His father said: "We said: 'O Messenger of Allah, 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 Book of Forgetfulness (In Prayer)
Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1290
Hadith Text
His father said: "We said: 'O Messenger of Allah, how should we send salah upon you?' 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, 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.)'"
Commentary on the Form of Salat upon the Prophet
This hadith establishes the most complete and preferred form of sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The term "salah" when attributed to Allah means His divine mercy, praise, and honor bestowed upon His chosen servants. When we perform "salah" upon the Prophet, we are supplicating to Allah to grant him these divine favors.
The inclusion of the Prophet's family in this invocation demonstrates the comprehensive nature of this blessing, extending the honor to those closely connected to him through faith and lineage. The comparison to Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) establishes a spiritual connection between these two great pillars of prophethood, acknowledging Ibrahim's esteemed position while affirming Muhammad's superior station as the final messenger.
Legal Rulings and Implementation
Scholars agree that reciting this form of salat is obligatory in the final tashahhud of every prescribed prayer. The wisdom behind specifying this particular formulation lies in its comprehensiveness - it includes both salah (divine blessings) and barakah (increase and permanence of good) for the Prophet and his family.
The concluding phrase "innaka hamidun majid" serves as a reminder that all praise belongs to Allah alone, and that He possesses perfect glorious attributes. This formulation is particularly recommended during Friday prayers, in supplications, and when the Prophet's name is mentioned in religious gatherings.
Spiritual Significance
This salat connects the believer to the chain of prophethood and acknowledges the continuous divine mercy manifested through Allah's messengers. The repetition of this invocation cultivates love for the Prophet in the heart of the believer and serves as a means of drawing closer to Allah through honoring His chosen messenger.
The comprehensive nature of this prayer - encompassing both the Prophet and his family - reflects the Islamic principle of maintaining strong bonds with the righteous and honoring those connected to Allah's messengers. This practice strengthens communal ties and preserves the spiritual legacy of Islam through successive generations.