Ask a Muslim: The meaning behind ‘Peace be upon him’

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By Maimoona Harrington | FāVS News Columnist

You use “peace be upon him” for both Allah and Muhammad. Why? Shouldn’t that be used for Allah alone?

Is not Muhammad just a man like any of us, but someone that God used, just as he did the prophets in the Old Testament? God blessed and gave them insight, but he never exalted them above others. They were men in need of his grace, just as all of us are. It was humility in that they did not see themselves as greater than others that exalted them in God’s eyes.

The most common honorific phrase or words used by Muslims for Allah (God) is “Subhanahu wa ta’ala” in short “SWT,” meaning “Glory be to Him, the Exalted.” 

There are other similar honorifics also used for Allah (SWT), like “Jalla Jalaluhu,” meaning “May His glory be glorified” or “Az-zawajjal,”  meaning “The Majestic.”

Islamic honorifics used by Muslims for Prophet Muhammad is “Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam” or “SAW” in short, meaning “Salutations and peace be upon him (PBUH).” 

The honorific used for Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) family and companions are, “Sallallah Alayhi Walihi WaSabihi Wasallam – SAW,” meaning “Salutations and peace be upon him and his household and his companions.” 

Islamic honorifics for all the other prophets of the Abrahamic religion is “Alayhis Salam – AS,” meaning “Peace be upon him.”

In chapter 18, verse number 110, of the Quran, Allah (SWT) addresses the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):

“Say, ‘I am only a man like you, to whom has been revealed that your god is one God. So whoever would hope for the meeting with his Lord — let him do righteous work and not associate in the worship of his Lord anyone.” (Chapter 18 – Verse 110)

I hope this helps clarify that the phrase “peace be upon him – PBUH” is not used for Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala – SWT), but rather exclusively for the prophets. This is because prophets, while human like us are distinguished by their noble character and the immense responsibilities entrusted to them.

The views expressed in this opinion column are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of FāVS News. FāVS News values diverse perspectives and thoughtful analysis on matters of faith and spirituality.