Why do Muslims add "peace be upon him" after names of important people?

Muslims add "peace be upon him" (often abbreviated as PBUH) after mentioning the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as a sign of respect and reverence. This practice is rooted in the Qur'an, where Allah commands the believers to invoke blessings upon the Prophet. In Surah Al-Ahzab, it states: 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 highlights the importance of sending blessings upon the Prophet as an act of worship and loyalty.

Additionally, it is a common practice to extend this salutation to other prophets and important figures in Islam as a means of showing respect and acknowledging their significant roles in the faith. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself emphasized the importance of this practice in various narrations. For instance, he taught that saying "peace be upon him" brings blessings to the one who mentions him (as per various hadith).

This tradition reflects the Islamic values of respect, honor, and the recognition of the contributions of these important figures in guiding humanity. Thus, saying "peace be upon him" is not merely a ritual but an expression of love and respect for the Prophet and other revered figures in Islam.