful for you your wives to whom you have paid their due dowry, or what you already have, as granted to you by GOD. Also lawful for you in marriage are the daughters of your father's brothers, the daughters of your father's sisters, the daughters of your mother's brothers, the daughters of your mother's sisters, who have emigrated with you. Also, if a believing woman gave herself to the prophet—by forfeiting the dowry—the prophet may marry her without a dowry, if he so wishes. However, her forfeiting of the dowry applies only to the prophet, and not to the other believers. We have already decreed their rights in regard to their spouses or what they already have. This is to spare you any embarrassment. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّبِىُّ إِنَّآ أَحْلَلْنَا لَكَ أَزْوَٰجَكَ ٱلَّـٰتِىٓ ءَاتَيْتَ أُجُورَهُنَّ وَمَا مَلَكَتْ يَمِينُكَ مِمَّآ أَفَآءَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْكَ وَبَنَاتِ عَمِّكَ وَبَنَاتِ عَمَّـٰتِكَ وَبَنَاتِ خَالِكَ وَبَنَاتِ خَـٰلَـٰتِكَ ٱلَّـٰتِى هَاجَرْنَ مَعَكَ وَٱمْرَأَةً مُّؤْمِنَةً إِن وَهَبَتْ نَفْسَهَا لِلنَّبِىِّ إِنْ أَرَادَ ٱلنَّبِىُّ أَن يَسْتَنكِحَهَا خَالِصَةً لَّكَ مِن دُونِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ قَدْ عَلِمْنَا مَا فَرَضْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ فِىٓ أَزْوَٰجِهِمْ وَمَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَـٰنُهُمْ لِكَيْلَا يَكُونَ عَلَيْكَ حَرَجٌ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ غَفُورًا رَّحِيمًا
[33:53] O you who believe, do not enter the prophet's homes unless you are given permission to eat, nor shall you force such an invitation in any manner. If you are invited, you may enter. When you finish eating, you shall leave; do not engage him in lengthy conversations. This used to hurt the prophet, and he was too shy to tell you. But GOD does not shy away from the truth. If you have to ask his wives for something, ask them from behind a barrier. This is purer for your hearts and their hearts. You are not to hurt the messenger of GOD. You shall not marry his wives after him, for this would be a gross offense in the sight of GOD.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ لَا تَدْخُلُوا۟ بُيُوتَ ٱلنَّبِىِّ إِلَّآ أَن يُؤْذَنَ لَكُمْ إِلَىٰ طَعَامٍ غَيْرَ نَـٰظِرِينَ إِنَىٰهُ وَلَـٰكِنْ إِذَا دُعِيتُمْ فَٱدْخُلُوا۟ فَإِذَا طَعِمْتُمْ فَٱنتَشِرُوا۟ وَلَا مُسْتَـْٔنِسِينَ لِحَدِيثٍ إِنَّ ذَٰلِكُمْ كَانَ يُؤْذِى ٱلنَّبِىَّ فَيَسْتَحْىِۦ مِنكُمْ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَسْتَحْىِۦ مِنَ ٱلْحَقِّ وَإِذَا سَأَلْتُمُوهُنَّ مَتَـٰعًا فَسْـَٔلُوهُنَّ مِن وَرَآءِ حِجَابٍ ذَٰلِكُمْ أَطْهَرُ لِقُلُوبِكُمْ وَقُلُوبِهِنَّ وَمَا كَانَ لَكُمْ أَن تُؤْذُوا۟ رَسُولَ ٱللَّهِ وَلَآ أَن تَنكِحُوٓا۟ أَزْوَٰجَهُۥ مِنۢ بَعْدِهِۦٓ أَبَدًا إِنَّ ذَٰلِكُمْ كَانَ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ عَظِيمًا
And if anyone has any doubts that Muhammad’s physical body is dead, God also clarified this matter:
[3:144] Muhammad was no more than a messenger like the messengers before him. Should he die or get killed, would you turn back on your heels? Anyone who turns back on his heels, does not hurt GOD in the least. GOD rewards those who are appreciative.
وَمَا مُحَمَّدٌ إِلَّا رَسُولٌ قَدْ خَلَتْ مِنْ قَبْلِهِ الرُّسُلُ أَفَإِنْ مَاتَ أَوْ قُتِلَ انْقَلَبْتُمْ عَلَىٰ أَعْقَابِكُمْ وَمَنْ يَنْقَلِبْ عَلَىٰ عَقِبَيْهِ فَلَنْ يَضُرَّ اللَّهَ شَيْئًا وَسَيَجْزِي اللَّهُ الشَّاكِرِينَ
[39:30] You (Muhammad) will surely die, just like they will die.
إِنَّكَ مَيِّتٌ وَإِنَّهُمْ مَيِّتُونَ
Conclusion
Therefore, verse 33:56 is in regard to a commandment that was incumbent upon the believers when Muhammad was alive and carrying out his obligation from God. The believers at that time were required to support the prophet.
[24:63] Do not treat the messenger’s requests as you treat each others’ requests. GOD is fully aware of those among you who sneak away using flimsy excuses. Let them beware—those who disobey his orders—for a disaster may strike them, or a severe retribution.
لَا تَجْعَلُوا دُعَاءَ الرَّسُولِ بَيْنَكُمْ كَدُعَاءِ بَعْضِكُمْ بَعْضًا قَدْ يَعْلَمُ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ يَتَسَلَّلُونَ مِنْكُمْ لِوَاذًا فَلْيَحْذَرِ الَّذِينَ يُخَالِفُونَ عَنْ أَمْرِهِ أَنْ تُصِيبَهُمْ فِتْنَةٌ أَوْ يُصِيبَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ
Now that the prophet has passed and has fulfilled his mission to deliver this message, it is no longer applicable to have salawat for the prophet, just like we can no longer raise our voices or greet the prophet.
Not only can the commandment of 33:56 not be carried out today, but to use this verse as justification to constantly commemorate the prophet and to include his name in the Salat is in complete defiance of the Quran that all praise belongs to God alone.
As believers, we are commanded to commemorate only God, not the prophets or saints.
[33:41] O you who believe, you shall remember GOD frequently.
[33:42] You shall glorify Him day and night.
يَاأَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ ذِكْرًا كَثِيرًا
وَسَبِّحُوهُ بُكْرَةً وَأَصِيلًا
To do otherwise would directly contradict the teachings of the prophets and messengers.
[3:79] Never would a human being whom GOD blessed with the scripture and prophethood say to the people, “Idolize me beside GOD.” Instead, (he would say), “Devote yourselves absolutely to your Lord alone,” according to the scripture you preach and the teachings you learn.
مَا كَانَ لِبَشَرٍ أَنْ يُؤْتِيَهُ اللَّهُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحُكْمَ وَالنُّبُوَّةَ ثُمَّ يَقُولَ لِلنَّاسِ كُونُوا عِبَادًا لِي مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ وَلَٰكِنْ كُونُوا رَبَّانِيِّينَ بِمَا كُنْتُمْ تُعَلِّمُونَ الْكِتَابَ وَبِمَا كُنْتُمْ تَدْرُسُونَ
Those who attempt to justify such actions make the excuse that since these righteous individuals were closer to God by calling upon them, they would put a good word for them with God, but God tells us this is not the case.
[39:3] Absolutely, the religion shall be devoted to GOD alone. Those who set up idols beside Him say, “We idolize them only to bring us closer to GOD; for they are in a better position!” GOD will judge them regarding their disputes. GOD does not guide such liars, disbelievers.
أَلَا لِلَّهِ الدِّينُ الْخَالِصُ وَالَّذِينَ اتَّخَذُوا مِنْ دُونِهِ أَوْلِيَاءَ مَا نَعْبُدُهُمْ إِلَّا لِيُقَرِّبُونَا إِلَى اللَّهِ زُلْفَىٰ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَحْكُمُ بَيْنَهُمْ فِي مَا هُمْ فِيهِ يَخْتَلِفُونَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَهْدِي مَنْ هُوَ كَاذِبٌ كَفَّارٌ
When we assume such things, we assume that these other entities are omniscient and can hear our prayers, but not only do they not hear our prayers, they will not even be able to recognize us on the Day of Judgment. For instance, in Paradise, Jesus has no clue that the people in this world call him as part of a trinity.
[5:116] GOD will say, “O Jesus, son of Mary, did you say to the people, ‘Make me and my mother idols beside GOD’?” He will say, “Be You glorified. I could not utter what was not right. Had I said it, You already would have known it. You know my thoughts, and I do not know Your thoughts. You know all the secrets. [5:117] “I told them only what You commanded me to say, that: ‘You shall worship GOD, my Lord and your Lord.’ I was a witness among them for as long as I lived with them. When You terminated my life on earth, You became the Watcher over them. You witness all things.
وَإِذْ قَالَ ٱللَّهُ يَـٰعِيسَى ٱبْنَ مَرْيَمَ ءَأَنتَ قُلْتَ لِلنَّاسِ ٱتَّخِذُونِى وَأُمِّىَ إِلَـٰهَيْنِ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ قَالَ سُبْحَـٰنَكَ مَا يَكُونُ لِىٓ أَنْ أَقُولَ مَا لَيْسَ لِى بِحَقٍّ إِن كُنتُ قُلْتُهُۥ فَقَدْ عَلِمْتَهُۥ تَعْلَمُ مَا فِى نَفْسِى وَلَآ أَعْلَمُ مَا فِى نَفْسِكَ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ عَلَّـٰمُ ٱلْغُيُوبِ
مَا قُلْتُ لَهُمْ إِلَّا مَآ أَمَرْتَنِى بِهِۦٓ أَنِ ٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ رَبِّى وَرَبَّكُمْ وَكُنتُ عَلَيْهِمْ شَهِيدًا مَّا دُمْتُ فِيهِمْ فَلَمَّا تَوَفَّيْتَنِى كُنتَ أَنتَ ٱلرَّقِيبَ عَلَيْهِمْ وَأَنتَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ شَهِيدٌ
As believers, we must be 100% content with the worship and commemoration of God alone.
[39:45] When GOD ALONE is mentioned, the hearts of those who do not believe in the Hereafter shrink with aversion. But when others are mentioned beside Him, they become satisfied.
وَإِذَا ذُكِرَ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ اشْمَأَزَّتْ قُلُوبُ الَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِالْآخِرَةِ وَإِذَا ذُكِرَ الَّذِينَ مِنْ دُونِهِ إِذَا هُمْ يَسْتَبْشِرُونَ
The places we worship and our homes must be a place where only God is worshiped and called upon.
[72:18] The places of worship belong to GOD; do not call on anyone else beside GOD.
وَأَنَّ الْمَسَاجِدَ لِلَّهِ فَلَا تَدْعُوا مَعَ اللَّهِ أَحَدًا
[33:34] Remember what is being recited in your homes of GOD’s revelations and the wisdom inherent therein. GOD is Sublime, Cognizant.
وَاذْكُرْنَ مَا يُتْلَىٰ فِي بُيُوتِكُنَّ مِنْ آيَاتِ اللَّهِ وَالْحِكْمَةِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ لَطِيفًا خَبِيرًا
This is particularly true for our worship practices, most notably the Salat, where the purpose of such actions is to remember God alone.
[20:14] “I am GOD; there is no other god beside Me. You shall worship Me alone, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) to remember Me.
إِنَّنِي أَنَا اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنَا فَاعْبُدْنِي وَأَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ لِذِكْرِي
Last updated
