On sending Durood upon our beloved Nabi sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam (from Ibn ‘Aabideen) which has made such an impact on me that I wished to share it with others Insha Allah.

When we send As-Salaat upon our beloved Nabi sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam, the word “salaat” means, “a complete (kaamil) praise”, except that it is not within our capability to do so. Therefore we have been ordered to consign it to Allah subhaanahu wata’ala to do, which when He does, will be a complete praise.

Another meaning in the word, “salaat” is that of ta’theem (honour/reverence) i.e. “Allaahumma ‘aththimhu”. We are asking Allah subhaanahu wata’ala to elevate/exalt his name in this world i.e. speak of him in a noble manner and by spreading/implementing his Sharee’at. We are also asking Allah subhaanahu wata’ala to exalt him in the Hereafter by multiplying his reward and granting him intersession of his Ummah.

Also Mufti Shafi ra writes that that the status of Nabi sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam is so high, that the act of sending salaat upon him is already being done by Allah himself and his Angels as indicated in Surah Ahzab. By reciting durood, we are asking Allah to increase the salaat he sends upon Nabi sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam.

He also writes that the salaat sent by Allah subhaanahu wata’ala upon Nabi sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam refers to mercy and according to the opinion of some scholars, it means the honour and privilege that is due him.

Therefore when we say, اللّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلى مُحَمَّد (Allaahumma salli ‘alaa Muhammad), we are actually asking Allah subhaanahu wata’ala to send a complete praise which we are incapable of doing and to exalt his name in both worlds.


Yaa Rabbi, salli wasallim daa-i-man abadan 'alaa habeebika khayril khalqi kullihim.