Ka'b b. 'Ujra met me and said: Should I not offer you a present (and added): The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came to us and we said: We have learnt how to invoke peace upon you; (kindly tell us) how we should bless you. He (the Holy Prophet) said: Say:" O Allah: bless Muhammad and his family as Thou didst bless the family of Ibrahim. Verily Thou art Praiseworthy and Glorious, O Allah."
Hadith Commentary: The Excellence of Sending Blessings Upon the Prophet
This noble narration from Sahih Muslim 406a, transmitted through Ka'b b. 'Ujra, reveals the proper manner of sending blessings upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as taught by Allah's Messenger himself.
The Context and Significance
The Companions, having mastered the sending of peace (salam) upon the Prophet, sought further illumination regarding how to send blessings (salawat). This demonstrates their profound love and desire to perfect their devotion.
The Prophet's response establishes the standard formulation for sending blessings, making it an essential component of Muslim worship, particularly in prayers during tashahhud.
Scholarly Analysis of the Wording
"O Allah: bless Muhammad and his family" - Scholars explain that "blessing" here means Allah's mercy, honor, and elevation of status. "His family" includes both his blood relatives and his spiritual followers.
"As Thou didst bless the family of Ibrahim" - This comparative phrasing connects the final Prophet to the legacy of previous Prophets while acknowledging the superior status of Muhammad (ﷺ).
The concluding attributes "Praiseworthy and Glorious" affirm Allah's perfection and worthiness of all praise, making the supplication more comprehensive and likely to be accepted.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
This hadith establishes the obligation of sending blessings upon the Prophet during the final tashahhud of prayer. Scholars differ whether it is obligatory (wajib) or strongly recommended (sunnah mu'akkadah).
Beyond formal prayer, frequent sending of blessings brings numerous spiritual benefits, including the Prophet's intercession, expiation of sins, and elevation of ranks in Paradise.
The formulation taught here represents the most complete and preferred manner of sending blessings, though other authentic versions exist in the Sunnah.