Q 6: It is known that the phrase "peace be upon him" is used (Part No. 24; Page No. 161) to supplicate to our Prophet Muhammad. Is it permissible to use the same supplication with other prophets? Who is entitled to these phrases: "may Allah be pleased with him", "may Allah honor his face", "may Allah be merciful with him" and "may Allah protect him"? In addition, is it permissible to supplicate to Allah for an honorable scholar who spends his life calling people to Allah, such as Shaykh `Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz, by saying "may Allah be pleased with him" or "peace be upon him"? Can we do that with modern scholars after their death?

A: Firstly: The supplication: "peace be upon him" is not exclusive to our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), but it is for all prophets (peace be upon them all). Secondly: Muslim scholars agreed to specify the supplication "may Allah be pleased with him" to the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet, may Allah be pleased with them all) and there is no harm in using this phrase with any Muslim. Thirdly: The supplication "may Allah honor his face" is not transmitted from the Salaf (righteous predecessors). It is a Bid`ah (innovation in religion) introduced by Al-Rafidah sect while supplicating to `Aly ibn Abu Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) to distinguish him from other Companions. Such distinction is not permissible and based on that this phrase should not be repeated. Fourthly: The supplications "may Allah be merciful with him" and "may Allah protect him" are both lawful and can be used with live or dead Muslims. (Part No. 24; Page No. 162) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.