Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam (صلى الله عليه وسلم) is a salat an-Nabi (salat on the Nabi) and an honorary salutation used by Muslims to send blessings and peace upon the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم). The English translation of this salat is, "May the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him."It is preferable for all Muslims to say صلى الله عليه وسلم when they hear the name of our beloved and revered Prophet Muhammad. Sending darood and blessings on Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم is the sunnah of Allah and His angels, as Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى said in the Quran:
إِنَّ اللَّهَ وَمَلَائِكَتَهُ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ ۚ يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا صَلُّوا عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا تَسْلِيمًا
Translation: "God and His angels shower their blessings on the Prophet. O believers, you should also send your blessings on him and salute him with a worthy greeting." Surah Al-Ahzab (33:56).
The statement shows that Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى and His angels send salat (blessings and salam) on the Nabi, Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم. Thus, all believers should follow Allah's example and send darood on the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم. This is a significant comment on the Prophet's admired status. Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam is shortened to SAW, SAWS, or PBUH (Peace Be Upon Him). The salutation is used to show appreciation, admiration, and respect for the Prophet Muhammad's صلى الله عليه وسلم.
1. Sallallahu - SAHL-lah-LAH-hoo
Sa: Pronounced with a softer s like the "sa" in salt
La: Sounds like the lah, in lama
Hu: Pronounced like the "hoo" in "hoop" sounding like hoo
2. Alaihi - ah-LAY-hee
A: Sounds like "ah" as in Father,
Lai: Sounds like lay, as in the word "lay"
Hi: Sounds like hee, as in the word heal
3. Wasallam - wah-SAH-lahm
Wa: Sound like "wah" as in water
Sal: Sounds like "sal" as in sulfur
Lam: Sounds like "lam" as in the word "lump"
Putting it all together: SAHL-lah-LAH-hoo ah-LAY-hee wah-SAH-lahm
Pronunciation Tips
Muslims may recite Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam on multiple occasions. The most important of these are listed below:
In the Quran, Allah Azzawajal has asked believers to send blessings on the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and greet him with an appropriate greeting. Therefore, it is essential for believers to say ﷺ to show their respect and reverence for their Prophet. Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam is often said after mentioning the Prophet Muhammad's name during conversations, lectures, and sermons. Arabic texts might use the abbreviation "صلى الله عليه وسلم" or simply "ﷺ". English texts use the abbreviation SAW or PBUH. However, it is always preferred to write the full phrase.
The phrase (صلى الله عليه وسلم) refers to performing the supplication known as "Salat al-Nabi" or "Durood," which is a prayer requesting Allah to bless and show kindness to Prophet Muhammad. It is a means for Muslims to show their affection, respect, and gratitude to the Prophet. The best day to recite durood and salah on the Prophet Muhammad is Friday, as evidenced by hadiths.
It was narrated from Abu Darda' that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)said: "Send a great deal of blessing upon me on Fridays, for it is witnessed by the angels. No one sends blessing upon me, but his blessing will be presented to me until he finishes them." A man said: "Even after death?" He said: "Even after death, for Allah has forbidden the earth to consume the bodies of the Prophets, so the Prophet of Allah is alive and receives provision.' (Sunan Ibn Majah, Vol. 1, Book 6, Hadith 1637)
The Durood has its own significance. It is also believed to bring peace to the distressed heart. Allah has elevated the dhikr, name, and station of the Prophet Muhammad. When a Muslim recites Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam and beseeches Allah to send His blessings on the Prophet Muhammad, this believer receives tenfold in return. Allah looks favorably upon a believer who sends Darood on His Prophet in abundance, and it strengthens the believer's relationship with Allah. Anyone who recites the Durood will be raised in status by 10 degrees in spiritual and worldly ways. Their station in this life and the next one will be elevated in honor, dignity, and respect.
Narrated by Anas bin Malik, "The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Whoever sends salah upon me once, Allah (SWT) will send salah upon him tenfold, and will erase ten sins from him, and will raise him ten degrees in status." (Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1297, Book 13, Hadith 119).
It is also advisable to recite the Durood before and after making a supplication or Duaa to make the dua more acceptable. The Durood is a powerful phrase for the forgiveness of sins and bringing blessings.
It is important to recognize that sending blessings upon the Prophet is not just a part of worship but also has deep sentimental value for Muslims. It has a deep personal connection with all Muslims, and it is advisable at all times to avoid any terms or words that might be considered disrespectful. Disrespecting the Prophet (ﷺ) or the tradition of showering blessings upon him can cause significant grief and distress among Muslims.
Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam (صلى الله عليه وسلم) is an honorary salutation used by Muslims to send blessings and peace to the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم).
It is a way of sending prayers and blessings upon the Prophet, and also a source of gaining Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى blessings and mercy.
Whenever the prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم name is mentioned, this or a similar phrase must be used, even after the Azan is called, during lectures and religious sermons, in daily life conversations.
Yes, Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam is specifically used for Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم while Alayhis Salaam is for all other prophets.
"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Whoever sends salah upon me once, Allah (SWT) will send salah upon him tenfold, and will erase ten sins from him, and will raise him ten degrees in status." (Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1297, Book 13, Hadith 119)
