What Does “Peace Be Upon Him” Mean in Islam?

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Plus, understand why (& how) Muslims use this respectful phrase

Co-authored by Mufti Samir Wahid and Devin McSween

Last Updated: June 26, 2025 Fact Checked

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Meaning

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Translation to Arabic

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Usage

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Why Muslims Say PBUH

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Do non-Muslims say PBUH?

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Other Honorific Phrases

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“Peace be upon him” is an Islamic phrase that Muslims usually say or write after mentioning the prophet Muhammad and other prophets of Allah.^{[1]
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Mufti Samir Wahid
Islam Expert

Expert Interview} Whether you’re a practicing Muslim or not, you might be wondering why Muslims say this phrase. In this article, we’ll go over the significance of “Peace be upon him” and the reasons why people say it, as well as whether or not non-Muslims need to say it. Read on to learn more!

What is the meaning of “peace be upon Him”?

“Peace be upon him” or “PBUH” is a respectful phrase that Muslims say or write after mentioning a prophet of Allah. It’s mostly associated with Muhammad, but Muslims use it after referring to other prophets like Adam and Jesus. Muslims say it to show respect, receive blessings, and grow closer to Allah.

Section 1 of 6:

“Peace Be Upon Him” Meaning

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“Peace be upon him” is a phrase Muslims use after mentioning a prophet. In Islam, “Peace be upon him” is a respectful phrase that Muslims say or write after referring to the prophet Muhammad, as well as other prophets and messengers of Allah.^{[2]
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Mufti Samir Wahid
Islam Expert

Expert Interview} It is a way to honor these important religious figures.^{[3]
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Mufti Samir Wahid
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- Example: “Sending blessings to Muhammad, peace be upon him, can bring you closer to Allah.”
- Abbreviation: PBUH

Section 2 of 6:

“Peace Be Upon Him” in Arabic

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“Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam” is the Arabic version of “Peace be upon him.” “Peace be upon him” is the English version of the Arabic phrase “Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam” (صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ). It literally translates to “Blessings and peace of Allah be upon him.”^{[5]
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- Example: “Muhammad, sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, was Allah’s chosen messenger.”
- Abbreviation: SAWS or SAW or ﷺ
- Both “Peace be upon him” and “Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam” are appropriate to use.

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When do you use “Peace be upon him” in Islam?

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Say or write “Peace be upon him” after mentioning any prophet. While “Peace be upon him” is most associated with the prophet Muhammad, Muslims use it after mentioning any prophet or messenger of Allah, like Adam, Nuh (Noah), and Isa (Jesus).^{[6]
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Mufti Samir Wahid
Islam Expert

Expert Interview} If you’re Muslim, you say “Peace be upon him” directly after speaking the prophet’s name or write it directly after referencing him.^{[7]
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- Example: “Allah made Adam, peace be upon him, in His image.”
- Most Muslims say “Peace be upon him” after hearing someone else say a prophet’s name, too.
- There is also debate about whether you have to say or write “Peace be upon him” after every time you mention the prophet. Some Muslims say it’s okay to only use it once when first mentioning the prophet, while others say you need to use it after each reference.
- Speak to your imam for guidance on what is considered appropriate when saying “Peace be upon him” and what best practices they recommend.
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Write “PBUH” or “SAWS” after mentioning a prophet in writing. In writing, many Muslims prefer to use the abbreviation for “Peace be upon him” or “Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam” after they mention Muhammad or another prophet. “PBUH” and “SAWS” still allow Muslims to pay their respects to the prophets, but are often seen as more helpful in writing because they’re less obtrusive and save time and space.^{[8]
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- However, there is debate about whether it is appropriate to use “PBUH” or “SAWS.” Some Islamic scholars say you have to write out the full phrase to stay respectful.

Section 4 of 6:

Reasons Muslims Say “Peace Be Upon Him”

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Saying “peace be upon him” is a practice that’s required by the Quran. The Quran says, “Indeed, Allah showers His blessings upon the Prophet, and His angels pray for him. O believers! Invoke Allah’s blessings upon him, and salute him with worthy greetings of peace” [Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:56].^{[9]
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Research source} So, many Muslims agree that it is mandatory, or at the very least recommended, to pay their respects to Muhammad after mentioning him.
- However, there is some debate about whether it is considered obligatory to say “Peace be upon him,” or simply recommended:^{[10]
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  - Some scholars say it is obligatory for Muslims to say or write it every time they mention or hear Muhammad.
  - Some agree it is only mandatory to give Muhammad blessings at least once in a person’s entire lifetime.
  - Some scholars say it is only obligatory to send blessings during prayer.
  - Other scholars say it is recommended to send Muhammad blessings (mustahabb) but not obligatory (i.e., not a sin if it’s not said).^{[11]
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Saying “PBUH” also shows respect for the prophets. At its core, saying “Peace be upon him” is a way for Muslims to respect and honor the prophets of Allah for their incredible acts and teachings. It’s considered a polite way to “greet” and acknowledge the prophets when they talk about them.^{[12]
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PBUH is meant to bring Muslims closer to Allah. Sending blessings to Muhammad (PBUH) and the other prophets is considered an act of worship of Allah, as He recommends this practice in the Quran [Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:56]. For Muslims, understanding and reciting the Quran are some of the best ways to connect with Allah and strengthen their faith.^{[13]
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- Imam Mekaeel Mohsin agrees, saying “the best thing that you can do to get closer to Allah is connect yourself with Him” by “reading [the Quran],” “trying to comprehend it,” and applying “it to [your] daily life.”[v162436_b01]. 3 August 2023
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PBUH may also bring blessings and forgiveness to Muslims. According to the Sunnah, Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Whoever sends blessings upon me once, Allah will send blessings upon him tenfold and will erase from him ten misdeeds and raise him ten degrees in status” [Sunan an-Nasa'i 1297]. So, when Muslims wish peace and blessings upon Muhammad, they benefit as well. They receive the same kindness back from Allah and earn His mercy for their sins.^{[14]
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According to the Sunnah, Muhammad (PBUH) said, “When any one of you makes dua, let him start by glorifying his Lord and praising Him, then let him send blessings upon the Prophet (PBUH), then let him pray for whatever he wants” [Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3477]. So, many Muslims believe that sending Muhammad their blessings before they ask dua can improve their chances of Allah accepting and answering their prayers.^{[15]
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Do non-Muslims have to say “Peace be upon him?”

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No, but many non-Muslims still say it to be respectful. For people who aren’t Muslim, it isn’t necessary to say “Peace be upon him” after mentioning Muhammad (PBUH) or a prophet—it’s not seen as rude or offensive because these people do not worship Allah or follow the Quran. However, many non-Muslims choose to say “Peace be upon him” to show their respect for Islam and appreciate the Muslims in their lives.
- It’s not seen as rude or offensive to say “Peace be upon him” as a non-Muslim, either.

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Other Honorific Phrases in Islam

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For prophets, messengers, and angels There are many other respectful phrases that Muslims say or write after mentioning the other prophets of Allah (besides Muhammad (PBUH)) and angels, like Jibril. For example, they might use:^{[16]
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- Alayhi al-salam or AS (عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام) which means “Peace be upon him”
- Alayhim al-salam or AS (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) which means “Peace be upon them”
- Alayhi salatu wa salam or ASWS (عَلَيْهِ ٱلصَّلَاةُ وَٱلسَّلَامُ) which means “Blessings and peace be upon him”^{[17]
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- Note: These phrases are not used for Muhammad. “Peace be upon him” and “Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam” are considered the best phrases to use for him.
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For Muhammad’s (PBUH) companions Muhammad had many followers and companions who are also highly respected and honored in Islam. Muslims may say these phrases after mentioning a specific companion of Muhammad or his followers in general.^{[18]
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- Radi allahu anhu or RA (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) which means “May Allah be pleased with him”
- Radi allahu anhaa or RA (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا) which means “May Allah be pleased with her”
- Radi allahu anhum or RA (رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ) which means “May Allah be pleased with them”
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For Allah Most Muslims say or write an honorific phrase after mentioning Allah, too. There are several phrases Muslims might use to glorify and praise Him, like:^{[19]
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- Subhanahu wa ta'ala or SWT (سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ) which means “Glorified and exalted is He”
- Tabaraka wa ta'ala or TWT (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) which means “Blessed and exalted”
- Azza wa-jall or AZWJ (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) which means “Mighty and the majestic”