I am a non-Muslim, atheist who writes on religion often. I would like to be respectful towards Islam and Muslims.
I know that when Muslims write (in English) they put 'peace be upon him', 'PBUH', 'Allah's peace and blessings be upon him' or the Arabic for the same after the names of prophets.
As I am an atheist and not a Muslim, I do not believe in life after death or in Allah, and thus I do not think it is possible to wish for the wellbeing of the dead. Thus, if I write 'PBUH', it is technically a lie (because I do not believe what I am saying).
I do not care about telling such a minor 'untruth'; I am very happy to add 'PBUH' after the Prophet's name. It does not hurt me and I always want to be respectful.
However, I want to know: does Islam object to me making a 'false' wish (invoking Allah and the Prophet when I do not believe that either exist)? Would it be better not to add 'PBUH' unless I truly believe in the 'PBUH'? I just want to do whatever is most respectful towards Muslims and Islam!