"We said: 'O Messenger of Allah! We have learned about saying the Salam to you, but how about As-Salat upon you?' He said: 'Say: (Allahumma salli ala Muhammadin Wa Ala ali Muhammadin kama sallaita Ala Ibrahim, Innaka hamidan MAjid, Wa barik Ala Muhammadin wa Ala ali Muhammadin kamma barakta Ala Ibrahim Innaka Hamidan Majid)" O Allah! Send Salat upon Muhammad and upon Muhammad's family just as You have sent Salat upon Ibrahim, indeed You are the Praise and Majestic. And send blessings upon Muhammad and Muhammad's family just as You have sent blessing upon Ibrahim, indeed You are the Praised and Majestic.'Mahmud said: "Abu Usamah said: Za'idah added something for me, from Al-Amash, from Al-Hakam, from Abdur-Rahman bin Abi Laila, that he said: "We would say 'And upon us along with them.'"
The Book on Al-Witr - Jami' at-Tirmidhi - Hadith 483
This narration from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) establishes the proper method of sending prayers (As-Salat) upon him, which is an essential component of Islamic worship, particularly in the Tashahhud during formal prayers.
Commentary on the Invocation's Meaning
The term "As-Salat" when attributed to Allah means His divine mercy, blessings, and commendation. When we ask Allah to send Salat upon Muhammad, we are asking for Allah's special mercy, blessings, and elevation of status for the Prophet.
The phrase "upon Muhammad's family" includes both his physical descendants and his spiritual followers who adhere to his teachings faithfully, as understood by classical scholars.
Significance of the Abrahamic Connection
The comparison to Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) demonstrates the continuity of prophethood and establishes Muhammad's position within the Abrahamic tradition. Just as Ibrahim received Allah's special blessings, we ask for similar divine favor upon Muhammad.
The attributes "Hamid" (Praiseworthy) and "Majid" (Majestic) emphasize Allah's perfect qualities, reminding us that only He can bestow such honors upon His chosen messengers.
Scholarly Notes on the Additional Phrase
The addition mentioned by Abu Usamah through Za'idah's chain ("And upon us along with them") reflects the practice of some companions to include themselves in these blessings, though the established sunnah remains the wording taught directly by the Prophet.
Scholars note that while this addition reflects the companions' love for the Prophet and desire to share in blessings, the primary liturgical form remains what the Prophet explicitly taught without addition.