Definition and Meaning 📚§
Sala Allah Alayhi wa-Salaam (Arabic: صلى الله عليه وسلم), abbreviated as PBUH (Peace and blessings be upon him), is an epithet used by pious Muslims in speech and writing as a sign of respect and honor following the mention of a prophet’s name or a holy person, especially Prophet Muhammad.
Etymology and Background 🔍§
The phrase “Sala Allah Alayhi wa-Salaam” combines several profound Arabic components:
- Sala (صلاة): Derived from the root “ṣ-l-w” (صُلَاة), which means prayer or invocation.
- Allah (الله): Referencing God Almighty.
- Alayhi (عليه): Meaning “upon him.”
- wa-Salaam (وسلم): Meaning “and peace.”
Historical Context and Usage 📜§
Its mandatory use after mentioning Prophet Muhammad dates back to early Islam, originating from various verses of the Qur’an and Hadith literature. The reverence can be cited in Surah Al-Ahzab (33: 56), “Indeed, Allah confers blessings upon the Prophet, and His angels [ask Him to do so]. O you who have believed, ask [ Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [ Allah to grant him] peace.”
Cultural Differences and Similarities 🌍§
The usage remains prevalent across the Muslim ummah with slight linguistic variations. Examples include:
- Arabic: صلى الله عليه وسلم
- Tamazight: “I-ṭanul tafuyt ɣer”
- Farsi: (ص)
- Turkish: Sallallâhu aleyhi ve sellem (SAV)
- Urdu: صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم
- Indonesian: Saw
Synonyms and Related Terms 🔗§
- PBUH: Short for “Peace Be Upon Him.”
- AAWS: Abbreviation commonly used.
- Salawat: General term for invoking blessings on the Prophet.
Exciting Facts and Notable Quotations ✨§
- It’s often abbreviated in Islamic texts for brevity.
- Some Muslims also send blessings on the family of Muhammad: Sal Salih and Salim Alayhim.
- Renowned Islamic scholar Jalal ad-Din al-Suyuti emphasized the virtue of Salam in his works.
“By common consent, sending peace and blessings is an act revered and rewarded by Allah.” – Imam Al-Ghazali
Further Readings 📖§
- “Rights of the Prophet Muhammad Upon His Ummah,” by Sa’eed ibn Ali ibn Wahf al-Qahtani
- “Invocation of the Prophet’s Blessing,” Compilation of Hisn-al-Muslim by Sa’id ibn ‘Ali ibn Wahf al-Qahtani
- “The Role of Salmi in Muslim Societies,” by Abd al-Rahman al-Shahid
May this understanding inspire you to employ devotional practices meaningfully within your spiritual journey.
Zayd Ibn Malik, 2023-10-21
