Discussion on Prayer and Respect in Islam

Regarding the Qur'an, Imam al-Shafi'i says, as narrated from him,

I am conveying the statement not verbatim, but in meaning.

He says, this verse:

“Indeed, God and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O you who believe, send blessings

upon him and greet him with peace.” He says this verse

is a merit of the Chosen One, peace and blessings be upon him,

greater than the merit of prostrating to Adam.

He was asked, “How so?” He said, “Because prostration to Adam, first of all,

passed and came to an end.

Meaning, prostration to Adam does not exist now.

It was something that happened and ended. Secondly,

who carried it out?

Who carried it out? Only the angels, only angels, only.

As for sending blessings upon the Prophet, they send blessings, they send blessings.

In Arabic, this is a present-tense verb. The present tense verb,

‘they send blessings,’ indicates permanence, continuity, and renewal.

It does not mean that God and His angels send blessings, meaning they did so

at first. They still send blessings for as long as God wills.

Furthermore, God and His angels participate in it.

All the angels carry it out, as does the True One,

Glorified and Exalted. “O you who believe, send blessings upon him and greet him

with peace.”

Imam al-Shafi'i also told them, may prayers and peace be upon him: Prostration

to Adam was

a test. That is why he failed

the test, Iblis,

when he refused to prostrate. But invoking blessings upon the Prophet, may God's blessings and peace be upon him,

is not

a test, but rather an honor and a kindness. It is

an honor and kindness to the Chosen One, may God's blessings and peace be upon him.

God honored him, treated him kindly, and exalted him

and honored him with these blessings.