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Full-version-Shefa-bio-of-Prophet, page : 295
Generally speaking the word "prayer" means supplication and asking for mercy, unless stated otherwise in an authentic hadith or the consensus of scholars that restrict its meaning.
Allah says, "It is He who has mercy on you, and His angels" (33:43). He also says, "Take charity from their wealth, in order that they are thereby cleansed and purified, and pray for them" (9:103). And, "On those will be prayers and mercy from their Lord" (2:157).
The Prophet was heard supplicating for blessings upon his Companions, he said, "O Allah, bless the family of Abu Awfa."
When people brought the obligatory charity to him for distribution, he supplicated, "O Allah, bless the family of so-and-so."
In the hadith mentioning the prayer on the Prophet we find, "O Allah, bless Muhammad, his wives and descendants," or "and the family of Muhammad." The latter has been explained with the meaning of either his people or household, and it was said those for whom charity is forbidden.
When the Prophet was asked, "Who are the family of Muhammad?" Anas tells us he replied, "All those who fear Allah."
The Judge Abufadl Eyad mentioned he inclined to the opinion of renowned scholars for example the opinions of Malik and Sufyan, may Allah have mercy on them.
Regarding the "prayer" on the Prophet:
Each prophet and messenger is a member of the rank of prophets and messengers and nobody shares these ranks not even their family, wives or companions, or followers. Each prophet in his own merit is subject to the invoking the angels supplication and the praise of Allah.
The "extended prayer" on their wives and family members, the prophet's family and family members are added to this supplication, not on their own merit but as the favor of Allah for the prophet.
Allah says, "It is He who has mercy on you, and His angels" (33:43). He also says, "Take charity from their wealth, in order that they are thereby cleansed and purified, and pray for them" (9:103). And, "On those will be prayers and mercy from their Lord" (2:157).
The Prophet was heard supplicating for blessings upon his Companions, he said, "O Allah, bless the family of Abu Awfa."
When people brought the obligatory charity to him for distribution, he supplicated, "O Allah, bless the family of so-and-so."
In the hadith mentioning the prayer on the Prophet we find, "O Allah, bless Muhammad, his wives and descendants," or "and the family of Muhammad." The latter has been explained with the meaning of either his people or household, and it was said those for whom charity is forbidden.
When the Prophet was asked, "Who are the family of Muhammad?" Anas tells us he replied, "All those who fear Allah."
The Judge Abufadl Eyad mentioned he inclined to the opinion of renowned scholars for example the opinions of Malik and Sufyan, may Allah have mercy on them.
Regarding the "prayer" on the Prophet:
Each prophet and messenger is a member of the rank of prophets and messengers and nobody shares these ranks not even their family, wives or companions, or followers. Each prophet in his own merit is subject to the invoking the angels supplication and the praise of Allah.
The "extended prayer" on their wives and family members, the prophet's family and family members are added to this supplication, not on their own merit but as the favor of Allah for the prophet.