The short answer
When Muslims mention Muhammad they add a short blessing, usually “peace be upon him” or, more fully, “may God bless him and grant him peace”. In Arabic this is sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, often abbreviated in writing as ﷺ or PBUH. Qur’an 33:56 says that God and His angels send blessings on the Prophet and asks believers to do the same.
A little more context
The phrase expresses love and respect, not worship; Muslims say “peace be upon him” for other prophets too, including Jesus and Moses. Non-Muslims are not expected to use it, and no offence is taken when they do not.
Sources & further reading
- Qur’an 33:56 God and the angels bless the Prophet; believers are asked to do so.
- Sahih Muslim 408 The reward of sending blessings on the Prophet.
Original introductory summary, not a direct scripture translation. Prepared 21 October 2026. Qualified human religious review is pending. About our editorial approach.