Express Courier Service Takes Our Salaam

The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Allah has angels travelling about the earth to convey to me the salaams of my Ummah.” [An-Nasaai]

This hadith indicates to us the high station of the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) for Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) has appointed angels just to take each person’s salaams to him (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam).

There are more than a billion Muslims on earth today. Five times a day in our prayers we send salaams. When we hear “Muhammad” mentioned in the Adhan we say “sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam.” The Adhan happens around the clock as there is always some corner of the earth from which the Adhan is being called. Whenever mention is made of Allah’s last Messenger in any gathering, we send salaams on him.

The salaam is a short prayer for peace and blessings for the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam). We send salaam to the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam), (1) as a form of greeting, (2) out of the love that we have for him, (3) in appreciation for the hardships he undertook so Islam could reach us, and (4) out of hope for Allah’s reward in exchange for showing respect and love to His last Messenger (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam).

From this hadith we also learn that we don’t need to be in the Prophet’s city, beside his grave, in order for our salaam to reach him. It is wonderful to be physically there but not every Muslim has the means to go, nor can those who go, stay for very long. But anyone can send the gift of salaam to the Prophet at any time and from anywhere. This is such a great blessing from Allah (subhana wa ta’ala). The angels act as an express courier service and take our salaams to him anytime of day or night.

Finally, this hadith informs us that the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) himself does not travel the earth to attend the gatherings where he is mentioned. Such un-Islamic beliefs have unfortunately found their way into the Bidat (innovations) that have been introduced into the religion.