Shaykh Ul Islam Imam Muhammad Anwaarullah Farooqui (May Allah sanctify his secret) - Life and teachings

In Namaaz, which is a worship in itself, it is Wajib (compulsory) to recite the Tashahud, in which the Muslims send greetings (Salaam) to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  Here a doubt might arise that should we send the Salaam, by directing our attention to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) or not?  Is it Shirk (associating with Almighty Allah) during an act of worship to direct ourt attention to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  Hadhrat Shaykh Ul Islam makes a detailed case for this and establishes the ruling itself and the etiquette of following it.  Then he writes:

Translation: No Muslim should think that directing one’s attention to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) during the Namaaz is Shirk of worship, because when the commandment for this has been given by the Law-Giver, then all thoughts against are wrong and ridiculous.  To try to explain them away would be similar to the attempts of Iblis when asked to prostrate to Hadhrat Adam (May peace be upon him).

Now we should understand that if Salaam is so important, that one section of Namaaz has been kept entirely for that, then how much more should we not practice at other times, although granting that these things are not binding on the populace.  For them only what the Law-Giver decrees as enough is enough, but those blessed with intellect should think about this for as even an indication is enough for an intelligent person.  All in all, when one wants to convey Salaam to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) at a particular time, then one should stand up and with utmost humility say:

Assalamalaikum Ya Sayyidina Rasoolallah

Assalamalaikum Ya Sayyidina Sayyidal Awwaleen Wal Aakhareen

and other such words and phrases which express the greatness and grandeur of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) should be used.  Here somebody may raise the objection that standing up is similar to worship and that is not allowed; if Salaam is allowed in worship itself, then why should it not be allowed if it similar to worship.  If it is said that the Holy Quran says that standing up is specifically only for Almighty Allah, then we would say, truly standing in Salaat is only for Almighty Allah.  If it meant all kinds of standing, then why would (the word) Almighty Allah be mentioned in the verse.  To sum up, this verse means that the standing in Namaaz is obligatory and not every standing.  In the opinion of the majority of Fuqaha (Islamic Law experts), standing up by way of respect for anybody is also correct. (Anwar-e-Ahmadi, Pg No: 175, 176)