Q: Who started to write raziyallahu anho and when? Did Prophet Mohammed (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) ever used this title with any Sahabi? And why do we pray to Allah when Sahaba are dead and their life test is over. Can we make Allah more happy with Sahaba by saying this?
A: This could be traced from the time of the taabi`een or tab`e taabi`een.
Just as you make du`aa for your parents even though they are late, so too you should make du`aa for the Muslims in general, the Sahaabah and the great elders in particular as a token of appreciation.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)