What does the Quran say about synagogues?

The Quran mentions synagogues, referred to as 'Salawat', in Surah Al-Hajj (22:40) as places of worship that are protected by God. This verse emphasizes the sanctity of monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques where God's name is mentioned.

What is the meaning of 'Salawat' in Quran 22:40?

According to classical Islamic scholars like Ibn Kathir, Al-Qurtubi, and Al-Tabari, 'Salawat' in this verse specifically means the synagogues of the Jewish people. This interpretation is supported by the linguistic origins of the word.

Does Islam command the protection of non-Muslim places of worship?

Yes, Quran 22:40 is a foundational verse in Islamic jurisprudence for the protection of non-Muslim places of worship. It states that had it not been for God repelling some people by others, monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques would have been demolished.

Synagogue in Islam: The Quranic Mention of 'Salawat' as a Place of Worship

Synagogue

صلوات

Synagogue (صلوات) is one of the Places of worhsip mentioned in the Quran.

Explore Verses Related to Synagogue

🕌Al-Hajj22:40

At a Glance

According to search-discovered classical Islamic scholarship, the term 'Salawat' (صلوات) in Surah Al-Hajj, verse 40 of the Quran, refers specifically to synagogues, the places of worship of the Jewish people. This interpretation is unanimously held by prominent early commentators including Ibn Kathir, Al-Qurtubi, and Al-Tabari. They explain that the word is of Aramaic origin, derived from 'Salauta', and was understood by the early Muslims to denote Jewish synagogues. The verse mentions synagogues alongside monasteries, churches, and mosques, establishing a divine principle of protecting all monotheistic houses of worship where the name of God is commemorated. This verse is a cornerstone of the Islamic legal tradition regarding the safeguarding of the religious rights and sanctums of the People of the Book (Ahl al-Kitab).

📖 Quranic Context

Significant in the context of interfaith relations and the protection of religious sanctums.

Highlights Allah's protection of all places where His name is mentioned, indicating a universal sacredness of monotheistic worship.

References: Surah Al-Hajj, verse 40 (22:40)

💭 Theological Perspective

Recognizes the innate need for places of worship across different faith communities.

Not applicable

Verse 22:40 serves as a divine injunction to protect the places of worship of other monotheistic faiths.

Not applicable

📜 Hadith Perspective

The Prophet Muhammad's treaties with Christian and Jewish communities, such as the Charter of Medina, practically implemented the protection of their places of worship.

Protection of the People of the Book (Ahl al-Kitab)
Freedom of religion for non-Muslims under Islamic rule

Islamic scholars unanimously agree that the places of worship of the People of the Book are to be protected.

💎 Deeper Insights

The mention of synagogues before mosques in the verse is seen by some scholars as a powerful rhetorical device, emphasizing the universal principle of protecting all houses of God before specifying the Muslims' own places of worship.

— General scholarly observation

The root of 'Salawat' (ص-ل-و), meaning 'to connect', beautifully aligns with the function of a synagogue as a place where the community 'connects' with God and with each other. This linguistic nuance enriches the understanding of why this term was used.

— Linguistic analysis from various sources