wasallam

Wasallam is the final element of the Islamic honorific phrase commonly written in transliteration as sallallahu alayhi wasallam. The phrase is used after the name of the Prophet Muhammad to invoke blessings and peace. In Arabic, wa means “and,” salam means “peace,” and alayhi means “upon him.” The full expression is often translated into English as “May Allah bless him and grant him peace,” with wasallam representing the “and peace be upon him” portion.

Usage and context: Muslims use sallallahu alayhi wasallam when mentioning the Prophet Muhammad in speech or writing as a sign of respect. The practice appears in religious texts, sermons, and everyday discourse. In English-language discussions, the phrase is frequently shortened to the initialism PBUH (peace be upon him) or SAW (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). While most common for Muhammad, the same honorific formula with alayhi wasallam or alayhissalam may appear after references to other prophets, reflecting different linguistic traditions.

Linguistic variants and related terms: Wasallam is sometimes rendered as wa-sallam or separated from the preceding blessing in transliteration. The component is closely related to other Arabic honorifics used in Islam, such as alayhi wasallam (upon him be peace) and alayhissalam (peace be upon him), with regional and stylistic variations in pronunciation and spelling. The practice underscores etiquette surrounding the respectful mention of revered figures in Islamic tradition.