What does the Quran say about synagogues?

The Quran mentions synagogues once in verse 22:40, listing them alongside monasteries, churches, and mosques as places of worship where God's name is mentioned. The verse establishes a divine principle that these places must be protected from destruction, making their defense a duty in Islam.

Does Islam require Muslims to protect churches and synagogues?

Yes. According to classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi, Quran 22:40 serves as a legal prohibition against demolishing the places of worship of non-Muslim citizens. This principle was famously put into practice by Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab in his covenant protecting the churches of Jerusalem.

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

While 'Salawat' is the plural of 'Salah' (prayer), classical commentators like Ibn Abbas, Ikrimah, and Qatadah state that in the context of Quran 22:40, it specifically refers to the synagogues of the Jews. This is because they are places of prayer (*ṣalāh*) for the Jewish community.

Synagogues in the Quran: Islamic Principle of Protecting Places of Worship

Synagogues

المجامع

Explore Verses Related to Synagogues

🕌Al-Hajj22:40

At a Glance

According to search-discovered classical Islamic scholarship, the mention of synagogues (صَلَوَات - Salawat) in the Quran is a pivotal moment in Islamic jurisprudence, found in Surah Al-Hajj, verse 40. This singular reference is not incidental; it is part of a divine declaration establishing the sanctity and protection of all monotheistic places of worship. Classical exegetes like Al-Tabari clarify that 'Salawat' here specifically means Jewish synagogues. Imam Al-Qurtubi, in his tafsir, explains that this verse forms the legal basis prohibiting Muslims from demolishing the churches and synagogues of non-Muslim citizens. Ibn Kathir supports this, noting that the verse's context—granting permission to fight—is intrinsically linked to the higher purpose of defending religious freedom. The synthesis of these scholarly views establishes that Islam, by divine command, not only tolerates but actively protects the sacred spaces of the People of the Book, a principle historically demonstrated in the covenants of the early Caliphs.

📖 Quranic Context

Foundational for establishing the principle of protecting non-Muslim places of worship within an Islamic state.

Highlights Allah's universal protection over all places dedicated to His worship, establishing a divine basis for religious tolerance.

References: Surat Al-Hajj (22:40)

💭 Theological Perspective

Affirms the universal human need for sacred spaces for worship.

N/A

Establishes a legal and moral command for Muslims to defend the religious freedom of others.

Develops the character of the Muslim community by entrusting it with the protection of religious minorities.

📜 Hadith Perspective

The principle in 22:40 is practically applied in the Prophet's treaties, such as the treaty with the Christians of Najran, which guaranteed the protection of their churches and clergy.

The Covenant of Umar with the people of Jerusalem, which explicitly protected their churches and religious symbols.
The Prophet's warning against wronging a non-Muslim under Muslim rule (dhimmi).

Universal agreement among classical jurists that the verse prohibits the demolition of sanctioned non-Muslim places of worship in Muslim lands.

💎 Deeper Insights

Search grounding reveals the profound linguistic choice of 'Salawat' (صَلَوَاتٌ) for synagogues. It is the plural of 'Salah' (صَلَاة), the very word Muslims use for their own ritual prayer. This isn't just a label; it's a Quranic affirmation that the essential activity in a synagogue is prayer/connection to God, thereby granting it a sanctity linguistically parallel to the act of Muslim prayer itself.

— Al-Tabari, Zamakhshari, Al-Qurtubi