Home » Shafi'i Fiqh » Shafiifiqh.com » Using Acronyms Like “SAW”

Using Acronyms Like “SAW”

Answered as per Shafi'i Fiqh by Shafiifiqh.com

Question:

As salamu “alaykum

What is the hukm for the use of abbreviation when writing – for example when sending blessing and salams over the Prophet by writing (SAW or SAWS).

Is it mubaah, makruuh or haram?

Jazaakum Allah

Country: Denmark

Answer:

Wa alaykum salam wa rahmatuLlahi wa barakatuHu,

Imam Nawawi stated that it is recommended [mustahabb] for one to write صلى الله عليه وسلم out in full after mention of the Prophet Muhammad. (Sharh Sahih Muslim v. 1, p. 38) According to some, like Hafiz Sakhawi, using an acronym in place of writing it in full is better to avoid [khilaf al-awla]; and according to others, like Hafiz ‘Iraqi, it is disliked [makruh]. (Fath al-Mughith v. 3, p. 47)

It should also be noted that the acronyms, like “SAW” and “SAWS,” are commonly used by Muslims for “SallAllah alayhie wa sallam.” Yet, they may be used for other phrases too. Thus, when featured after the Prophet Muhammad’s name, we understand what they mean. Even so, writing it out in full removes all ambiguity.

Therefore, it is advisable that one write it in full.

May Allah forgive us and guide us. May He send the choicest of prayers and salutations on RasulAllah.

And Allah knows best.

Shafiifiqh.com Fatwa Dept.

This answer was collected from Shafiifiqh.com which was a repository of Islamic answers as per the Shafi’i madhhab. The website no longer functions. At its peak, many ‘ulama were involved with the site including Shaykh Mawlana Taha Karaan, Shaykh Abdul-Fattah ibn Abdullah, and Shaykh AbdurRagman Khan.

Read answers with similar topics: