"Ka'b bin Ujrah said to me: 'Shall I not give you a gift?' We said: "O Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), we know about sending salams upon you, but how should we send salah upon you?" 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, and send blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad as You sent blessings upon the family of Ibrahim among the nations. You are indeed Worthy of praise, Full of glory.)'"
The Excellence of Sending Blessings Upon the Prophet
This narration from Ka'b bin 'Ujrah establishes the proper manner of sending blessings (salawat) upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The Companions, despite knowing the obligation, sought clarification on the precise wording, demonstrating their meticulousness in worship.
Scholarly Commentary on the Wording
The phrase "Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad" means: "O Allah, honor and exalt the mention of Muhammad ﷺ." The divine "salah" encompasses Allah's mercy, praise, and honor bestowed upon His servant.
Including "wa 'ala ali Muhammad" (the family of Muhammad) reflects the comprehensive nature of this supplication, extending the blessings to his pious household and followers.
The comparison to Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) ﷺ connects the final prophethood with the foundation of monotheism, showing the continuity of divine guidance.
Legal Ruling and Implementation
Scholars agree that reciting this specific formulation in the final tashahhud is highly recommended (sunnah). The comprehensive nature of this version makes it among the most complete forms of sending blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ.
This prayer should be recited particularly during the ritual prayer (salah) when sitting for the final tashahhud, as well as in other occasions where remembering the Prophet ﷺ is encouraged.
Spiritual Significance
This invocation strengthens the believer's connection to the Prophet ﷺ and serves as a means of drawing closer to Allah. The concluding words "innaka hamidun majid" affirm Allah's perfect attributes of being Praiseworthy and Glorious.