(243) Chapter: The Obligation of Supplicating Allah to Exalt His Mention and its Excellence, and its Manner

Abu Muhammad Ka'b bin 'Ujrah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) came to us and we asked him, "O Messenger of Allah, we already know how to greet you (i.e., say As-salamu 'alaikum), but how should we supplicate for you?" He (ﷺ) said, "Say: 'Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammadin, wa 'ala 'ali Muhammadin, kama sallaita 'ala 'ali Ibrahima, innaka Hamidum Majid. Allahumma barik 'ala Muhammadin, wa 'ala 'ali Muhammadin, kama barakta 'ala 'ali Ibrahima, innaka Hamidum Majid [O Allah, exalt the mention of Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as you exalted the family of Ibrahim. You are Praised and Glorious. O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as You blessed the family of Ibrahim. You are Praised and Glorious."' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Commentary: In this Hadith, the Salam means the supplication which is recited in At-Tashahhud. The Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) used to recite it in At-Tashahhud in the manner taught by him. When Almighty Allah ordained Muslims to supplicate for the Prophet (PBUH), it raised the question in their minds as to the wordings of the benediction (as they already knew how to greet him). They asked the Prophet (PBUH) and he taught it. Invoking Allah's blessings upon the Prophet (PBUH) should be done in the manner which he (PBUH) has taught us, because in doing so we get the reward of following the guidance of the Prophet (PBUH).