What is salawat, and why do we send blessings upon the Prophet?

Salawat means sending blessings and salutations upon the Prophet Muhammad, most simply with the words 'Allahumma salli ala Muhammad.' Allah commands this directly in the Quran: 'Indeed, Allah confers blessing upon the Prophet, and His angels [ask Him to do so]. O you who have believed, ask [Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [Allah to grant him] peace' (33:56) — remarkably, Allah Himself and the angels already send blessings on the Prophet, yet believers are still commanded to join in, showing how central this act is to faith and gratitude. The reward is generous and direct: the Prophet said, 'Whoever sends blessings upon me once, Allah will send blessings upon him tenfold' (Sahih Muslim 384). Salawat is recommended whenever the Prophet's name is mentioned, in the tashahhud of every prayer, on Fridays especially, and as a standalone form of dhikr throughout the day. It is also considered an excellent way to open and close a personal dua, since it is a righteous deed guaranteed to be accepted, increasing the likelihood that the rest of the supplication is accepted too.

Ask your own question → All questions