01-06-2007, 11:27 PM
Hi Curious,
We do this out of love and respect for the Prophet, and yes we do the same when speaking. It is even common when hearing a speaker mention the name of the Prophet the listeners will say salallahu alayhe wasalaam (SAW) which means in English Peace be upon him. So PBUH and SAW actually mean the same thing, just a different language.
Maybe you noticed that after the mention of any prophet you will see the same. Like Jesus (pbuh). Islam gives respect to all the Prophets of God.