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
- 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
### What does the term "Sala Allah Alayhi wa-Salaam" denote?
- [x] Peace and blessings be upon him.
- [ ] God bless you.
- [ ] Good morning.
- [ ] Prophet's farewell.
> **Explanation:** Sala Allah Alayhi wa-Salaam specifically refers to invoking peace and blessings upon the Prophet.
### Which part of the Arabic phrase emphasizes peace?
- [x] wa-Salaam (وسلم)
- [ ] Allah (الله)
- [ ] Sala (صلاة)
- [ ] Alayhi (عليه)
> **Explanation:** wa-Salaam (وسلم) translates directly to "and peace."
### According to which Surah does Allah and His angels confer blessings upon the Prophet?
- [x] Al-Ahzab (33:56)
- [ ] Al-Fatiha (1:1)
- [ ] Al-Baqarah (2:255)
- [ ] Al-Kahf (18:65)
> **Explanation:** The verse explicitly citing Allah and His angels sending blessings upon the Prophet is found in Surah Al-Ahzab.
### In which context should *Sala Allah Alayhi wa-Salaam* be used?
- [x] After mentioning a prophet’s name.
- [ ] When leaving the home.
- [ ] During meals.
- [ ] Before nighttime prayers.
> **Explanation:** It is customary to use *Sala Allah Alayhi wa-Salaam* after mentioning the name of prophets, reflecting respect and honor.
### What other term is commonly synonymous with *Sala Allah Alayhi wa-Salaam* in Islamic texts?
- [x] PBUH
- [ ] Alhamdulillah
- [ ] Subhanallah
- [ ] Bismillah
> **Explanation:** PBUH (Peace Be Upon Him) is a common synonymous abbreviation used for *Sala Allah Alayhi wa-Salaam.*
### Which renowned Islamic Scholar emphasized *Salam* in his works?
- [x] Jalal ad-Din al-Suyuti
- [ ] Al-Mawardi
- [ ] Ibne Hajar al-Asqalani
- [ ] Al-Juwaini
> **Explanation:** Jalal ad-Din al-Suyuti, a prolific Islamic scholar, heavily emphasized the virtue of invoking peace and blessings in his writings.
### How do Turkish people write *Sala Allah Alayhi wa-Salaam*?
- [x] Sallallâhu aleyhi ve sellem (SAV)
- [ ] Sabika Allahum (SAW)
- [ ] Sanurna a Donun (SSN)
- [ ] Salmer Yah Arah (SAr)
> **Explanation:** The Turkish version of writing *Sala Allah Alayhi wa-Salaam* is depicted as "Sallallâhu aleyhi ve sellem" often abbreviated "SAV."
### The personal benefit of invoking blessings on the Prophet includes:
- [x] Receiving increased blessings from Allah.
- [ ] Monetary gain.
- [ ] Increased social status.
- [ ] Public recognition.
> **Explanation:** Muslims believe in spiritual benefits and rewards from Allah for invoking blessings on the Prophet, as encouraged in various Islamic teachings.
May this understanding inspire you to employ devotional practices meaningfully within your spiritual journey.
Zayd Ibn Malik, 2023-10-21
