Salawāt upon prophets - for the reader, the writer, or both?

The concept of Salawat, or blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, is significant in Islamic tradition and is directed toward both the Prophet himself and the believers who recite it. The Qur'an emphasizes the importance of sending blessings upon the Prophet, stating, Lo! Allah and His angels shower blessings on the Prophet. O ye who believe! Ask blessings on him and salute him with a worthy salutation. 33:56. This verse clearly indicates that it is a divine command for the believers to engage in this practice, highlighting its communal aspect.

Tafsir Ibn Kathir notes that the act of invoking blessings upon the Prophet serves to enhance one's own status and is a means of gaining Allah's mercy. It fosters a connection between the believer and the Prophet, reinforcing the importance of following his example and teachings. Similarly, Al-Mizan mentions that sending blessings upon the Prophet acknowledges his pivotal role and honors his contributions to the faith.

Additionally, hadith literature further clarifies the significance of this practice. For instance, Sahih al-Bukhari records the Prophet saying, When we prayed with the Prophet we used to say, 'Peace be on Allah from His slaves and peace be on so and so.' The Prophet said, 'Don't say As-Salam be on Allah, for He Himself is As-Salam, but say, At-tahiyatu lil-lahi was-salawatu wat-taiyibatu. As-salamu 'Alaika aiyuhan-Nabiyu warahmatu-llahi wa barakatuhu' Sahih al-Bukhari 12:797. This narration emphasizes how the Salawat is a structured part of the prayer, indicating its importance in the worship of Allah.

In conclusion, Salawat is intended for both the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the believers. It serves as a means of expressing reverence and gratitude towards the Prophet while also being a source of spiritual benefit for the one who recites it.