Salawat to the Prophet Muhammad SAW is a form of prayer and praise recited by Muslims as a sign of respect and love for the Prophet. Through salawat, Muslims express their affection for the Prophet Muhammad SAW and follow Allah’s command to continually remember and honor His final messenger.

Understanding Salawat

Linguistically, salawat derives from the word “shalla,” which means prayer or seeking blessings. In Islamic context, salawat refers to prayers and praises directed towards the Prophet Muhammad SAW, as a demonstration of affection and reverence. By reciting salawat, we not only seek blessings from Allah SWT but also strengthen our spiritual connection with the Prophet Muhammad SAW.

Scriptural Basis for Salawat

The significance of salawat is clearly emphasized in both the Quran and Hadith.

1. Quran:

In Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 56, Allah commands Muslims to send blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad SAW:

“Indeed, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O you who have believed, ask [ Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [ Allah to grant him] peace.” [Al-Ahzab 33:56]

2. Hadith:

• In various hadiths, the Prophet Muhammad SAW highlights the importance of salawat. For instance, he said: “Whoever sends blessings upon me once, Allah will send blessings upon him ten times.” (Narrated by Muslim). This illustrates the immense reward Allah grants to those who send blessings upon the Prophet.
• The Prophet also said: “The person closest to me on the Day of Judgement is the one who sent the most blessings upon me.” (Narrated by Tirmidhi). This indicates that salawat can bring us closer to the Prophet Muhammad SAW in the Hereafter.

The Virtues and Benefits of Salawat

After understanding the theological foundations of the command to recite salawat, it is important to know the virtues and benefits derived from practicing it.

1. Atonement of Sins:

Salawat can serve as an expiation of sins and bring mercy and forgiveness from Allah SWT. A hadith states: “Whoever sends blessings upon me once, Allah will erase ten of his sins.” (Narrated by Ahmad). This shows that salawat is a means to obtain forgiveness from Allah SWT.

2. Attaining Intercession:

Those who frequently recite salawat will receive the intercession of the Prophet Muhammad SAW on the Day of Judgement. The Prophet said: “Whoever sends blessings upon me one hundred times on Friday, will come on the Day of Judgement with a face shining like the full moon.” (Narrated by Baihaqi). This motivates us to increase our salawat, especially on Fridays.

3. Drawing Closer to Allah:

Reciting salawat helps Muslims draw closer to Allah SWT by following His command. Frequent recitation of salawat makes us more aware of Allah’s presence and blessings in our lives.

Types of Salawat

There are various forms of salawat that Muslims can recite, each with its own virtues and specific phrases.

1. Salawat Ibrahimiyah:

One of the commonly recited salawat in prayers is Salawat Ibrahimiyah, which goes:

“Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala ali Muhammad, kama sallayta ‘ala Ibrahim wa ‘ala ali Ibrahim, innaka hamidum majid. Allahumma barik ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala ali Muhammad, kama barakta ‘ala Ibrahim wa ‘ala ali Ibrahim, innaka hamidum majid.”

Meaning: “O Allah, send Your mercy upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You sent Your mercy upon Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. Truly, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious. O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. Truly, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious.”

This Salawat is frequently recited in the final tashahhud during prayers and is part of daily supplications for Muslims.

2. Salawat Nariyah:

This salawat is believed to bring various ease and blessings. Its phrase is:

“Allahumma salli salatan kamilatan wa sallim salaman tamman ‘ala Sayyidina Muhammadin alladzi tanhallu bihi al-‘uqadu wa tanfariju bihi al-kurabu wa tuqda bihi al-hawa’iju wa tunalu bihi al-ragha’ibu wa husna al-khawatimi wa yustasqa al-ghamamu bi wajhihi al-karim, wa ‘ala alihi wa sahbihi fi kulli lamhatin wa nafasin bi ‘adadi kulli ma’lumin laka.”

Meaning: “O Allah, bestow complete prayers and perfect peace upon our master Muhammad, by whom knots are untied, difficulties are relieved, needs are fulfilled, desires are attained, and good endings are secured, and by whose noble face the clouds are given rain. And upon his family and companions, in every glance and breath, by the number of all things known to You.”

This salawat is also known as a prayer for overcoming difficulties and attaining blessings.

3. Salawat Tafrijiyah (Salawat Kamilah):

This salawat is recited to seek relief from distress and to fulfill needs. It is also known as the “complete” salawat:

“Allahumma salli salatan kamilatan wa sallim salaman tamman ‘ala Sayyidina Muhammadin alladzi tanhallu bihi al-‘uqadu wa tanfariju bihi al-kurabu wa tuqda bihi al-hawa’iju wa tunalu bihi al-ragha’ibu wa husna al-khawatimi wa yustasqa al-ghamamu bi wajhihi al-karim, wa ‘ala alihi wa sahbihi fi kulli lamhatin wa nafasin bi ‘adadi kulli ma’lumin laka.”

Meaning: “O Allah, bestow complete prayers and perfect peace upon our master Muhammad, by whom knots are untied, difficulties are relieved, needs are fulfilled, desires are attained, and good endings are secured, and by whose noble face the clouds are given rain. And upon his family and companions, in every glance and breath, by the number of all things known to You.”

4. Salawat Munjiyat:

Known as the “Salawat of Salvation,” this salawat is recited to seek protection and safety:

“Allahumma salli ‘ala Sayyidina Muhammadin shalatan tunjina biha min jami’il ahwali wal afat wa taqdi lana biha jami’al hajat wa tutahhiruna biha min jami’is sayyiat wa tarfa’una biha ‘indaka a’lad darajat wa tuballighuna biha aqsal ghayat min jami’il khayrati fil hayati wa ba’dal mamat.”

Meaning: “O Allah, send blessings upon our master Muhammad, a prayer through which You will deliver us from all terrors and afflictions, fulfill for us all needs, purify us from all sins, raise us to the highest ranks in Your sight, and deliver us to the ultimate goal of all good in life and after death.”

5. Salawat Fatih:

This salawat is known as the “Salawat of the Opener,” and is believed to open the doors of goodness and blessings:

“Allahumma salli ‘ala Sayyidina Muhammadin il-Fatihi lima ughliq wal Khatimi lima sabaq, nasiril-haqqi bil-haqqi wal hadi ila siratika al-mustaqim, wa ‘ala alihi haqqa qadrihi wa miqdarihi al-‘azim.”

Meaning: “O Allah, send blessings upon our master Muhammad, the Opener of what was closed, the Seal of what came before, the Helper of the Truth by the Truth, and the Guide to Your Straight Path. And upon his family, as is due to his immense worth and lofty status.”

How and When to Recite Salawat

To maximize the benefits of salawat, it is also important to understand the proper ways and times to practice it.

1. Reciting Salawat Anytime:

There is no specific time or limit to the number of times salawat should be recited. Muslims are encouraged to recite salawat at any time, especially after prayers, before sleeping, and whenever the name of the Prophet Muhammad SAW is mentioned. salawat can be part of our daily dhikr routine.

2. Reciting Salawat on Fridays:

Friday is a highly recommended time to increase the recitation of salawat. The Prophet Muhammad SAW said: “Increase your sending of blessings upon me on Fridays, for the blessings of my followers will be presented to me on this day. Whoever sends the most blessings upon me will be closest to me in rank.” (Narrated by Baihaqi). Therefore, Muslims are highly encouraged to increase their recitation of salawat on this blessed day.

By understanding the meaning and significance of salawat, it is hoped that Muslims will be more diligent in reciting it as a form of love and respect towards the Prophet Muhammad SAW. May this article provide in-depth insights and encourage us all to increase our recitation of Salawat.