Many Muslims wonder whether it is permissible to send blessings upon Prophet Muhammad ﷺ using words that are not explicitly reported in the Sunnah.

According to Egypt's Dar Al-Ifta, it is permissible to send prayers upon the Prophet ﷺ using any appropriate wording, whether it is directly narrated in the Sunnah, developed by scholars, or commonly recited by Muslims, as long as it reflects proper respect and reverence for the Prophet ﷺ and does not contain anything contrary to Islamic teachings.

Is It Permissible to Use Non-Traditional Forms of Salawat?

Dar Al-Ifta explained that Allah's command in the Quran to send blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ is general and not limited to a single wording.

Therefore, Muslims may choose any respectful and meaningful formula that expresses love, honor, and reverence for the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.

The institution also emphasized that such formulas should not be labeled as innovations simply because they are not explicitly narrated, provided they are free from any prohibited meanings.

The Virtue of Sending Blessings Upon the Prophet ﷺ

Sending prayers upon the Prophet ﷺ is one of the greatest acts of remembrance and worship in Islam.

Numerous authentic narrations encourage Muslims to increase their Salawat, highlighting its immense rewards and spiritual benefits.

The Prophet ﷺ also encouraged believers to offer beautiful and sincere prayers upon him.

Well-Known Forms of Salawat

The Ibrahimic Prayer

This is the formula recited during the Tashahhud in daily prayers:

"O Allah, send Your blessings upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as You sent blessings upon Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious. O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as You blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious."

Salat al-Tafrijiyyah (The Prayer of Relief)

A widely known formula includes asking Allah to send complete blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ while seeking relief from hardship and fulfillment of needs.

Salat al-Muhtaj (The Prayer of the Needy)

Another well-known form expresses the supplication of a servant in need who turns to Allah through sending blessings upon His Messenger ﷺ.

Salat al-Fatih (The Prayer of the Opener)

This famous formula praises the Prophet ﷺ as the opener of what was closed, the seal of the prophets, the supporter of truth, and the guide to the straight path.

Is Sending Salawat a Condition for Accepted Supplication?

Dar Al-Ifta clarified that sending blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ is not a legal requirement for the acceptance of supplication.

However, it is among the recommended etiquettes of making dua to begin and conclude one's supplication with Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ.

Likewise, there is no specific number of times that Muslims must recite Salawat in order for their prayers to be accepted.

Benefits of Frequently Sending Blessings Upon the Prophet ﷺ

Regularly sending Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ offers numerous spiritual benefits, including:

• Obeying Allah's command.
• Earning Allah's blessings and mercy.
• Increasing love for the Prophet ﷺ.
• Receiving abundant rewards.
• Growing closer to Allah through remembrance.

Is it permissible to send prayers upon the Prophet ﷺ using non-traditional wording?

Yes. According to Egypt's Dar Al-Ifta, it is permissible as long as the wording is respectful and does not contradict Islamic teachings.

What is the best form of Salawat?

The Ibrahimic Prayer is regarded as the best-known authentic formula because it is recited during the Tashahhud in prayer.

Is Salat al-Tafrijiyyah permissible?

Dar Al-Ifta considers it permissible provided its wording is sound and free from meanings that contradict Islamic beliefs.

Is sending blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ required for accepted supplication?

No. It is not a condition for the acceptance of dua, but it is one of the recommended etiquettes.

Is there a specific number of times to recite Salawat?

No. There is no authentic evidence requiring a fixed number, and Muslims are encouraged to recite Salawat frequently at all times.