Some Muslims ask about the ruling on sending blessings upon Prophet Muhammad using forms that were not specifically narrated, and whether Muslims must follow one particular wording when sending blessings and peace upon him.
Dar Al-Ifta explained that sending blessings upon the Prophet is permissible using various forms, whether narrated, non-narrated, or among forms that people have found beneficial, as long as the wording is appropriate to his honored status.
Is It Permissible to Send Blessings on the Prophet Using a Non-Narrated Form?
Sending blessings upon Prophet Muhammad is permissible using different wordings, including established forms from the Sunnah and other forms that were not narrated verbatim, provided that the wording is appropriate to the Prophet's honored status.
The virtue of sending blessings upon the Prophet is therefore not restricted to one single wording. The essential meaning is to honor the Prophet and invoke blessings and peace upon him in a manner befitting his noble status.
What Is the Condition for a Permissible Form?
The primary condition is that the wording must be appropriate to the Prophet's honored status and must not contain anything religiously impermissible or inappropriate toward his prophetic rank.
The practice of sending blessings and peace upon the Prophet is connected to the divine command to honor and respect him. Allah says:
“So that you may believe in Allah and His Messenger and honor and respect him.”
Is Sending Blessings Using a Non-Narrated Form Considered an Innovation?
A form of sending blessings upon the Prophet should not automatically be considered an innovation simply because it was not narrated verbatim, provided that it meets Islamic guidelines and is appropriate to his honored status.
The command to send blessings and peace upon the Prophet includes honoring and recognizing his noble status. The Sunnah also encourages believers to offer blessings upon him in an excellent and respectful manner.
What Does the Sunnah Say About Sending Blessings Properly?
A reported hadith states:
“You are presented to me by your names and descriptions, so send blessings upon me well.”
Abdullah ibn Masud also said:
“When you send blessings upon the Messenger of Allah, send blessings upon him well.”
These narrations emphasize the importance of maintaining proper respect and reverence when invoking blessings and peace upon Prophet Muhammad.
Ruling on Sending Blessings Using Any Form
A Muslim may send blessings upon Prophet Muhammad using different forms, whether narrated or non-narrated, as long as they comply with Islamic guidelines and are appropriate to his honored status.
The established forms reported from the Prophet remain among the best forms for Muslims to use. At the same time, other sound and respectful forms of sending blessings and peace upon him are permissible.
Is it permissible to send blessings upon the Prophet using a non-narrated form?
Yes. It is permissible as long as the wording is appropriate to the Prophet's honored status and does not contain anything religiously impermissible.
Is every non-narrated form considered an innovation?
No. A wording is not automatically considered an innovation simply because it was not narrated verbatim, provided it meets Islamic guidelines.
What is the best form of sending blessings upon the Prophet?
The established forms reported from the Prophet are among the best forms, while other sound and respectful wordings are also permissible.
What does it mean to send blessings upon the Prophet properly?
It means invoking blessings and peace upon Prophet Muhammad using respectful and sound wording appropriate to his honored status.
