Salat ( صَلَاة) is an Arabic word for “salutation”. Its three root letters are “ṣād-lām-wāw” (ص ل و) which means “prayer” or “salutation. Plural of salat is Salawat (صَلَوَات). It is a special Arabic phrase. Muslims send blessings on Prophet Muhammad(ﷺ)and salute Him through these Salawat or salutations. There are a lot of benefits and virtues of Sending Salutations and Blessings on the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Allah the Almighty instructs Muslims to send Salawat and blessing upon His Prophet(ﷺ). He says in the Holy Quran:
Indeed, Allah sends His blessings upon the Prophet(ﷺ), and His angels pray for him. O, believers! Send your blessings on him, and salute him a thorough salutation.
Al Quran 33:56
Times to send Salutations
All Muslims are aware that sending Salawat on Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)is a noble deed in Islam. However, there are some prescribe times for it. Furthermore, we must say specific supplications that the Prophet (ﷺ) taught us without any modifications.
Salawat is an invocation which Muslims make by saying specific phrases to compliment prophet Muhammad(ﷺ):
- Muslims Salutes in five-time prayer(Namaz) during Tashahhud.
- When the name of Prophet(ﷺ) is mention anywhere through speech or writing.
- Before and after supplications.
- Salutations on Fridays are recommended.
- Daily Adhkar (remembrances) of the morning and evening.
- After Adhan(Azan).
Aws ibn Aws narrated from Prophet(ﷺ):
Among the most excellent of your days is Friday; on it, Adam was created, he died on it, on it, the last trumpet will be blown, and on it, the shout will be made, so send more blessings on me that day, for your blessings will be conveyed to me. The people asked: Prophet(ﷺ) of Allah, how can it be that our blessings will be submitted to you while your body is decayed? He replied: Allah, the High, has prohibited the earth from consuming the bodies of Prophets.
Sunan Abī Dāwūd 1047
The Prophet(ﷺ) said:
For one who sends blessings upon me once, Allah will send tenfold blessings in return.
Muslim
