Benedictions and Beliefs

By Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Posted: 6 Jamad-ul-Awwal 1424, 6 July 2003


Q.) I want to ask the question about the benedictions which we use with the names of our Ambia kiram, alayimu-salam and Sahaba kirams, Radi-Allahu anhu. Is it permissible to use alayhi salam instead of Radi-Allahu anhu with the name of Sahaba? As per my knowledge alayhi salam can only be used with the name of Ambia. Please clarify. [Aamir Khan]

A.) Alayhis salaam literally means 'May salaam be upon him'. Radhiallaahu Anhu literally means 'May Allah be pleased with him'.

Allah's salaam and peace is upon both, all the prophets and all the Sahaba (Radhiallaahu Anhum). Similarly, Allah Ta'ala is happy with both, all the prophets and all the Sahaba (Radhiallaahu Anhum).

However, both terms, Alayhis salaam and Radhiallaahu anhum have assumed a terminology for the prophets and the Sahaba respectively. There is nothing wrong if one terminology is used for the other provided that the correct Aqeedah is maintained for each group, the prophets who are Ma'soom (free from sins) and the Sahaba who are not Ma'soom but generally Mahfooz (protected) from sins.

Generally, the Shi'as adopt the terminology alayhis salaam for Syedna Ali, radi-Allahu anhu. In principle, there is nothing wrong with that. However, their use of such a terminology also has far reaching implications. For example, they believe in the superiority of an Imam over a prophet and align the terminology of prophets for all the Imams. Therefore, today the use of the terminology 'alayhis salaam' and 'Radi-Allahu anhu' must be viewed in the light of Aqaaid as well and not in isolation. And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best