Allāhumma ṣalli ʿalā Muḥammad

When is Allāhumma ṣalli ʿalā Muḥammad recited?

Allāhumma ṣalli ʿalā Muḥammad, meaning "O Allah, send prayers upon Muhammad.", is cited in Sahih al-Bukhari 3370. Sending prayers upon the Prophet ﷺ; especially recited on Fridays. A suggested count is 100 repetitions per sitting, counted on any tasbih or a plain hand count.

What is the source for Allāhumma ṣalli ʿalā Muḥammad?

The primary source is Sahih al-Bukhari, reference 3370. This dhikr is reviewed under Sibha's editorial policy before publication.

Review status: sourced, pending scholarly review. Last checked 2025-01-01. See editorial policy.

What does Allāhumma ṣalli ʿalā Muḥammad mean?

Ṣalāh upon the Prophet ﷺ, when performed by Allah, means His bestowing praise, mercy, and honor upon him in the highest assembly. When performed by angels, it refers to their supplication and seeking of mercy for him. When performed by believers, it is a supplication asking Allah to honor, elevate, and send peace and blessings upon His Messenger ﷺ. This command is rooted directly in the Qur'an (33:56): "Indeed, Allah confers blessing upon the Prophet, and His angels also. O you who have believed, ask blessing upon him and ask peace." That Allah Himself and His angels perform ṣalāh upon the Prophet ﷺ, and then command the believers to do likewise, elevates this dhikr to a unique category: a form of remembrance directed at honoring a created being, done in obedience to and in the way commanded by the Creator.

When should I recite Allāhumma ṣalli ʿalā Muḥammad?

Allāhumma ṣalli ʿalā Muḥammad is recited on 4 distinct occasions in the Sunnah, listed below, ranging from fixed moments after prayer to general daily remembrance. Each occasion is sourced from an authentic hadith rather than custom.

• In the tashahhud during salah (Sahih al-Bukhari 3370).
• On Friday, in abundance (Sunan Abi Dawud 1047).
• Whenever the Prophet's ﷺ name is mentioned (Jāmiʿ at-Tirmidhi 3546).
• In supplication, at the beginning and end (Jāmiʿ at-Tirmidhi 3477).

What is the virtue of Allāhumma ṣalli ʿalā Muḥammad?

Sahih Muslim 384: "Whoever sends ṣalāh upon me once, Allah will send ṣalāh upon him tenfold."

How many times should I say Allāhumma ṣalli ʿalā Muḥammad?

No fixed daily number is obligatory. Abundant recitation is recommended, especially on Fridays. At least once whenever his ﷺ name is mentioned.

What are common misconceptions about Allāhumma ṣalli ʿalā Muḥammad?

2 misunderstandings come up most often about Allāhumma ṣalli ʿalā Muḥammad, mostly about when it applies or how it differs from similar phrases. Correcting them helps the dhikr keep its intended meaning rather than becoming a habit said on autopilot.

• Ṣalawāt is not a request for the Prophet's ﷺ own need for forgiveness. It is an honor and elevation Allah has already granted. The believer's ṣalawāt is an act of obedience and love that returns benefit to the one reciting it.
• Any invented wording is not equally valid. Various authentic forms exist (such as the Ibrāhīmic form in the tashahhud). It is best to adhere to the wordings established in the Sunnah.

Which other adhkar are related to Allāhumma ṣalli ʿalā Muḥammad?

4 other short adhkar in the library pair naturally with Allāhumma ṣalli ʿalā Muḥammad as part of a daily routine, each with its own source and suggested count.

• SubḥānAllāhGlory be to Allah.
• AlḥamdulillāhAll praise is due to Allah.
• Allāhu AkbarAllah is the Greatest.
• Lā ilāha illa-llāhThere is no god but Allah.