Evaluating Priscilla Soucek's Views on Prophet Solomon (PBUH) in the Quran

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor and member of the Faculty of Theology, Farabi Campus, University of Tehran

2 Master of Quran and Hadith Sciences

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Education, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran

10.22034/jqopv.2025.10599

Abstract

Accurate knowledge of the opinions of orientalists about Quranic teachings and their scientific criticism is an undeniable necessity for Muslims. Ms. Priscilla Soucek is one of the orientalists who has expressed her views in this regard. She has put forward views about Prophet Solomon (AS) in the Quran that are not very compatible with rational and Quranic foundations. For this purpose, this article attempts to introduce and criticize her views in this regard. The research method in this research is library study and its approach is analytical-critical; this does not mean that descriptive methods have not been used. Although the study of Soucek's views about Prophet Solomon (AS) in the Quran has been the center of attention and analysis, the views of Muslim scholars have been used to complete this research when necessary. Soucek's research on Prophet Solomon (AS) is indicative of his extensive research in Islamic sources. Using verses from the Quran, she has listed three important characteristics for him: a ruler with knowledge and wisdom, enjoying divine support despite occasional lapses in worship, and possessing mysterious and magical abilities. In the middle of the third characteristic, she has also made some references to the relationship between Prophet Solomon (PBUH) and the Queen of Sheba. Although the characteristics listed by Ms. Sosak for that Prophet contain some positive points, her humanistic and secularist view of the position of prophethood, citing the Israelites, attributing shortcomings and lapses in worship to Prophet Solomon (PBUH), normalizing his miracles and mentioning them as mysterious and magical abilities, and attributing to him having relations with non-mahrams are among the negative points of her views.

Keywords

The Qur’an from Orientalists Point of View

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 21 September 2025

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History

  • Receive Date: 21 September 2025
  • Accept Date: 21 September 2025

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