In Islam, connecting with the Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), is a fundamental part of a believer’s faith. One of the most powerful and rewarding ways to establish this connection is by sending blessings upon him, known in Arabic as Salawat or Durood.
While this beautiful act of worship carries immense rewards every day of the week, the virtues of sending blessings upon the Prophet (PBUH) are exceptionally magnified on Fridays (Yawm al-Jumu’ah).
Why Should We Send Blessings Upon the Prophet (PBUH)?
The command to send blessings upon Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) comes directly from Allah (SWT) in the Holy Quran. Allah says:
“Indeed, Allah confers blessing upon the Prophet, and His angels [ask Him to do so]. O you who have believed, ask [Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [Allah to grant him] peace.” (Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:56)
When we recite Salawat (such as saying Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad), we are essentially asking Allah to honor, bless, and elevate the status of our beloved Prophet. In return, the believer receives extraordinary spiritual benefits.
The Incredible Virtues of Salawat
Incorporating the habit of sending peace and blessings upon the Prophet into your daily routine comes with life-changing rewards:
- Tenfold Blessings from Allah: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Whoever sends blessings upon me once, Allah will send blessings upon him ten times.” (Sahih Muslim).
- Forgiveness of Sins: Along with receiving ten blessings, ten sins are forgiven, and the believer’s status is raised by ten degrees in Paradise.
- Relief from Anxiety and Stress: Sending Salawat is a proven spiritual remedy for removing worldly worries and fulfilling one’s needs.
- Closeness to the Prophet (PBUH): The Prophet (PBUH) mentioned that the people closest to him on the Day of Resurrection will be those who sent the most blessings upon him.
The Special Significance of Friday (Jumu’ah)
Friday holds a remarkably sacred status in Islam. It is the best day of the week, the day Adam (AS) was created, and the day congregational prayers are held. But what makes Friday uniquely tied to the Salawat?
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) specifically highlighted the importance of increasing our prayers upon him during this blessed day and night. He said:
“Among the best of your days is Friday. On that day your blessings are presented to me.” (Sunan Abi Dawud)
When you send blessings upon the Prophet (PBUH) on a Friday, your Salawat are directly presented to him by the angels. It is a moment of profound spiritual intimacy. Increasing your Durood on Thursdays after Maghrib (the night of Friday) throughout the day until Friday’s sunset is a highly recommended Sunnah that no Muslim should miss.
How to Make it a Habit
You don’t need a specific time or place to earn these massive rewards. You can silently recite Salawat while commuting, working, or doing household chores. However, making a conscious effort to dedicate specific times—such as after the daily prayers and especially throughout the day on Friday—will drastically improve your spiritual well-being.
Final Thought: Keep your tongue moist with the remembrance of Allah and prayers upon His Messenger. Make this Friday the start of a beautiful, rewarding habit that will benefit you in this life and the Hereafter.
