How do I send salawat on the Prophet?
Yes, it's easy: the shortest form is "Sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam" (may Allah send blessings and peace upon him). Say it whenever the Prophet ﷺ is mentioned. The fuller form, called the Ibrahimiyyah salawat, is the one you recite in the last sitting of prayer. Every time you send one blessing, Allah sends ten upon you.
What salawat means
"Salawat" (plural of salah) here means asking Allah to honor, bless and praise the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. You're not praying to him. You're praying to Allah for him, out of love and gratitude for the one who brought you Islam. Allah Himself commands it in the Quran.
Short and long forms
- The short form: "Sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam." In writing you'll see it as ﷺ or "(pbuh)." This is what you say when you hear or say his name.
- An even simpler one: "Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad" (O Allah, send blessings on Muhammad). Great for repeating many times.
- The full Ibrahimiyyah form: when the Companions asked how to send blessings on him, he taught them: "O Allah! Send Your Mercy on Muhammad and on the family of Muhammad, as You sent Your Mercy on Abraham..." (Sahih al-Bukhari 3370). It continues with a second part asking for blessings in the same way. This is what you recite in the final tashahhud of every prayer. Learn the Arabic from a prayer app or a teacher, since it's a bit long.
When to send salawat
- When his name is mentioned: in a talk, a book, or a conversation.
- After the adhan: "repeat what he says, then invoke a blessing on me" (Sahih Muslim 384).
- On Fridays especially: the Prophet ﷺ said of Friday, "invoke more blessings on me that day, for your blessings will be submitted to me" (Sunan Abi Dawud 1047).
- In your dua: many scholars recommend opening and closing a dua with praise of Allah and salawat.
- Anytime as dhikr: while walking, driving, or waiting.
The reward
The Prophet ﷺ said: "He who blesses me once, Allah would bless him ten times" (Sahih Muslim 408). He also said: "The person closest to me on the Day of Judgement is the one who sent the most Salat upon me" (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 484). For a new Muslim who feels far from the Prophet ﷺ in time and culture, this is a beautiful way to build a personal connection with him. See Do I have to believe in all the prophets to become Muslim?
Don't worry about perfect pronunciation at first. Allah knows what you mean, and your Arabic will improve with practice. For more ideas, see What is dhikr and how do I start?
- Short form: "Sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam."
- The full Ibrahimiyyah form is recited in the last part of prayer.
- Send more salawat on Fridays and after the adhan.
- One blessing from you brings ten from Allah.
People also ask
What do I say to avoid the evil eye when I like something?
Yes, pray for blessing: say "Barakallahu fik" or "Masha'Allah, la quwwata illa billah" whenever you admire something or someone.
Read the full answer →Can I read my duas from my phone or a paper?
Yes, outside prayer you can read duas from a phone, book or paper. Inside salah, use memorized duas; schools differ on reading.
Read the full answer →Can I ask other people to make dua for me?
Yes, asking a living person to pray for you is allowed; the Companions asked the Prophet for dua. Keep making your own dua to Allah too.
Read the full answer →Can I make dua for someone without telling them?
Yes, praying for someone in their absence is a sunnah, and the angels pray the same good for you. Telling them is optional.
Read the full answer →What dua do I say when visiting someone who is sick?
Yes: say "La ba'sa, tahurun in sha Allah" or "As'alullahal-'Azim... an yashfiyak" seven times. Keep visits kind and short.
Read the full answer →