How do we respect the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, alive and dead?

The right of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) over his Ummah, both alive and deceased, is immense. It is manifested in honoring and exalting him. Allah Almighty says: "Indeed, We have sent you as a witness and a bringer of good tidings and a warner, so that you may believe in Allah and His Messenger and honor him and revere him," and His saying: "So those who have believed in him, honored him, supported him and followed the light which was sent down with him – it is those who will be the successful."

Ibn Taymiyyah defines "ta'zeer" (honoring) as supporting the Prophet, aiding him, and protecting him from anything that harms him. "Tawqeer" (revering) is defined as exalting and glorifying him in a way that safeguards him from anything that compromises his dignity.

The reverence for the Prophet (peace be upon him) is manifested in words and actions that indicate his glorification, such as frequently sending blessings upon him, following his Sunnah, defending his religion, walking in his path, being pleased with his Companions, magnifying his Sharia, inviting to what he invited to, expending what is precious and valuable in supporting his religion, and loving him more than oneself, one's wealth, and one's children.