"It was said to the Prophet (ﷺ): We have been commanded to send salah and salams upon you. We know how to send salams, but how should we send salah?' He said: Say: 'Alahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala ali Muhammad, kama sallaita 'ala Ibrahima wa barik 'ala Muhammad kama barakta 'ala ali Ibrahim fil-'alamin, innaka hamidun majid (O Allah, send salah upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, as You sent salah upon the family of Ibrahim).'"
The Book of Forgetfulness (In Prayer)
Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1286
Hadith Text
"It was said to the Prophet (ﷺ): We have been commanded to send salah and salams upon you. We know how to send salams, but how should we send salah?' He said: Say: 'Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala ali Muhammad, kama sallaita 'ala Ibrahima wa barik 'ala Muhammad kama barakta 'ala ali Ibrahim fil-'alamin, innaka hamidun majid (O Allah, send salah upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, as You sent salah upon the family of Ibrahim).'"
Commentary on the Meaning
The term "salah" in this context refers to Allah's divine mercy, blessings, and honor bestowed upon His chosen servants. When we ask Allah to send salah upon the Prophet, we are requesting that Allah shower him with His mercy, raise his status, and manifest his honor throughout creation.
The phrase "as You sent salah upon Ibrahim" establishes a connection between the prophethood of Muhammad and the legacy of Ibrahim, demonstrating the continuity of divine guidance. This formulation also teaches humility, as we do not specify the exact form of blessings but rather submit to Allah's perfect wisdom in how He honors His messengers.
Legal Rulings and Implementation
This hadith establishes the obligatory nature of sending blessings upon the Prophet during the final tashahhud of prayer. Scholars agree that reciting this specific formulation or similar approved versions is required for the validity of prayer.
The inclusion of the Prophet's family in the blessings reflects the comprehensive nature of Islamic honor, extending beyond the individual to include those connected through faith and lineage. The comparison to Ibrahim emphasizes the Abrahamic foundation of Islam and the completion of this spiritual legacy through Muhammad.
Spiritual Benefits
Reciting this prayer brings numerous spiritual rewards, including the assurance of the Prophet's intercession on Judgment Day, the purification of one's own soul through connection to the Prophet, and the multiplication of good deeds. Each recitation draws the believer closer to the Prophet spiritually and strengthens their connection to the chain of prophethood.
The comprehensive nature of this prayer - encompassing both salah and barakah (blessings) - ensures that the believer seeks both spiritual elevation and tangible blessings in their worldly affairs through their connection to the Prophet.