The Epistemological and Soteriological Roles of Salawat al-Rasul in the Process of Acceptance of Deeds: A Theological Analysis of Surah al-Tawbah, Verse 99

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Postdoctoral researcher in Quran and Hadith sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (researcher at the Astan Quds Razavi Research Foundation), contact number: 09142353876, reza.mollazadehyamchi@alumni.um.ac.ir

2 Associate Professor, Department of Quran and Hadith Sciences, Hakim Sabzevari University. Email: f.dehghani@hsu.ac.ir

Abstract
The present study aims to analyze the theological functions of the expression Ṣalawāt al-Rasūl in the process of deed acceptance by examining Qur’an 9:99 through a theological-exegetical approach and qualitative content analysis. The central question of the research concerns the extent to which this expression—beyond its lexical meaning of “supplication”—plays a role within the theological structure of the acceptance of human actions. The findings indicate that Ṣalawāt al-Rasūl encompasses two fundamental dimensions: epistemologically, it serves as an external sign distinguishing the believer from the hypocrite, while internally it generates tranquility and certitude of heart, thereby reducing the anxiety stemming from uncertainty about the acceptance of one’s deeds. Soteriologically, its formative (takwīnī) function, as an effective “cause” and “means,” completes and elevates human action for the reception of divine mercy. The innovation of the study lies in proposing a theological model of “triadic interaction in deed acceptance,” which conceptualizes the acceptance of deeds as the product of interaction among the stations of servanthood, prophethood, and lordship, identifying Ṣalawāt al-Rasūl as the essential mediating link connecting human action to divine grace. This model also provides a framework for reinterpreting related concepts such as intercession (shafāʿa) and seeking prophetic mediation (tawassul) through a functional lens

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Volume 2, Issue 3
Autumn 2024
Pages 32-46

  • Receive Date 22 August 2025
  • Revise Date 21 November 2025
  • Accept Date 26 November 2025