إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ وَمَلَـٰٓئِكَتَهُۥ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى ٱلنَّبِىِّ ۚ يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ صَلُّوا۟ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا۟ تَسْلِيمًا 56
Translations
Indeed, Allāh confers blessing upon the Prophet, and His angels [ask Him to do so]. O you who have believed, ask [Allāh to confer] blessing upon him and ask [Allāh to grant him] peace.
Transliteration
Inna Allaha wa-malaikatahuyu-salloona ala al-nabiyyi. Ya-ayyuha al-ladhina amanu sallum alayhi wa-sallimum tasleema.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah establishes that Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and commands the believers to do likewise with proper respect and submission. Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir interpret this as a divine directive emphasizing the Prophet's elevated status and the obligation of believers to honor him through sending salutations (durood/salat) upon him. The phrase 'tasleema' (complete submission) reinforces that these salutations should be accompanied by sincere devotion and obedience to his teachings.
Revelation Context
Revealed in Medina during a period when the Prophet's leadership and spiritual authority were being established and tested by external enemies and internal discord. The context of Surah Al-Ahzab addresses the events of the Battle of the Confederates (Ghazwat al-Ahzab) and emphasizes the Prophet's crucial role in the Muslim community's survival and guidance.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Whoever sends one salutation upon me, Allah will send ten salutations upon him' (Sahih Muslim 408). Also, 'Do not make my grave a place of festivity, and send prayers upon me wherever you are, for your prayers will reach me' (Sunan Abu Dawud 2042).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that honoring and supplicating for the Prophet Muhammad is not merely a cultural practice but a divine command with spiritual significance. In modern times, it teaches that maintaining connection to the Prophet's teachings and legacy through regular salutations is a means of strengthening one's faith and securing divine blessings.