111.

١١١. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللّٰهِ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ:

«رَغِمَ أَنْفُ رَجُلٍ ذُكِرْتُ عِنْدَهُ فَلَمْ يُصَلِّ عَلَيَّ وَرَغِمَ أَنْفُ رَجُلٍ دَخَلَ عَلَيْهِ رَمَضَانُ ثُمَّ انْسَلَخَ قَبْلَ أَنْ يُغْفَرَ لَهُ وَرَغِمَ أَنْفُ رَجُلٍ أَدْرَكَ عِنْدَهُ أَبَوَاهُ الْكِبَرَ (أَوْ أَحَدُهُمَا) فَلَمْ يُدْخِلَاهُ الْجَنَّةَ».

111. It was narrated from Abu Huraira (r.a.) that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:

“May those who do not invoke blessing on me upon hearing my name become miserable! May those who reach the month of Ramadan and pass it without receiving forgiveness become miserable! May those whose parents live their elderly years with them and the children cannot enter into Paradise by pleasing their parents become miserable!” (Tirmidhi, Daawat, 100/3545)

 

Explanations:

It is impossible for the followers of the Muhammad Mustafa (pbuh) to thank enough for having the honor of being his followers. That is because the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) is the most beloved servant of Allah and the most eminent among His prophets. Allah the Almighty has commanded His servants who love Allah to follow the Messenger of Allah as an indication of their love. Allah tells us that He will love us back and that He will forgive our sins if we act in this way. (Al-i Imran; 3:31)

One of the verses of the Qur’an related to Allah’s love for His messenger is as follows:

اِنَّ اللهَ وَمَلٰۤئِكَتَهُ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ يَاۤ اَيُّهَا الَّذينَ اٰمَنُوا صَلُّوا عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا تَسْل۪يمًا

 

“Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet: O you who believe! Send you blessings on him, and salute him with all respect.” (Al-Ahzab; 33:56)

In this verse, after our Almighty Lord expresses His love, blessings, and compassion towards the Prophet, He then commands us to invoke blessings on him, salute him with all respect, and obey his orders.

Salat has several meanings such as asking for forgiveness and mercy, supplication, blessings, praising, celebrating, and honoring. Muslim scholars made various interpretations of this word depending on who is saying it:

– “The meaning of Allah’s invocation of salat upon one of His servants” is that He shows mercy on that servant, purifies him by exalting his name and honor, bestows upon him divine rewards, and protects him by making him successful.

– “The meaning of angels’ invocation of salat upon a servant of Allah” is that they ask for his forgiveness, pray for him to realize the blessings of Allah, to elevate his spirituality, and to help him in any cases.

– “The meaning of Muslims’ invocation of salat upon the Messenger of Allah” is that they pray for his goodness, show their respect to him, and exalt his reputation.

The meaning of “Salam” mentioned in the above mentioned verse refers to salvation, soundness, peace, and safety. Salam also means submission, obedience, and be in peace.

In this case, when we invoke blessings upon the Messenger of Allah (pbuh), as if we pray to Allah the Almighty as follows:

“O my Lord!  Exalt the reputation and honor of the Prophet both in this world and Hereafter! Spread the religion Islam that he brought to the whole world and protect this religion as long as the world exists! In the hereafter, give him the right to intercede for his followers and give him countless divine rewards! Bless him with salvation, peace, and safety!”

Muslim scholars have differing views about the ruling of invocation of blessings upon the Messenger of Allah:

Some of them argued that it is obligatory (fard) to invoke blessings upon the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) both upon a person who mentions the name of the Messenger of Allah and upon those who hear it. Others maintained that it is necessary (wajib) to invoke blessings on the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) a lot without limiting it with a certain number. Some others view that no matter how many times the honorable name of the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) gets mentioned in a given gathering, it is enough to invoke blessing upon him just once. In order to be on the safe side, it is better to invoke blessings upon the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) each time his name is mentioned or he is remembered.

The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) informs us that he personally receives our blessings. That is because prophets are alive in a life form that is special to them. ^[1]

In one of his sayings, the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) stated that:

“There are Allah’s angels wandering on earth. They bring the greetings of my followers to me.” (Nasai, Sahw, 46/1280)

How would we feel if we were truly aware that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) knows about our greetings thanks to the angels who transmit them, receives our humble gifts and accepts them graciously, and even responds to them? Probably our psychology would change, and we would try to invoke salat on the Messenger of Allah all the time. Indeed, this is very honorable and an important blessing for a believer. By invoking salats upon the Messenger of Allah, one can both communicate with the Endless Pride of the Worlds (pbuh) and also gain many divine rewards.

It is a blessing of Allah that He bestows so many rewards so easily upon His servants. When we think about this, would we consider invocation of blessings as a difficulty? It is just a matter of uncovering from the veil of heedlessness.

On the other hand, there is no precondition that one must fulfill before invoking blessings upon the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) either. One can invoke blessings on the Messenger of Allah anytime, anywhere and under any circumstances. As a matter of fact, the Pride of the Universe (pbuh) said:

“…invoke blessings on me, for your blessings reach me wherever you may be.” (Abu Dawud, Manasik, 96-97/2042)

While it is possible to invoke blessings on the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) anytime, it is especially virtuous to continue doing it on Fridays. One day, the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:

“The best of your days is Friday; so invoke blessings upon me frequently on that day, for your invocations will be presented to me”

The Noble Companions asked:

“O Messenger of Allah! How will our blessings be presented to you when your decayed body will have mixed with the earth?”

Upon that, the Prophet (pbuh) said:

“Allah has prohibited the earth from consuming the bodies of the Prophets.” (Abu Dawud, Salah, 201/1047. Also see. Nasai, Jum’a, 5; Ibn Majah, Iqamah, 79)

 Ali (r.a.) said about the virtues of invoking blessings on the Prophet on Fridays:

“Whoever invokes blessings on the Messenger of Allah a hundred times on Fridays, he appears on the Day of Judgment with his face very beautiful and shining with the divine light. Everyone envies him and asks each other:

“What good deed did this man perform?” (Baihaqi, Shuab, III, 212)

Allah gives ten times the divine rewards and elevates the spiritual level of those who invoke blessings on the Messenger of Allah. It is said in a noble hadith:

“Whoever invokes blessings on me ten times, Allah sends ten blessings upon him, erases his ten mistakes, and advances his spiritual level ten levels.” (Nasai, Sahw, 55/1290)

Again the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said to one of his Companions who said that he will invoke lots of blessings on the Prophet in his supplications:

“If you do so, Allah removes all of your difficulties and forgives your sins.” (Tirmidhi, Qiyamah, 23/2457)

In addition, Gabriel (pbuh) also responds with many times more to those who invoke blessings on the Prophet:

One day, the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) came to his followers with a smiling face and let them know that Gabriel (pbuh) gave him the following good news:

“O the Messenger of Allah! Would you not be happy if I pray to Allah ten times for the forgiveness of the sins of one of your followers when he invokes blessings on you once, and if I respond to one of your follower’s greetings ten times when he greets you?” (Nasai, Sahw, 55/1293)

This shows the degree of the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) in the sight of Allah and His angels.

The greetings we sent to the Prophet (pbuh) are to our benefit before anyone else. By invoking blessings on the Messenger of Allah (pbuh), we obtain significant rewards such as mercy of Allah, His forgiveness, prayers and supplications of Angels for our forgiveness, and enrichment of the spiritual life. Most importantly, because of our invocations for the Messenger of Allah (pbuh), we will be closer to him in the hereafter. As believers recite the Noble Qur’an and advance their levels in the Paradise, they also get closer to the Endless Pride of the Worlds (pbuh) in Paradise as they invoke blessings on him. Allahumma salli ala sayyidina Muhammadin wa ala alihi wa sahbihi wa barik wa sallim!

Only when the crowded Day of Judgment comes, one can realize the importance of being closer to the Messenger of Allah (pbuh), the loved one of Allah and the sunshine of this world and the hereafter. It is extremely easy to gain this reward which not everybody is blessed with.

By keeping our tongues busy with invoking blessings on the Messenger of Allah all the time…

Those who act reluctant in performing this much rewarding act of invoking blessings on the Messenger of Allah for their own happiness in hereafter are the ones who caught the worst and evil spiritual illness, such as “misery.” As a matter of fact, the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) informed us that the real miser is the one in whose presence the holy honorable name of the Prophet is mentioned but he does not supplicate for the Prophet.

The miser person thinks that his wealth will vanish or it will cost him a lot when he gives something. He thinks that he will profit and be better when he does not give anything to anyone. As a matter of fact, all of these thoughts are wrong. Giving alms increases the wealth. Just like this, those who do not invoke blessings on the Messenger of Allah are making a big mistake. Since invoking blessings on the Messenger of Allah does not require any compensation or anything to give, those kinds of people are the real misers and they are the ones who will be inflicted more losses. As a matter of fact, a simple effort will benefit them a lot in hereafter.^[2]

So, those who act reluctant and become miser in invoking blessings on the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) are inflicted with losses without even realizing them. Since our Master the Pride of Universe (pbuh) could not stand this, he warned with a strong language those who do not invoke blessings on him upon hearing his name.

As a matter of fact, one of the requirements of having strong faith is to love the Messenger of Allah (pbuh). We would not have had faith in Allah if we do not love His Messenger more than our parents, children, and even more than our own selves. (Bukhari, Iman, 8; Ayman, 3; Muslim, Iman, 69-70)

One must ensure such love so that his faith would gain perfection, and he would be happy both in this world and the hereafter, because it is the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) who announces and delivers the message of Islam, which ensures the happiness in this world and in the hereafter. Therefore those who do not love the Messenger of Allah can neither ensure happiness in this world nor in the hereafter. One of the most important acts that can help us to achieve such love is to invoke blessings upon the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) when his name is mentioned.

Despite all these benefits, one who abandons invoking blessings on the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) deserves to be miserable, to deflate, and to fall from both Allah’s and men’s favor and bring shame on himself. As a matter of fact, the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:

“Whoever neglects and forgets to invoke blessings on me gets confused on the way to Paradise.” (Ibn Majah, Iqamah, 25)

Gabriel (pbuh) came to the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) and prayed saying:

“Those who do not invoke blessings on you when your name is mentioned be away from the mercy of Allah!” and the Prophet said “Amin!” (Hakim, IV, 170/7256; Tirmidhi, Daawat, 100/3545)

The reason that our beloved Prophet (pbuh) wanted us to invoke blessings on him and warned those who abandon it is not a personal demand but rather to ensure the respect the rank of prophethood and the spiritual link between the servant of Allah and this rank. As a matter of fact, accepting the existence and oneness of Allah is not enough for a person to be Muslim, one must aslo believe in that the Prophet Muhammad is His Messenger.

Another reason of attaching this much importance to invoking blessings on the Messenger of Allah is the following:

Our Almighty Lord who is so merciful towards His servants wants to forgive them. Therefore, He made invoking blessings on the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) an opportunity for His servants.

On the other hand, wishing for the Prophet to be elevated to Maqam-i Mahmud^[3] in our supplications after performing our prayers or invoking blessings on him is something that will benefit us at the end; because, in this rank, the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) will intercede for the entire humanity.

Invoking blessings on the Messenger of Allah is something that the whole humanity should perform. Humanity that had been struggling with injustices relieved by the religion that he brought. Even those who do not believe in his prophecy benefitted from the divine light of the truth that he brought. He opened up the true path not only for Muslims but for the entire humanity.  Mawlana Jalaladdin Rumi expresses this fact in his work called Fihi Ma Fih as:

“The way to Truth was very frightening, closed, and covered with snow. First, the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) took the burden, rode his horse, and opened up the path. Whoever can go through this path can do so due to his guidance and protection. He opened up the path, put signs on every corner and built columns, and told which ways to go and which ways to avoid.”

Muslims’ debt to the Prophet is even greater, because by bearing unimaginable troubles throughout his life, he saved them from eternal darkness and unbelievable deviations.  Mawlana who wants to awaken our feelings of gratitude addresses the Muslims as follows with his style, full of wisdom:

“O today’s Muslims! If it weren’t for Ahmad’s (pbuh) efforts and zeal and his help to crush the idols, you would be worshiping idols today as your ancestors did.”

For this reason, may our Almighty Lord reward our Prophet as appropriate for his name, and in the most beautiful and good fashion!..

Then, how should we invoke blessings on the Messenger of Allah?

Qa’b b. Ujra (r.a.) narrated:

One day the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) had come to our circle and we asked him:

“O Allah’s Apostle! We know how to greet you; but how can we send ‘Salawat’ (invoking blessings) upon you?

He said:

اَللّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى اٰلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى (اِبْرٰه۪يمَ وَعَلَى) اٰلِ اِبْرٰه۪يمَ اِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ. اَللّٰهُمَّ باَرِكْ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى (اِبْرٰه۪يمَ وَعَلَى) آلِ اِبْرٰه۪يمَ اِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ.

Allahumma Salli ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala Ali Muhammadin, kama sallaita ‘ala al-i Ibrahima innaka Hamidun Majid. Allahumma barik ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala al-i Muhammadin, kama barakta ‘ala al-i Ibrahima, innaka Hamidun Majid.

“O Allah! Let Your mercy come upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as You let it come upon Abraham and the family of Abraham!  Truly You are Praiseworthy and Glorious. O Allah!  Bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as You blessed Abraham and the family of Abraham. Truly You are Praiseworthy and Glorious.” (Bukhari, Daawat, 32; Tirmidhi, Witr, 20/483; Ibn Majah, Iqamah, 25)

Also, when the honorable name of the Prophet is heard, either one of the following blessings can be said:

اَللّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ

اَللّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ

اَللّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ وَبَارِكْ وَسَلِّمْ

Allahuma Salli ‘ala Sayyidina Muhammadin

Allahuma Salli ‘ala Sayyidina Muhammadin wa ‘ala al-i Sayyidina Muhammadin

Allahuma Salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala alihi wa sahbihi wa barik wa sallim

Also we should keep saying short versions of the “salawats” such as “Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam,” “alaihissalatu wa al-salam,” or “Alaihissalam.”

The word “barik” stated in salats means “abundance.” Abundance refers to increase goodness, kindness, and favor, and to purify from mistakes and improve.

The Family of Muhammad, i.e. “al-i Muhammad” refers to the wives, children, and other relatives of the Prophet. Scholars like Imam Malik have said that the entire followers of the Prophet Muhammad are included in the term al-i Muhammad. On the other hand, some scholars limited this term with God-consciousness and said that the term “al-i Muhammad” includes only God-conscious and pious followers of Prophet Muhammad. As a matter of fact, the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:

أَلَا إِنَّ آلَ أَبِي لَيْسُوا لِي بِأَوْلِيَاءَ إِنَّمَا وَلِيِّيَ اللّٰهُ وَصَالِحُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ

 

“Notice that my friends are not the family of my father. My real friends are Allah the Almighty and righteous believers.” (Muslim, Iman, 366; Bukhari, Adab, 14)

According to another narration, the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) gathered the tribe of Quraish and said:

“My friends among you are the ones who are pious.” (Hakim, II, 358/3266)