"phub" etymology

jusaskin wrote: What reasoning or teachings do Muslims use to ask God "to grant His peace and blessings on that messenger"?

I would like to add my two cents on this one if I may:
Allah (swt) instructed the true believers that should make a practice of this act according to the follow verse in holy Quraan:
Al-Ahzab (The Confederates)

33:56 Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet: O ye that believe! Send ye blessings on him, and salute him with all respect.

Since all acts are being recorded; this is a no brainier no cost high yield investment cuz the return is ten fold blessings for the believers own safety here now in this world and his intercession guarantee on the day of reckoning plus a fill of the cup from his reservoir when one would need most.

jusaskin wrote: And a related question: do Muslims also ask God's blessings on others that have died, such as loved ones or family members?

Of course; If you read the end part of five daily prayers the believer performs,  a prayer that Prophet Ibrahim( Abraham)(as) said  and that goes as follows:
O Lord, make me  and my children stead fast in prayer. O Lord, accept my prayer. Our Lord forgive me and my parents and the believers on the day of judgment.


Edited by Sign*Reader

 

 Jusaskin, that is true. We do request Allah to forgive and bless the living and the deceased, young or old, male or female. In that respect we may be like Catholics. We believe that our prayers can help those who have passed away. While they cannot pray for us any more because they have passed away.

 As we pray for the blessings of allah on the prophets and our prophet Muhammad, that blessing for them all is increasing day by day and mounting.

jusaskin wrote: Would someone be kind enough to explain why Muslims attach to the name of Muhammad, the phrase "peace be upon him", or variations such as "saw", "pbuh", etc.? I find it puzzling that extra attention be placed faithfully on the mention of his name, and occassionally other prophets as well, but not on the mention of "Allah". I would expect emphasis on the Creator rather than the created; something on the order of how Jews will not spell out entirely the name of God as a sign of respect.

Hi,

you are right about where the emphesis should be and it is that way in Islam. I think you just misunderstood. Muslims praise God all the time. We don't praise our beloved prophet or any of God's prophets for a matter of fact. What you are refering to translates somewhat like this when mentioned followed by the name of any of God's prophets, i.e.  Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus of Mohammad (pbut): May God's peace and blessings be upon them, or him if its one.

Unlike jews and christians of this era, muslims have been regarding all of God's messagers as guides and teachers for mankind and put them in a more respectful position than anyone else. So any time we address them by name we ask God to grant His peace and blessings on that messenger. Thus we also affirm that they were human like us and needed God's blessings.

Hasan