اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ. اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ.
O Allah, send prayers upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, as You sent prayers upon Ibrahim and upon the family of Ibrahim. Verily You are Praiseworthy and Glorious. O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, as You sent blessings upon Ibrahim and upon the family of Ibrahim. Verily You are Praiseworthy and Glorious.
Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammadin wa 'ala ali Muhammad, kama sallayta 'ala Ibrahim wa 'ala ali Ibrahim innaka Hamidun Majid. Allahumma barik 'ala Muhammadin wa 'ala ali Muhammad, kama barakta 'ala Ibrahim wa 'ala ali Ibrahim innaka Hamidun Majid.
When to Read
This is the Tashahhud, recited in the final sitting of every obligatory and voluntary prayer. It's a moment when we are closest to Allah, and by invoking blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ, we are reminded of his immense status, his miracles, and the intercession he will have for us on the Day of Judgment. This recitation serves as a powerful connection to him, even while we are physically apart, and imbues our prayers with a deeper sense of purpose.
How to Read
This dua is an integral part of the prayer (salah). It is recited in the final sitting (qa'dah). After reciting Surah Al-Fatihah and another surah (or verses) in the first two rak'ahs of a prayer, or after the second rak'ah in a three or four rak'ah prayer, you sit in the final sitting posture. You then recite the Tashahhud, which includes this invocation for blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ. It is recommended to place your right hand on your right thigh and your left hand on your left thigh, with your fingers slightly bent. As you say 'ash-hadu an la ilaha illallah', you can raise your index finger slightly and move it a little.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting the blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ in salah is not just a ritual; it's a divine command and a source of immense reward. Allah Himself sends blessings upon those who send blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ stated: 'Whoever sends blessings on me once, Allah will send blessings on him tenfold.' (Sahih Muslim 388). This act strengthens our bond with him, reminding us of his prophethood, his mercy, and the comprehensive nature of his message. It also prepares us for his intercession, a profound gift he will bestow upon believers on the Day of Judgment.
Source & Authentication
Ibn Mas'ud narrated: 'We used to say: 'As-salamu 'ala Allah, as-salamu 'ala Jibrael, as-salamu 'ala Mikail, as-salamu 'ala so-and-so.' One day, the Prophet ﷺ passed by us and said: 'Verily, Allah is As-Salam (The One Who is Free from all defects and imperfections). So, when you sit in prayer, say: 'At-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat. As-salamu 'alaika Ayyuhan Nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. As-salamu 'alaina wa 'ala 'ibadillahis-salihin. Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallahu, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa Rasuluh.' (All greetings of obedience to Allah, and all prayers and goodness are for Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous slaves of Allah. I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger).'' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6306). The version with 'Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad...' is also part of the established Tashahhud, as transmitted in numerous narrations, including Sahih al-Bukhari 6357.