Using “ʿalayhi al-salam” and “radiya Allahu ʿanhu”

Question

Question: is the expression “ʿalayhi al-salam” specific to the prophets ﵈? If so, then why is it said of the angels, for example “Jibril ʿalayhi al-salam”, “Israfil ʿalayhi al-salam”? Likewise, it has been heard that “radiya Allahu ʿanhu” is specific to the noble Companions. Yet some common people and some saintly men of religion have been heard saying “radiya Allahu ʿanhu” for others besides the noble Companions, for example “Imam Abu Hanifa radiya Allahu ʿanhu”, and the Barelvis say it of “Aʿla Hazrat”.

Answer

Salam is a word of supplication (duʿa) which, in its origin, may also be said of those who are not prophets ﵈; it has always been taught at the time of meeting as well. “Al-salamu ʿalaykum” and “wa ʿalaykum al-salam” are said by everyone — the imam and the followers alike — at the end of the five daily prayers; in (saying)

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

Preview. The full text opens with JavaScript enabled.