An illiterate person is one who

Q 3: Is it permissible to write the letter "ص" (SAW) as an abbreviation for "صلى الله عليه وسلم" (Salallahu `alayhi wa Salam: peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). If not, why?

A: According to the Sunnah, the sentence (صلى الله عليه وسلم) should be written in full. (Part No. 12; Page No. 209) This is because (صلى الله عليه وسلم) is a Du`a (supplication). It is known that a Du`a' is an act of worship. However, pronouncing or writing the letter "ص" or "صلعم" (PBUH) is neither a Du`a' nor an act of worship. This symbol was not used during the three centuries which the Prophet (peace be upon him) described as the best generations of Islam.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.