Is Saying "Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam" Alone Valid Without Naming the Prophet?

❖ Ruling on Saying "صلى الله عليه وسلم" Alone Without Mentioning the Prophet’s Name ❖

Question:​

Is it permissible to say only "صلى الله عليه وسلم" without mentioning the name of Rasūlullāh ﷺ, or is mentioning his name required?

✔ Answer by:​

Shaykh Kamran Ilahi Zaheer (حفظه الله)
Shaykh Ikramullah Wahidi (حفظه الله)

◈ Ruling: Permissible and Sufficient​

• Saying "صلى الله عليه وسلم" on its own is permissible and valid.
• It is a complete supplication (duʿāʾī expression) and is part of the prescribed formula of sending ṣalāh and salām upon the Prophet ﷺ.
• Though mentioning the Prophet’s name before it is more virtuous, it is not mandatory.

Supporting Evidence:​

• "صلى الله عليه وسلم" is widely accepted as an independent invocation, conveying ṣalāt (blessings) and salām (peace) upon the Prophet ﷺ.
• No explicit condition exists requiring it to be coupled with the name of the Prophet ﷺ for its validity or reward.

Summary:​

✔ Saying "صلى الله عليه وسلم" alone is completely valid and rewardable.
✔ Including the Prophet’s ﷺ name (e.g. “Muḥammad صلى الله عليه وسلم”) is preferable and more complete,
but omitting it does not nullify the expression or make it inappropriate.