Salawat: Difference between revisions

Salawat is the plural form of "Salat", and from the root of "S-L-W", meaning prayer, salutation, greeting, and mercy. "Salat", the singular form of "Salawat", also means the ritual prayer, and it is called so since it includes some prayers, and thus "Salawat" has a plural meaning in Arabic, and means ritual prayers, prayers (in general), or salutations. In Persian though, it is not regarded as a plural word, but it has rather assumed a terminological meaning of the special salutation upon [[the Prophet (s)]] and his family.

Arabic philologists have mentioned that when used as salutation and greeting, the meaning of the word "Salat" would vary according to who has used the word, and to whom it is used for. For instance; "Salat" of the Prophet (s) upon believers is a prayer for their welfare, blessing, and salvation, "Salat" of angels upon one means that they implore forgiveness and blessing for him, "Salat" of believers upon Muhammad (s) shows their praise and respect for him, "Salat" of [[God]] upon the Prophet (s) is to grant His blessings to him, and that of angels means that they implore God's blessings for him.