Salawat (Blessings Upon the Prophet)

Salawat (Arabic: صلوات) are blessings and peace upon the Prophet Muhammad and his family (Ahl al-Bayt). The most common formula is: "Allahumma salli ala Muhammad wa ali Muhammad" (O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad). Salawat is one of the most important forms of dhikr in Islam and is recited countless times daily by believers.

The Quran commands salawat: "Indeed, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O you who believe! Send blessings upon him and greet him with peace" (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:56). Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said: "The heaviest thing on the Scale on the Day of Judgment is salawat upon Muhammad and his family" (Bihar al-Anwar by Allamah al-Majlisi, vol. 94).

In Shia Islam, the addition "wa ali Muhammad" (and Muhammad's family) is essential and inseparable from salawat. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) said: "Do not send the shortened salawat upon me." His companions asked: "What is the shortened salawat?" He replied: "That you say 'Allahumma salli ala Muhammad' and stop. Say instead: 'Allahumma salli ala Muhammad wa ali Muhammad.'" This hadith is narrated in both Shia and Sunni sources.

Salawat is recited on numerous occasions: after hearing the Prophet's name, during prayer (in tashahhud and qunut), after adhan, on Fridays, when making du'a, and as general dhikr. It is one of the most meritorious acts in Islam and creates a spiritual connection between the believer, the Prophet, and his household. In Shia tradition, it is recommended to recite salawat at least 100 times per day.