Surah 12:100
"He raised his parents on the throne, and they (all) fell down before him in prostration. And he said, ‘My father! This is the interpretation of my vision from before. My Lord has made it (come) true. He has been good to me, when He brought me out of the prison, and when He brought you out of the desert, after Satan had caused strife between me and my brothers. Surely my Lord is astute to whatever He pleases. Surely He – He is the Knowing, the Wise."
Prostrating to Others
Opposing Verses
Surah 3:2 → "God – (there is) no god but Him, the Living, the Everlasting."
Does the Quran allow prostrating to anyone other than God? Some verses emphasize that there is no god but God, while another verse describes Joseph's parents and brothers falling down in prostration before him.
Prostration to Entities Other Than God
Opposing Verses
Surah 41:37 → "Among His signs are the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. Do not prostrate yourselves before the sun or before the moon, but prostrate yourselves before God, who created them, if you serve Him."
Does the Quran allow prostrating to entities other than God? Some verses command prostration only to God, while others describe prophets and their families prostrating before another human.
Prostration to Anyone Other Than God
Opposing Verses
Surah 11:2 → "‘Do not serve (anyone) but God! Surely I am a warner and bringer of good news to you from Him.’"
Surah 20:98 → "Your only god is God – (there is) no god but Him – who comprehends everything in knowledge.’"
Surah 40:62 → "That is God, your Lord, Creator of everything. (There is) no god but Him. How are you (so) deluded?"
Surah 40:65 → "He is the Living One. (There is) no god but Him. Call on Him, devoting (your) religion to Him. Praise (be) to God, Lord of the worlds!"
Does the Quran allow prostrating before or serving anyone other than God? Certain verses command individuals to serve and dedicate their religion exclusively to God, while another verse describes individuals falling down in prostration before a prophet.