Salawat is a special Arabic phrase, which contains the salutation upon the prophet of Islam. This kind of phrase is usually expressed by Muslims in their five daily prayers and also when the name of Muhammad had been mentioned.
Etymology
Salawat is a plural form of salat and from the root of the letters "ṣād-lām-wāw" which means "prayer" or "salutation".
Meaning
Arabic philologists hold the view that the meaning of the wordsalawat would vary according to who has used the word, and to whom it is used for.
In Islamic context
"When Muhammad sends Salawat upon the believers, it indicates his prayer for their welfare, blessing and salvation."
There was a hadith from Abu Amamah reports that Muhammad said: "Invoke more Salawat upon me on every Friday, the Salawat from my ummah is presented to me on every Friday. Whoever had invoked more Salawat upon me will be closest to me."
Muhammad was also reported saying: "The meanest person is he who does not invoke Salawat upon me when my name is mentioned in his presence."
Ibn Asakri has transmitted from al-Hasan bin Ali that Muhammad said: "Invoke more Salawat upon me, for your invocation is conducive to your sins being forgiven. And pray for me a high status and intercession, for surely my intercession will plead in your favour before Allah."
There was a narration from Ja'far al-Sadiq from Muhammad. He said: "All supplications to Allah will remain in a veil from the sky until a Salawat is sent to Mohammad PBH and his Household."
In another tradition, Ja'far al-Sadiq was quoted that: "Whoever sends Salawat on the Prophet PBH and his Household means 'I am standing on the promise that I gave when Allah asked me, 'Am I not your lord? And I answered yes you are.'"
Recommended salawat
According to various reports, the following salawat are recommended by Muhammad: ʾAllāhumma ṣalli ʿalā Muḥammadin wa ʿalā ʾāli Muḥammadin kamā ṣallayta ʿalā ʾIbrāhīma wa ʿalā ʾāli ʾIbrāhīma ʾinnaka Ḥamīdun Majīdun ʾAllāhumma bārik ʿalā Muḥammadin wa ʿalā ʾāli Muḥammadin kamā bārakta ʿalā ʾIbrāhīma wa ʿalā ʾāli ʾIbrāhīma ʾinnaka Ḥamīdun Majīdun Muhammad was also reported to have said: "Do not invoke incomplete salawat upon me". His Sahabah asked him: "What is incomplete salawat?" He replied them: "When you say: 'O Allah, send blessing to Muhammad' and then stop on that. Rather say: ٱللَّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ 'O Allah! send Your blessing to Muhammad and the progeny of Muhammad."
Merits of reciting Salawat
He who sends 10 salawat upon Muhammad and his household, God and his angels will send 1,000 salawat upon him, and whoever send 1,000 salawat upon Muhammad and his household, the fire of hell won't affect him.
Sending Salawat upon Muhammad and his progeny paves way for his intercession on the judgement day.
Sending Salawat upon Muhammad and his progeny served as a compensation for sins.
Sending Salawat upon Muhammad and his household is the most weighty deed on the scale of deeds.
Salawat upon Muhammad and his households led to the affection of God and his messenger.
Salawat upon Muhammad and his household purifies deeds.
Salawat upon Muhammad and his household will serve as the light in the grave, As-Sirāt bridge and Paradise.
