324. What is meant by the word ‘Salawat’?

Some translators have understood this verse (33:56) of the Quran wrongly. They have translated this as “ Since Allah and the angels send blessings on the prophet, you the believers send your blessings” 

The word “salawat” in the verse has a dual meaning: 

1) Blessing others . 

2) Seeking blessings 

In this verse the word ‘Salawaat’ is referred to in connection with Allah, angels, and men. We cannot attribute it to mean the same in all the three contexts.

If it is taken to mean as “sending blessings” then, it would mean Allah is sending his blessings, angels are sending their blessings, hence you also send your blessings on Prophet Muhammad. This understanding would lead to a dangerous message being conveyed. Because the angels and men are not capable of blessing.

And if it is taken to mean as “seeking blessings” would stand to be applicable only in the case of men, and the angels. And not in the case of Allah, because it would mean as Allah seeking blessings from another Allah for Prophet Muhammad, and seeks to demolish the very edifice of Islam. Hence Muslims should avoid using words such as “Allah says salawat.”

To arrive at a correct meaning of the word “salawat” it should be taken to mean blessing

Hence on these fundamentals this should be translated as “Allah blesses Prophet Muhammad, the angels seek blessings for him, and you also seek the blessings of Allah for him.

Verse (33:43) of the Quran stands testimony, it should be translated as above. 

When verse 33:56 is translated by these people as “Allah says salawat on Prophet Muhammad” the same word ‘salawat’ should be applied to verse 33:43. 

But the word blessings is used, meaning ‘Allah sends His blessings”. 

Since their conscience tells them not to use the word “salawat”, they are making use of the correct word.

Verse 33:56 of the Quran also needs to be translated on the same basis.