Praying for other than the prophets by saying “May Allah pray upon him and grant him peace”

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, you mentioned (may Allah preserve you) in a previous lesson that it is permissible for us to say this for a deceased person, even if he was not one of the Companions. Is it permissible to say “May Allah pray upon him and grant him peace” for other than the prophets, especially since this is also considered a form of supplication?

Answer:
There is nothing wrong with it, as long as this is not adopted as a specific title for certain individuals, such as the Shi'ah saying “peace be upon him” for 'Ali and Ibn Baha. This is a title specific to them, so it is not permissible to single out certain Companions with this phrase while excluding others. However, in a general sense, there is nothing wrong with it, or using it for certain individuals by saying “peace be upon him” or “May Allah pray upon him.” There is nothing wrong with that. Allah the Exalted said to His Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) regarding prayer, and He remained silent regarding prayer for Allah. He said (peace and blessings be upon him) that the prayer of Allah upon the family of Awwas means supplication.