A man came to the Prophet of Allah (ﷺ) and said: "How should we send blessings upon you, O Prophet of Allah?' 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 Sunan an-Nasa'i 1291 establishes the proper manner of sending blessings (salawat) upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, demonstrating its obligatory nature in prayer and recommended status at other times.
Linguistic Analysis of the Supplication
"Allahumma salli" - The term "salli" denotes Allah's special mercy, praise, and honor bestowed upon His chosen servants in the heavenly realm.
"Ala Muhammad" - Includes the Prophet himself, his physical descendants, and his spiritual followers who adhere to his teachings.
"Kama sallaita ala Ibrahima" - Establishes a connection with Prophet Ibrahim's legacy while maintaining the superior status of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Juridical Rulings and Implementation
This specific formulation becomes obligatory during the final tashahhud in prayer, as confirmed by scholarly consensus.
Reciting this blessing outside prayer earns immense reward and draws the believer closer to the Prophet's intercession on Judgment Day.
The inclusion of Prophet Ibrahim demonstrates the continuity of prophethood and the fulfillment of Ibrahim's prayer for a messenger from among his descendants.
Spiritual Benefits and Wisdom
Each recitation elevates the believer's spiritual rank and erases minor sins.
It strengthens the bond between the Muslim and the Prophet, fostering love and adherence to the Sunnah.
The supplication acknowledges Allah's perfect attributes ("hamidun majid") while seeking His blessings, combining praise with petition.