Ka`b bin 'Ujra met me and said, "Shall I give you a present? Once the Prophet (ﷺ) came to us and we said, 'O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) ! We know how to greet you; but how to send 'Salat' upon you? He said, 'Say: Allahumma Salli ala Muhammadin wa 'ala `Ali Muhammadin, kama sal-laita 'ala all Ibrahima innaka Hamidun Majid. Allahumma barik 'ala Muhammadin wa 'ala all Muhammadin, kama barakta 'ala all Ibrahima, innaka Hamidun Majid."
The Excellence of Sending Blessings Upon the Prophet
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 6357 establishes the proper manner of sending salat upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as taught by Allah's Messenger himself when questioned by his companions.
The Complete Invocation
"Allahumma Salli ala Muhammadin wa 'ala Ali Muhammadin, kama sallaita 'ala ali Ibrahima innaka Hamidun Majid. Allahumma barik 'ala Muhammadin wa 'ala ali Muhammadin, kama barakta 'ala ali Ibrahima, innaka Hamidun Majid."
Translation: "O Allah, send Your Salat (graces, honors, blessings) upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, as You sent Your Salat upon the family of Ibrahim, You are indeed Praiseworthy, Glorious. O Allah, send Your Blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, as You sent Your Blessings upon the family of Ibrahim, You are indeed Praiseworthy, Glorious."
Scholarly Commentary
This formulation connects the blessings upon Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) with those upon Prophet Ibrahim (AS), demonstrating the continuity of prophethood and divine favor.
The inclusion of "the family of Muhammad" shows the comprehensive nature of this blessing, encompassing both the Prophet and his righteous household and followers.
The attributes "Hamid" (Praiseworthy) and "Majid" (Glorious) at the conclusion of each part emphasize Allah's perfect qualities, reminding the supplicant of the Majesty of the One being addressed.
Legal Ruling
Scholars agree that sending blessings upon the Prophet (ﷺ) during tashahhud in prayer is obligatory (wajib), while at other times it is highly recommended (mustahabb), especially when hearing his name mentioned.