Virtues of sending Durood on Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam

Transcribed from the Islaahi Majlis on 13/10/2022 (Part 1 & 2)

Discussing Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam is a Source of Blessings

Whenever Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam is mentioned, it is a source of great Barakah. There is a saying that when the pious people are spoken about, the Rahmah of Allah Ta’ala descends. Leave aside their existence; if we had to find ourselves in their presence, we would be in another world altogether. So we can only imagine what happens when the name of Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam is mentioned. Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam was “Sultaan-ul-Awliya” (the King of all the Saaliheen), and he was “Sayyidul Ambiya Wal Mursaleen” (the leader of all the Ambiya Alaihimus Salaam and messengers).

(لقد من الله على المؤمنين إذ بعث فيهم رسولاً من أنفسهم) [آل عمران: 14].

In this verse, Allah Ta’ala speaks of favouring the believers by sending a Nabi to them who was from amongst them. We are taught that when a favour is done for us, then we should look for ways to return the favour. However, the favour of Allah Ta’ala, by sending Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam to us, can never be repaid. However, one way of expressing our gratitude is to send Durood on Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. Durood is such a speciality that Allah says in the Quraan:

ان الله وملائكته يصلون على النبي يا أيها الذين آمنوا صلوا عليه وسلموا تسليما

This Ayah informs us that not only do the Malaaikah send Durood but also, Allah Ta’ala is a part of this, whereas Allah Ta’ala is not a partner in anything else with the Malaaikah.

The word يصلون is in the current and future tense which shows that this action is perpetual. Allah Ta’ala also commands mankind to send Salawaat on Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam.

In this world, we remember when someone does a favour for us. Our Sheikh gives an example of this.

An Unforgettable Favour

A person is travelling at night and he has mechanical problem with his car. He pulls over on to the side of a road. Another Muslim person stops to assist him. He invites the traveller home and calls ahead to his family to prepare a meal for them. It’s late, so the host invites the family to spend the night and puts them at ease saying he has already organized for a tow truck to tow their car. The next morning, the host sees to the car, fills the tank with petrol and gives it to the owner without asking for any remuneration. If this was a reality, a person of this magnitude and character will never be forgotten. Like that, the Ihsaanaat (favours) of Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam are innumerable upon the Ummah.

Had it not been for Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam the world wouldn’t have been created! All these favours are attributed to the creation of Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. If it wasn’t for Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, we wouldn’t have had the sun, the moon, the skies, the rain. We wouldn’t have had Makkah Sharif, Madinah Sharif, five daily Salaah or Taraweeh. And we wouldn’t have had Imaan. All this, and more, was given to us because of the blessings of Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam.

لولاك لما خلقت الخلق

“Had it not been for you, I wouldn’t have created the creation!:

This is not a Hadith but many of the commentators of Hadith, such as Mullah Ali Qari Rahimahullah and others, have stated that the meaning is correct. We are doing a favour to ourselves by sending Salaawat upon Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam

Considering the above, it is impossible to repay these favours, but Durood and Salawaat are one way in which we can show our gratitude. The reality is that we are not doing Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam a favour by sending Durood, but instead we are doing a favour to ourselves.

The Name of Allah and His Rasul in Adhaan

In Quraan Sharif, Allah Ta’ala states in Surah Inshiraah:

و رفعنا لك ذكرك

Allah Ta’ala has raised the status of Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam such that, whenever the name of Allah Ta’ala is taken, it is coupled with Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. Our Sheikh mentions that due to the difference in geographical locations, at any given time, Adhaan is being called out somewhere in the world, be it for Fajr, Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib or Isha. And in the Adhaan, together with the name of Allah Ta’ala, the name of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam is taken.

In Al Qowlul Badi it is mentioned that Hadrat Ka’ab Radiallahu Anhu sat in the Majlis of Hadrat Aisha Radiallahu Anha. It was said that every morning, 70 000 Malaaikah gather at the Qabr of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam and send Durood on Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam until the evening. In the evening, another 70 000 Malaaikah gather and spread their wings, reciting Durood until the morning. This will continue until the Day of Qiyaamah.

Babies send Salawaat upon Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam

Also, in Al Qowlul Badi it is mentioned that when a baby is born, for the first two months the cries of the baby are actually the baby testifying to the Shahaadah. The next four months in the baby’s life, its cries are a testimony to its reliance in Allah Ta’ala. The following eight months thereafter, the baby’s cries are Durood being sent to Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. Two years after that, the cries of the toddler are Maghfirah (forgiveness) for the parents. Where modern day lifestyles dictate to limit having children, our Deen teaches us that for the first two years of a child’s life, it is a source of forgiveness for parents. Such is the rank of Durood that even a baby sends Salawaat on Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam.

Dedicating All of One’s Time to Durood

It is narrated that once, when a quarter of the night had passed, Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam woke up and commented that Qiyaamah is coming and death is coming with all its difficulties, wake up and make the Zikr of Allah Ta’ala and remember Allah Ta’ala. Hadrat Ubay Radiallahu Anhu asked: “O Rasulullah! How much time should I set aside for Durood?” Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam replied: “Whatever you wish, you may stipulate as Durood.” Hadrat Ubay Radiallahu Anhu then said: “I will set aside a quarter of my time.” Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam replied: “Whatever you wish you may stipulate but try to do more than that.” He then asked: “What if I make it half my time?” Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said: ” Whatever you wish but try to make it more than that.” He then asked: ” What if I make it two thirds of my time?” Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam replied: “Whatever you wish but try to make it more than that.” On this Hadrat Ubay said: “What if dedicate all my time to Durood?” Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said: “Whatever needs you have will then be fulfilled and your complete forgiveness will be granted just on Durood Sharif.”

Hadrat Sheikh Maulana Muhammad Zakariyya Saheb Rahimahullah used to advise any person with any problem to recite Durood Sharif. Our Sheikh says that we couldn’t understand the reason behind this advice then, but now, in our senior age, we have understood.

Durood Benefitting a Person on the Day of Qiyaamah

Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said that on the Day of Qiyaamah, scores of people will come to the Haudh-e-Kauther but they will only be recognized by Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam through the Durood that they sent in this world, and then they will be given water to drink from there. Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam also said that there will be those people who will be struggling on the bridge of Siraat. They will be stumbling and crawling but through their Durood, Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam will assist them over into Jannah. Through the bounty of Durood Sharif, Dunya is sorted out and Aakhirah is secured as well.

The Mubaarak Hair of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam

Abu Hafs Samarqandi Rahimahullah mentions an incident of a man who was wealthy and pious. When this person passed away, he left behind two sons. Each heir would receive 50% of the estate. When they set about to distribute the estate, they came upon three strands of the Mubarak hair of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. It was the opinion of the elder brother that each of them take one strand of hair and they cut the remaining hair in half and each take a piece. The younger brother refused saying that it was not possible to cut the Mubarak hair of Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. The elder brother then suggested that he gives all three strands of hair to the younger brother and the younger brother, in turn, should give the elder brother his entire share of inheritance. The younger brother accepted without hesitation, knowing the value of the Mubarak hair of Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. As time passed, through the Barakah of Durood, the younger brother increased in his wealth while the wealth of the older brother diminished.

After the younger brother passed away, someone saw him with Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam in a dream. Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said that if anyone has a need, they should visit the grave of this person and ask Allah Ta’ala through the virtue of this person. This dream became so widely known that people who would be passing by on their journey would stop and visit the Qabrastaan. This was the honour the Marhoom received just through his respect for the Mubarak hair of Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam.

Durood Benefits a Drunkard

In the previous Ummah, there was a drunkard. He was once walking when he fell into a ditch and passed away. This man was an unknown to the people. Allah Ta’ala inspired the Wali of the time to go and retrieve this man’s body and give him Ghusl and bury him. The Wali carried out this command, but the people were confused because they knew the drunkard to be an evil person. Allah Ta’ala inspired the Wali that this man had once read the Taurah and he found the name of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. He kissed the name of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, he placed the name of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam on his eyes, and just once in his life, he sent Durood upon Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. Through the Barakah of that one Durood, on his passing, a great Wali performed his burial rites and buried him.

Hadrat Molana Daya Saheb Rahimahullah of Malboro had so much love for Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam that on aThursday night, he would not answer the phone as his time was dedicated to Durood and Salawaat. He, too, enjoyed a Mubarak death and thousands attended his burial.

Qaseedah Burda Sharif 

With regards to the Qasida Burda, many wonder how it came about. The author was Allaamah Busairi Rahmatullahi Alaih, who had suffered from paralysis on half of his body. He wrote the Qasida Burda which consists of 160 poems and thereafter, he made Dua through the Waseelah of this for Allah Ta’ala to cure him. While making Dua, he fell off to sleep and had a dream in which he saw Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. In the dream, Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam passes his Mubarak hand over the paralyzed side of Allaamah Busayri’s body and leaves a shawl with him. When he woke up, he found that his paralysis was cured. He also found the shawl there with him. And this is why it’s called Qasida Burda which translates to the “Poem of the Shawl”.

It is noteworthy to mention that there were two people whom Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam presented a shawl to. One was Allaamah Busayri Rahmatullahi Alaih, and the other was Hadrat Ka’ab bin Zuhayr Radiallahu Anhu.

Hadrat Ka’ab had also rendered some poetry praising Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam was so happy that he gave him a shawl. Hadrat Muawiya Radiallahu Anhu had a lot of love for Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam and anything of Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam that was considered to be Mubarak, Hadrat Muawiya desired to have it. Many people do not believe in Tabarruk, but this is the proof from Sahaaba Radiallahu Anhum. Hadrat Muawiya Radiallahu Anhu offered Hadrat Ka’ab Radiallahu Anhu 10 000 Dirhams for the shawl. Hadrat Ka’ab refused to sell it.

Upon his passing away, his son Hadrat Uqba Radiallahu Anhu inherited it. Hadrat Muawiya offered him 20 000 Dirhams for the shawl. Hadrat Uqba accepted the offer and sold it. It is mentioned about this shawl, that Hadrat Muawiya Radiallahu Anhu and the Khulafa of the Bani Umayya and the Banu Abbas would don this shawl and then attend the Eid Salaah. They would wear it if they were attending any special occasion as well. During the destruction of Baghdad by the Tartars, the Euphrates River turned black from the ink of the handwritten Kitaabs that were destroyed. It was during this ruin that the shawl given to Hadrat Ka’ab bin Zuhayr Radiallahu Anhu went missing.

Let us reflect on how virtuous Durood is that it honoured people in life and death. It fulfils one’s needs in Dunya and Aakhirah. On a Thursday night, we should commence with Durood and continue throughout Friday. Allah Ta’ala grant us Taufeeq to make Amal, Ameen.

Wisdom behind us asking Allah Ta’ala to send Salaawat on our behalf

What is the wisdom behind us asking Allah Ta’ala to send Salawaat upon Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam on our behalf. The first reason is, we might err in our action (and use incorrect words) and thereby bring misery to ourselves, whereas by handing it over to Allah Ta’ala, it will be executed with perfection. The second reason is that Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam is pure and free from sin. Hence, the Ulama explain that we are sinful beings, therefore, our Salawaat should be sent through Allah Ta’ala.

Stones and Trees Greeting Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam

Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam recounts his journey of Me’raj where he met with Allah Ta’ala. Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam says that, thereafter every stone and tree that he walked by, would greet him with:

السلام عليك يا رسول الله

Once Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam was travelling and stopped for a rest at a particular area. A tree in the vicinity uprooted itself and walked up to Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, greeted him, and then returned to its original position. Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam told the Sahaba Radiallahu Anhum that the tree sought permission from Allah Ta’ala to greet him.

It comes in a Hadith that the shortest Durood is:

صلى الله عليه وسلم

which takes a minimal amount of time to read in abundance. However, the best Durood is Durood Ibraheem and this is why it is read in our Salaah. In this Durood we ask Allah Ta’ala to send Salawaat on Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, coupled with Nabi Ibraheem Alaihis Salaam. The question arises why Nabi Ibraheem Alaihis Salaam is included in Durood. The Ulama give several reasons for this:

1) Due to the honour of Nabi Ibraheem Alaihis Salaam-he was the father of all the Ambiyaa Alaihimus Salaam.

2) Nabi Ibraheem Alaihis Salaam had made Dua for Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam (for the final Nabi to come).

3) Nabi Ibraheem Alaihis Salaam is Khaleelullah i.e. the friend of Allah Ta’ala, and Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam is Habeebullah i.e. the beloved of Allah Ta’ala.

Some people have raised an objection that it seems we are asking Allah Ta’ala to send Salawaat on Ibraheem Alaihis Salaam, and like that, to send mercy on Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam. In other words, we are giving a higher position to Nabi Ibraheem Alaihis Salaam over Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. The Ulama responded that this happened prior to Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam knowing that his position was higher than Nabi Ibraheem Alaihis Salaam. And this was also a testament to the humility of Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam in honouring Nabi Ibraheem Alaihis Salaam despite Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam holding a higher position over him.

Durood is a Substitute for Sadaqah

Sometimes a person feels reluctant to give Nafl Sadaqah. By reciting Durood, it is a form of Sadaqah.

A person is having financial trouble. By reciting Durood, Allah Ta’ala will increase his sustenance.

A man who fears poverty should send Durood on Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam and Allah Ta’ala will protect him from poverty. A person who sends Durood on Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, more than 100 needs of his will be fulfilled and Allah Ta’ala will protect him from all types of hardships.

As a person ages, his worries turn from himself, onto his progeny. If a person reads Durood, then Durood will suffice for his children and grandchildren.

Security in our country is an issue. Through the Barakah of Durood, Allah Ta’ala will protect a person that no harm will come to him. By reading Durood, it is benefit upon benefit for us.

It is mentioned in a narration that when a person recites Durood, Allah Ta’ala creates an Angel for that person. The Angel has its feet on the ground while its head touches the ‘Arsh of Allah Ta’ala. It’s wingspan covers the entire East and West. Allah Ta’ala instructs this Angel to make Dua for this person until the Day of Qiyaamah.

Durood Assisting a Person in the Qabr

A person’s neighbour passed away. Thereafter he sees his neighbour in a dream and asks him about his condition. The neighbour replied that it hadn’t been easy when he was placed in the Qabr. When Munkar and Nakeer arrived for questioning, the Qabr started to shake. At this moment, he became fearful and asked them that had he not passed away on Imaan? They replied that he did not protect his tongue in the Dunya and this was the consequence of it. As they were about to punish him, a beautiful person appeared and gave him the answers to the questions. Before the person left, he grabbed hold of him and asked him who he was. The person replied that he was the Durood that he used to read in the Dunya, and Allah Ta’ala had appointed him to look after him.

If a person sends 100 Durood on Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, 2000 mercies are showered on this person and approximately 1000 needs of his are fulfilled. Any person who sends 1000 Durood on Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, before he passes away, he will see his abode in Jannah.

Hadrat Sahl Radiallahu Anhu narrates that a Sahaabi came to Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam complaining of his Rizq. Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam advised him to do three things to attract the blessings of Allah Ta’ala, “When you enter your home, make salaam; send Durood on Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam; recite Surah Ikhlaas.” After inculcating this practice, he had so much in abundance that he was able to assist his neighbours and relatives.

Finding Out the Condition of One’s Deceased Daughter After Death

A lady came to Hadrat Hasan Basri Rahimahullah and told him that her daughter passed away. She enquired as to what condition her daughter was in, inside the grave?

Hadrat Hasan Basri told her to perform 4 Rakaats of Salaah before she sleeps. In every Rakaat, she should recite Surah Fatiha and Surah Inshiraah. Thereafter, she should read Durood until she falls asleep. When she fell asleep, she saw her daughter in a dream. She was in a pitiable state wearing clothes made of coal. Her hands were in cuffs and her legs were chained. She related her dream to Hadrat Hasan Basri and he advised her to give Sadaqah. The lady discharged the Sadaqah and that night, Hadrat Hasan Basri saw a beautiful girl in what appeared to be Jannah. There was a couch near her, and she wore a crown made of Noor. She asked Hadrat Hasan Basri if he knew who she was. He replied in the negative. She then told him that she was the daughter of the lady he instructed to send Durood on Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. Hadrat Hasan Basri was surprised and told her that her mother had given a completely contrasting description of her condition. The girl affirmed that her mother’s dream was true and she added that along with her, 70 000 others were in Adhaab. One person passed through the Qabrastaan and recited Durood. The effect of just this one Durood saved all these people from the punishment of the grave. We learn from this that wherever we may be, we should recite Durood and pass it over to the Marhoomeen.

Hadrat Shamweel Alaihis Salaam

An incident involving Hadrat Shamweel Alaihis Salaam when he faced his enemy is related here. The enemy threatened to annihilate him once he reached the ocean. The people asked Hadrat Shamweel Alaihis Salaam what they should do. He instructed them to read Durood Sharif. On account of them reading Durood Sharif, Allah Ta’ala drowned the enemy and protected Hadrat Shamweel Alaihis Salaam and his followers.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the understanding of the value of Durood. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq to spend majority of our time in Durood, especially on Thursday night and Friday, and we will see the connection we will establish with Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam.