Q 5: To invoke Allah's blessings upon the Prophet (peace be upon him), some people say: "O Allah, bless our master Muhammad, the revealer of what has been blocked, the seal of what has preceded, the defender of the Truth and the guide to the straight path.". Is this invocation Sahih (authentic) or not?

A: This invocation has not been authentically reported from Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him). Though most of its wording is acceptable, this part "the revealer of what has been blocked" still needs more explanation. If it means that the Prophet (peace be upon him) revealed through his religion what had been ambiguous, it will be considered acceptable. Otherwise, it should be explained in detail so a person can judge it. A better substitute for it is to invoke Allah's blessings upon the Prophet (peace be upon him) as in Al-Salat-ul-Ibrahimiyyah (the second part of the Tashahhud). The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught it to his Sahabah (Companions) and then they reported it to their followers. All Muslims say it at the end of Salah and before they recite Taslim (salutation of peace ending the Prayer). Therefore, this is the permissible invocation, but as to the invocation called Salah Al-Fatih, it is a Bid`ah (innovation in religion). It should be abandoned because it has not been reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) and because its wordings are general and may be right or wrong.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.