Why is it said, "May peace be upon him" (ʿalayhi al-salām) for Jesus, and not, "May the prayers and peace of Allah be upon him" (ʿalayhi al-ṣalāh wa al-salām)?
It is permissible to say: "May the prayers and peace of Allah be upon him" (عليه الصلاة والسلام) or "May Allah pray upon him and grant him peace" (صلى الله عليه وسلم) for all prophets. This is a mercy from Allah coupled with veneration, and it is specific to the prophets, not used for others except in conjunction with them. The angels have been included with them due to their shared infallibility. The verified scholars have concluded that it is obligatory to specify the Prophet and all other prophets with prayers and peace, just as Allah is specifically mentioned with sanctification and transcendence, while others are mentioned with forgiveness and pleasure. Praying upon the prophets is legislated by consensus.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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