Debunking Sam Shamoun’s Allegation: Does the Quran Show Allah Praying to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)?
In his online debates, articles, and videos, Sam Shamoun, a well-known Christian apologist, has repeatedly made the claim that the Quran shows Allah praying to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). According to Shamoun, the verse in the Quran that mentions “Allah and His angels pray for the Prophet” is an indication that Allah Himself is performing a form of prayer to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Shamoun’s accusation is not only a misunderstanding of the verse in question but also an intentional misinterpretation of Islamic theology. In this paper, we will analyze the specific Quranic verse cited by Shamoun, provide its proper context and interpretation according to Islamic scholarship, and demonstrate why his claim is unfounded and misleading.
Sam Shamoun’s Alleged Evidence: Quranic Verse and Hadith
Shamoun bases his argument primarily on Quran 33:56, which reads:
“Indeed, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet (pbuh). O you who have believed, ask [Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [ Allah to grant him] peace.” (Quran 33:56)
Shamoun has pointed out that the Quran describes Allah as sending “blessings” (Arabic: salat) upon the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), which he interprets as a form of prayer. This leads him to the conclusion that, since Allah is praying for the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), it implies a relationship where Allah Himself is in a position of submission or service to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
In some of Shamoun’s videos, he also references a hadith to further strengthen his argument. One such hadith is found in Sahih Muslim:
“Verily, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet (pbuh). O you who believe, ask for blessings upon him and greet him with a greeting of peace.” (Sahih Muslim, Book 4, Hadith 746)
While this hadith aligns with the Quranic verse in emphasizing that Allah and the angels bless the Prophet (pbuh), Shamoun argues that the term “salat” in both the Quran and hadith implies a type of prayer, which he believes suggests that Allah is in a subordinate role to Muhammad (pbuh).
However, this interpretation is based on a flawed understanding of Islamic terminology and theological concepts. Let’s explore the real meaning behind this verse and provide the correct context to dispel Shamoun’s allegations.
Understanding the Term “Salat” in Islam
One of the critical errors in Shamoun’s argument is his misinterpretation of the Arabic term “salat” (سَلاَة). While salat is indeed often translated as “prayer,” its meaning in the context of the Quran and hadith does not imply that Allah is praying to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
Salat as a Blessing, Not Prayer to Muhammad (pbuh): In the Quran, when it is said that “Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet (pbuh),” the term salat refers to a form of divine blessing or mercy. This is distinct from the kind of prayer that a believer offers to God in worship. The term salat in this context means a form of divine favor or intercession rather than a submission of worship or reverence directed towards the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
Quranic Clarifications:
The Quran clearly distinguishes between the worship due to Allah alone and the respect and honor that is given to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as a messenger. When Allah and the angels invoke blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), it is a form of honor and praise for his role as the messenger of God, not a literal prayer directed at the Prophet in the sense that a human would pray to God.Linguistic Nuance:
The Arabic word “salat” has multiple meanings depending on the context. While it is used to describe the ritual prayer in Islam (salah), it can also mean blessing, mercy, or a special form of honor. In the case of Quran 33:56, scholars have explained that Allah’s “salat” is a form of divine mercy and favor upon the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), and the angels do likewise in their supplication for the Prophet’s honor.
Context and Tafsir of Quran 33:56
Now, let’s analyze the context of Quran 33:56 in greater detail to properly understand its meaning and refute Shamoun’s claim. This verse is part of a longer passage that addresses the role and status of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), particularly in his relationship with the believers and the responsibilities of the Muslim community. Here’s the full verse with some additional context:
“Indeed, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet (pbuh). O you who have believed, ask [Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [ Allah to grant him] peace.” (Quran 33:56)
This verse is not an indication that Allah is in a subordinate or prayerful relationship with the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Rather, it emphasizes the status of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as the chosen messenger of God. The blessings mentioned here are a divine gesture of respect and mercy towards the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) due to his important role as a messenger, guiding humanity.
Islamic scholars have explained this verse in the following ways:
Al-Tabari’s Tafsir:
The classical commentator Al-Tabari explains that Allah’s salat upon the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is a form of mercy and a means of elevation for the Prophet’s position. He states that Allah sends blessings and mercy upon the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to honor him and to show the world the greatness of his mission. The angels’ blessings are also a means of support for the Prophet (pbuh).Ibn Kathir’s Tafsir:
The famous scholar Ibn Kathir explains that the meaning of “salat” in this verse refers to Allah’s praise and mercy. He states that it is Allah’s way of honoring the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). He also emphasizes that believers are encouraged to ask for blessings and peace for the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), as this is a means of showing respect for the messenger of God.Modern Scholars:
Contemporary scholars such as Sayyid Qutb and Abdul Rahman al-Saadi explain that Allah’s salat upon the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is a divine act of honor, mercy, and elevation of the Prophet’s status. It is not to be understood as a prayer in the sense of worship or submission.
Theological Explanation: The Distinction Between “Salat” for Allah and “Salat” for the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
In Islamic theology, there is a clear distinction between the worship due to Allah alone and the blessings given to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). While Muslims perform salah (ritual prayer) towards Allah five times a day, salat upon the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) refers to a form of divine blessing and intercession, not worship.
Allah’s Sovereignty:
Allah alone is the object of worship in Islam. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the exclusive worship of Allah, as seen in Quran 2:163:
“And your god is one God. There is no deity [worthy of worship] except Him, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.”Therefore, even if Allah “sends blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh),” it does not imply any form of worship or submission to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Rather, it reflects the honor bestowed upon the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as the messenger of Allah.
No Subordination of Allah to Muhammad (pbuh):
The claim that Allah prays to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) implies a subordination that contradicts the fundamental tenet of Islamic monotheism, Tawhid. The Quran categorically affirms that Allah is above all and independent of His creation. Therefore, any claim that Allah is in a subordinate position to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) contradicts Islamic doctrine.
Conclusion: Disproving Shamoun’s Allegation
Sam Shamoun’s claim that the Quran shows Allah praying to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is a misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the text. The term salat in Quran 33:56 does not refer to prayer in the sense of worship. Rather, it refers to a form of divine blessing, mercy, and honor upon the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Islamic scholars, both classical and contemporary, have consistently interpreted this verse as highlighting the elevated status of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) without implying any form of subordination or worship.
Shamoun’s misinterpretation of the term salat and his selective use of texts from the Quran and hadith fail to take into account the full context and proper understanding of these terms in Islamic theology. His argument is based on a superficial reading of the text that ignores the deeper linguistic and theological nuances in the Quran. Therefore, his claim that the Quran shows Allah praying to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is unfounded and does not align with the established understanding of Islamic doctrine.
We hope this explanation clarifies the issue and corrects the misconception put forward by Sam Shamoun. Honest discussion of religious texts is crucial for fostering understanding and respect between faiths.
