[This took place before ‘My Sojourn With Gemini A. I. On Creation, Allah, and Sufism].
I am not the only person who has raised this 'utterance in salat'. Many have done so. The standard reply is that there is no mention of it by the Caliphs or Sahabah, or in the Qur'an. I decided to raise this grammatical question with Gemini and received this reply.
Me: When a Muslim prays he utters "Assalamu'alaika ayuhan Nabiyu," which in Arabic grammar means that the Prophet is present during prayer
Gemini: The phrase "Assalamu'alaika ayuhan Nabiyu" (Peace be upon you, O Prophet) within the Tashahhud (the part of the prayer where this is said) has been a subject of discussion among Islamic scholars. Here's a breakdown of the key points:
The Wording: The wording uses the second-person singular, which grammatically implies direct address. This has led to questions about its meaning after the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) passing.
Scholarly Interpretations:
Scholars generally agree that the phrase is a supplication, a prayer to Allah to send peace upon the Prophet.
There are various interpretations regarding the "presence" implied by the grammar:
- Some scholars emphasize that it is an expression of deep respect and love for the Prophet, a way of acknowledging his enduring spiritual significance.
- Others explain that the Prophet's spiritual presence is a reality, though not a physical one, and that the greeting is conveyed to him through divine means.
- It is also understood that this wording was taught by the prophet himself, to the companions, and that it is to be retained.
Avoiding Misinterpretations:
- It's crucial to understand that Muslims believe worship is solely for Allah. The greeting to the Prophet is not considered worship but a form of respect and a prayer.
- The intent is not to imply that the Prophet is physically present in the same way as a person standing beside you, but rather to acknowledge his honored status in Islam.
- In essence, the phrase reflects the profound love and respect Muslims hold for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and it is a part of the prayer that has been passed down through generations.
Me: [My text was not copied. I did tell Gemini to stop beating around the bush]. “Of course, the Prophet is not present physically but he 'bears witness to the Shahadah because it involves him. The Prophet's dimensional status does not need to be physical... (missing text).
Gemini: You're touching upon a complex and nuanced area of Islamic belief. Here's a breakdown of how those concepts is generally understood:
The Shahadah and the Prophet's Role:
- The Shahadah (the declaration of faith) affirms "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah." This inherently links the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to the core of Islamic belief.
- His role as the Messenger is central to Islam. Thus, his "witness" is, in a sense, embedded within the very act of declaring the Shahadah.
- The Prophet's "Dimensional Status":
- Islamic tradition acknowledges that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) holds a unique and elevated status.
- The idea that he "answers every salutation" is based on hadith (sayings of the Prophet) that speak to this.
- It's important to differentiate this from physical presence. Islamic belief maintains that after his passing, his physical presence was no longer in the earthly realm.
- The understanding of this "dimensional status" is one that is beyond the full comprehension of human beings. It is a matter of faith, and is not something that can be fully explained by physical laws.
- Salutations and Their Reception:
- The belief that the Prophet (peace be upon him) receives salutations is a core part of Muslim piety.
- This is not understood as a physical act in the same way we perceive earthly interactions. Rather, it's a spiritual reality that transcends our normal understanding of space and time.
- It is understood that Allah allows the prophet to receive these salutations. In essence, the Prophet's "witness" is a spiritual reality, and the reception of salutations is a testament to his honored position in Islam. These concepts are often understood through faith and spiritual understanding, rather than strict physical interpretations.
Me: I totally support the fine job you are doing. Your answer is most respected. Any novice in Islam would have to crawl through the Internet to find your answers...
Gemini: It's true that navigating complex theological topics can be challenging, and I understand that many people may not have the time or resources to delve deeply into these subjects. My goal is to make information accessible and understandable, while also acknowledging the nuances and different perspectives within Islamic thought.
[NOTE: I decided not to go any further with this discussion out of respect. However, I will say that the “witnessing’ of the Prophet (s.a.w.) in salat can be viewed as a “spiritual reality” as well as a “physical reality” (not in a “physical human context”) because the Prophet (s.a.w.) enjoy a “dimensional status”: just as he is able to respond to every greeting. The point to note is that all these “states” are bestowed by Allah and not directly from the Prophet (s.a.w.).]
