"Abu Humaid As-Sa'idi told me that they said: 'O Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), how should we send salah upon you?' The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'Say: Allahumma sali 'ala Muhammadin wa azwajihi wa dhuriyatihi ( O Allah, send salah upon Muhamad and his wives and progeny)- in the narration of Al-Harith (one of the two who narrated it)-kama salaita 'ala Ibraim wa barik 'alaMuhammad wa azwajihi wa dhuriyatti (as You sent salah upon Irahim and send blessings upon Muhammad and his wives and progeny)- both of them said that- kama barakta 'ala ali Ibrahima innaka hamidun majid (as You sent blessings upon Ibrahim, You are indeed worthy of praise, Full of glory.)" Abu Abdur-Rahman (An-Nasa'i) said: Qutaibah informed us of this hadith two times, and perhaps he had missed a part of it.
The Book of Forgetfulness (In Prayer)
Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1294
Hadith Text
"Abu Humaid As-Sa'idi told me that they said: 'O Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), how should we send salah upon you?' The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'Say: Allahumma sali 'ala Muhammadin wa azwajihi wa dhuriyatihi (O Allah, send salah upon Muhammad and his wives and progeny)- in the narration of Al-Harith (one of the two who narrated it)-kama salaita 'ala Ibraim wa barik 'ala Muhammad wa azwajihi wa dhuriyatihi (as You sent salah upon Ibrahim and send blessings upon Muhammad and his wives and progeny)- both of them said that- kama barakta 'ala ali Ibrahima innaka hamidun majid (as You sent blessings upon Ibrahim, You are indeed worthy of praise, Full of glory.)"
Scholarly Commentary
This noble hadith establishes the comprehensive form of sending blessings upon the Prophet (ﷺ), encompassing his pure wives and righteous progeny. The inclusion of "azwajihi" (his wives) refers specifically to the Mothers of the Believers, while "dhuriyatihi" (his progeny) includes his noble descendants through Fatimah (رضي الله عنها).
The comparative phrasing "kama salaita 'ala Ibrahima" demonstrates that the blessings upon Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) should be equivalent in magnitude to those bestowed upon Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام), though superior in rank and status. The concluding attributes "hamidun majid" affirm Allah's perfect praiseworthiness and majestic glory.
This teaching came in response to the Companions' sincere inquiry, showing the importance of properly honoring the Prophet (ﷺ) in our supplications and prayers.
Legal Rulings
This form of sending blessings is particularly recommended during the final tashahhud in prayer. Scholars differ regarding its obligation, with the majority considering it a confirmed sunnah rather than an absolute obligation.
The comprehensive nature of this formulation makes it among the most complete forms of sending blessings upon the Prophet (ﷺ), though other authentic forms are also permissible.