Is it better, in prayers other than the Salawat al-Ibrahimiyyah, to mention the Companions when invoking blessings upon the Prophet and his family, such as by saying: "O Allah, bestow Your peace, blessings, and grace upon our Prophet Muhammad, upon his family and all his Companions," or is it sufficient to invoke blessings and peace upon the Prophet and his family only, such as by saying: "O Allah, bestow Your peace, blessings, and grace upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family"?

The 'Aal' (family/kin) refers to the followers of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, including his relatives, wives, companions, and those who followed them. This is similar to the Almighty's saying, "Admit the people of Pharaoh to the severest torment," where 'people' refers to his followers. Mentioning the Companions after the 'Aal' is a way of mentioning the specific after the general, for emphasis and to highlight their virtue. The أهل السنة (Ahl al-Sunnah) have customarily conjoined the Companions with the 'Aal' in sending prayers upon the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. Outside of the Tashahhud in prayer, it is preferable to mention the Companions when sending prayers upon the Prophet. However, in the Tashahhud, one should adhere only to what has been authentically narrated.