Want to send blessings on the Prophet during your prayer? Good news — it’s usually recommended and doesn’t nullify the prayer, but a few cautions apply.
The general ruling on sending salawat during the prayer is that it is recommended (mustahabb). That means doing it has reward and omitting it is not sinful. However, in some cases one should be cautious and pay attention to specific points.
Sending salawat during the prayer is not objectionable and does not invalidate it. Saying salawat after hearing a stated verse and after the blessed name of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) is, according to the view of the majority of jurists, recommended and carries virtue.
Sending blessings on the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) is one of the recommended and meritorious acts in Islam. Sending salawat is a sign of love and devotion to the Messenger of God and his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and it carries abundant reward. But regarding sending salawat during the prayer, there are rulings that must be observed.
H3 — Include the Ahl al-Bayt in the salawat
When sending salawat, it is better to mention the Ahl al-Bayt as well. For example: “Ṣallā Allāhu ʿalā Muḥammad wa āl Muḥammad.”
H3 — Timing for sending salawat
During the prayer, whenever the name of the Prophet (peace be upon him) or the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) is mentioned, one may send salawat.
H3 — Maintain attention to the prayer
When sending salawat, one must not neglect the prayer; attention should be kept to rukuʿ, sujūd and the other essentials of the prayer.
H3 — Juristic differences
Scholars differ in some details about sending salawat in prayer. Therefore it is preferable to ask your marjaʿ (religious reference) for guidance on specific points.
H2 — The virtue of sending salawat
Sending salawat brings peace to the heart and spirit.
Salawat strengthens one’s faith and draws the person nearer to God and His Messenger.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) will intercede for those who send blessings upon him.
H2 — Conclusion
Sending salawat during the prayer does not invalidate the prayer and is generally recommended, provided the worshipper preserves the attention and essential movements of the prayer and follows the cautious points noted above.
