in prayer and invoke peace upon him, as Allah and His Messenger commanded them. During prayer, they would supplicate for themselves, choosing whichever prescribed supplications they wished. As related in the authentic hadith of Ibn Masʿūd, after teaching him the tashahhud, he said:

“Then let him choose whichever supplication he likes best.”

They would not go to the grave, whether from inside the chamber or outside it, to offer supplication, invoke blessings or peace upon him, or fulfil any other duties owed to him that are enjoined everywhere—let alone go there to seek the fulfilment of their needs, as those who practise polytheism and religious innovation do. Such conduct was unknown during the first three generations, whether at his grave or anyone else’s: neither in the time of the Companions, nor that of their Followers, nor that of the generation after them.

When a person endowed with faith and knowledge grasps these matters, he understands what Islam teaches concerning them and distinguishes between those who understand monotheism, the Sunnah and faith, and those who are ignorant of them.

It has thus become clear that the Rightly Guided Caliphs and the majority of the Companions would enter the mosque and invoke blessings upon the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, there. They would not greet him when leaving Medina or returning from a journey. Rather, they would enter the mosque, pray there and invoke peace upon the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, without coming to the grave. The intention of some of them was to offer a greeting.

Furthermore, it is recommended for everyone entering the mosque to invoke peace upon the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, saying:

“In the name of Allah, and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, forgive my sins and open for me the gates of Your mercy.”

Likewise, when leaving, one says: