Durood Sharif (Ṣalāt-‘Alan-Nabī ﷺ) refers to sending blessings and peace upon Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It is among the most honored acts of worship in Islam, directly commanded by Allah ﷻ in the Qur’an. Reciting Durood strengthens a believer’s connection with the Prophet ﷺ, increases love in the heart, and brings countless blessings in this life and the Hereafter. The obligation to recite Durood was revealed in Surah Al-Ahzab (33:56), where Allah ﷻ commanded the believers to join Him and His angels in sending salutations upon the Prophet ﷺ. From the earliest days of Islam, the companions (Ṣaḥābah) eagerly recited Durood whenever the Prophet’s name was mentioned, and it became a hallmark of their love, respect, and devotion.
Over time, different forms of Durood were narrated in authentic hadith collections, with Durood Ibrahim being the most famous, as it is recited in daily Salah. Scholars throughout Islamic history emphasized that Durood is not limited to prayer but can be recited at any time, bringing divine mercy, forgiveness, and spiritual elevation. This rich tradition continues to unite Muslims across the world in expressing their love for the Prophet ﷺ.
The Prophet ﷺ said that whoever sends blessings upon him once, Allah ﷻ sends blessings upon that person ten times. This immense reward shows the elevated status of this practice in Islam.
Importance of Durood Sharif in the Qur’an
Allah ﷻ commands believers to send blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ:
Arabic: إِنَّ اللَّهَ وَمَلَائِكَتَهُ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ ۚ يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا صَلُّوا عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا تَسْلِيمًا
Transliteration:
Inna Allāha wa malā’ikatahu yuṣallūna ‘ala-n-nabiyy. Yā ayyuhā alladhīna āmanū ṣallū ‘alayhi wa sallimū taslīmā.
Translation (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:56):
Indeed, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O you who have believed, send blessings upon him and greet him with peace.
This ayah is the foundation of Durood Sharif. It shows that sending blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ is not just recommended, but a divine command.
The Famous Durood Sharif (Durood Ibrahim)
The most authentic and widely recited Durood is Durood Ibrahim, recited in Salah:
Arabic: اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ. اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ.
Transliteration:
Allāhumma ṣalli ‘alā Muḥammadin wa ‘alā āli Muḥammad, kamā ṣallayta ‘alā Ibrāhīma wa ‘alā āli Ibrāhīm, innaka Ḥamīdun Majīd.
Allāhumma bārik ‘alā Muḥammadin wa ‘alā āli Muḥammad, kamā bārakta ‘alā Ibrāhīma wa ‘alā āli Ibrāhīm, innaka Ḥamīdun Majīd.
Translation:
O Allah, send Your mercy upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, as You sent mercy upon Ibrahim and upon the family of Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious. O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious.
Durood Ibrahim holds a special status as it is directly taught by the Prophet ﷺ and recited daily in Salah. Its words embody both praise and blessings, connecting believers with the Prophet ﷺ and his family in every prayer. By reciting it consistently, Muslims fulfill a divine command and strengthen their bond with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
Hadith on the Virtues of Durood Sharif
Some hadith on the virtues of Durood Sharif emphasize the immense rewards of sending blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ. Every recitation brings ten blessings from Allah, elevates one’s rank, and erases sins. It is a means of attaining closeness to the Prophet ﷺ and Allah’s mercy. Let’s take a look at some:
1. Reward of Ten Blessings
Prophet ﷺ said:
Arabic: مَنْ صَلَّى عَلَيَّ وَاحِدَةً صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ عَشْرًا
Transliteration:
Man ṣallā ‘alayya wāḥidatan ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi ‘ashran.
Translation:
Whoever sends blessings upon me once, Allah will send blessings upon him ten times. (Sahih Muslim)
This Hadith highlights the immense reward of reciting Durood Sharif, for every single blessing sent upon the Prophet ﷺ, Allah grants tenfold blessings in return. It reflects Allah’s mercy and generosity towards those who remember His beloved Messenger ﷺ.
2. Intercession on the Day of Judgment
Prophet ﷺ said:
Arabic: أَوْلَى النَّاسِ بِي يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ أَكْثَرُهُمْ عَلَيَّ صَلَاةً
Transliteration:
Awlā an-nāsi bī yawma al-qiyāmati aktharuhum ‘alayya ṣalāh.
Translation:
The closest of people to me on the Day of Judgment are those who send the most blessings upon me. (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hasan)
This Hadith shows that those who frequently recite Durood Sharif will gain the Prophet’s ﷺ closeness and intercession on the Day of Judgment. It reminds believers that sending blessings upon him is a path to nearness, honor, and salvation in the Hereafter.
3. Removal of Worries and Forgiveness
Prophet ﷺ said:
Arabic: مَنْ صَلَّى عَلَيَّ صَلَاةً صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ بِهَا عَشْرًا، وَحُطَّتْ عَنْهُ عَشْرُ خَطَايَا، وَرُفِعَتْ لَهُ عَشْرُ دَرَجَاتٍ
Transliteration:
Man ṣallā ‘alayya ṣalātan ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi bihā ‘ashrā, wa ḥuṭṭat ‘anhu ‘ashru khaṭāyā, wa rufi‘at lahu ‘ashru darajāt.
Translation:
Whoever sends blessings upon me once, Allah will bless him ten times, remove ten sins from him, and raise him ten ranks. (Sunan al-Nasa’i)
This Hadith beautifully explains that sending Durood Sharif brings multiple benefits; Allah grants ten blessings, erases ten sins, and elevates the believer by ten ranks. It is a powerful act of worship that removes worries and draws one closer to divine mercy.
Types of Durood Sharif
Let’s take a look at some types of durood sharif that muslims recite globally:
- Durood Ibrahim: recited in Salah.
- Durood Tunjina: known for protection in hardship.
- Durood Lakhi: recited for abundant blessings.
- Simple Durood: like: “Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad” (O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad).
All forms carry reward, but Durood Ibrahim remains the most authentic.
Benefits of Reciting Durood Sharif
Below are salient advantages:
- Earns Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.
- Elevates ranks in Paradise.
- Brings peace, tranquility, and blessings in life.
- Removes hardships, grief, and sins.
- Ensures closeness to the Prophet ﷺ on the Day of Judgment.
- Brings barakah (blessings) in wealth, family, and time.
How and When to Recite Durood Sharif
Durood Sharif can be recited at any time, but it is especially recommended during Salah, after the Adhan, on Fridays, and whenever the Prophet ﷺ is mentioned, bringing countless blessings to the believer. Here is a list:
- During Salah (in Tashahhud).
- Morning and evening adhkar.
- On Fridays, as it is specially recommended.
- Before making dua, as it strengthens the acceptance of supplications.
- In gatherings, as angels record and send blessings back upon the one who recites.
Tafseer Insights
Scholars explain that reciting Durood Sharif connects believers to both Allah ﷻ and His Messenger ﷺ. It is not simply words of praise, but a divinely inspired act of worship that brings mercy into a believer’s life. Ibn Kathir mentions under Surah Al-Ahzab 33:56 that when a person sends blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ, Allah Himself responds by sending ten mercies upon that believer.
Conclusion
The recitation of Durood Sharif is among the most beloved acts in Islam, carrying immense spiritual benefits, forgiveness, and closeness to the Prophet ﷺ. Every Muslim should strive to make it a daily habit, especially on Fridays, during dua, and in Salah. By doing so, we fulfill a Qur’anic command, follow the Sunnah, and earn Allah’s mercy in abundance.
