Surah Al-Ahzab, Ayah 56

Reflection

This verse reveals that Allah Himself and His angels send blessings upon Prophet Muhammad, then commands believers to do the same. Allah's "salah" upon the Prophet means His praise and honor of him, while the angels' "salah" means their prayers for his elevated status. Believers are commanded to ask Allah to bless the Prophet (sallu alayhi) and to greet him with peace (sallimu tasliman). This establishes the practice of sending salawat (blessings) upon the Prophet as a religious obligation. This teaches that the Prophet holds a special status honored by Allah and the angels, that believers should regularly invoke blessings upon him, that this practice connects believers with Allah and the angels in honoring the Prophet, and that showing respect and love for the Prophet is a sign of faith. The command emphasizes the Prophet's continued significance and the believers' ongoing relationship with him.