DUROOD PAAK
Durood Paak, also known as Salawat or Salutations upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), holds a significant and revered place in Islamic traditions. It is a form of supplication and an expression of love and respect for the Prophet, serving as a means of seeking blessings and divine mercy. The practice of sending blessings upon the Prophet has deep roots in Islamic teachings and has been emphasized in various Hadiths and Quranic verses.
The term “Durood” is derived from the Arabic word “darood,” which means to invoke blessings. Muslims recite Durood Paak to invoke peace and blessings upon Prophet Muhammad as an act of worship and devotion. This practice is not only a source of spiritual reward but also a means of seeking intercession from the Prophet on the Day of Judgment.
One of the primary sources for the significance of sending blessings upon the Prophet is the Quran itself. Allah mentions in the Quran:
“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.” (Quran 33:56)
This verse emphasizes that Allah and His angels continuously send blessings upon Prophet Muhammad, and believers are encouraged to join in this act of supplication. Reciting Durood Paak is a way for Muslims to follow this divine command and seek blessings and peace for the Prophet.
The practice of reciting Durood Paak is not limited to any specific time or occasion. Muslims are encouraged to send blessings upon the Prophet in various daily activities, such as during prayers, while waiting, and even in moments of gratitude or distress. The Prophet himself emphasized the importance of sending blessings upon him and taught his followers specific phrases for this purpose.
There are various forms of Durood, and one of the most well-known is known as Durood-e-Ibrahimi. This particular form of supplication is often recited in the Tashahhud (testification of faith) during the daily prayers. It goes as follows:
“Allahumma alli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin, kama sallaita ‘ala Ibrahim wa ‘ala ali Ibrahim, innaka Hamidun Majid. Allahumma barik ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin, kama barakta ‘ala Ibrahim wa ‘ala ali Ibrahim, innaka Hamidun Majid.”
Translation: “O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, as You sent blessings upon Ibrahim and upon the family of Ibrahim. Verily, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious. O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. Verily, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious.”
Reciting Durood Paak is not only a means of fulfilling a religious duty but is also believed to bring numerous spiritual and worldly benefits. It is said to elevate the status of the one who recites it, purify the heart, and attract divine blessings. The act of sending blessings upon the Prophet is considered a form of gratitude for the immense sacrifice and teachings he bestowed upon humanity.
Moreover, Muslims believe that invoking blessings upon the Prophet can serve as a means of intercession on the Day of Judgment. The Prophet Muhammad himself said, “The people will be resurrected (and judged) on the Day of Resurrection in three groups: One-third of the people will enter Paradise without rendering an account (of their deeds). Another third will be the ones whose case will be decided (in the Hellfire) and they will be forgiven and will enter Paradise. And the remaining third will be those who will enter the Hellfire, and it will be said to them: ‘You will abide therein forever.'”
When the Prophet was asked about those who will enter Paradise without being taken to account, he replied, “Those are the ones who do not treat themselves with Ruqya (recitation of healing words) nor do they believe in bad or good omens (from birds etc.). They are the ones who place their trust completely in their Lord.”
In another Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad said, “Among the best of your days is Friday. So, pray to Allah frequently on it to bless me, for your prayers will be displayed to me.” The companions asked, “O Messenger of Allah! How will our prayers be displayed to you when your decayed body will have mixed with the earth?” The Prophet replied, “Allah has prohibited the earth from consuming the bodies of the Prophets.”
This indicates the special status of the Prophet Muhammad and the unique connection that continues even after his physical departure from this world. Reciting Durood Paak on Fridays, especially during the Jumu’ah (Friday) prayers, is considered highly virtuous.
In addition to the general form of Durood, there are various specific supplications known as Salawat, which are recited with the intention of seeking blessings and divine mercy. Some of these include Salat al-Tafreejiyya, Salat al-Tanjina, and Salat al-Fatih. Each of these supplications has its own unique benefits and is often recited for specific purposes, such as seeking relief from difficulties or gaining protection from harm.
The spiritual significance of Durood Paak is also evident in the traditions of various Sufi orders. Sufism, a dimension of Islamic mysticism, places a strong emphasis on love for the Prophet and the practice of sending blessings upon him. Sufi practitioners often engage in regular sessions of Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) where the recitation of Durood is a common and integral part of their spiritual practices.
In conclusion, Durood Paak is a cherished and integral aspect of Islamic worship and spirituality. It is a manifestation of love, respect, and devotion to the Prophet Muhammad, as well as a means of seeking blessings and intercession. The practice is deeply rooted in the Quran and Hadith, and Muslims around the world continue to recite Durood as a source of spiritual fulfillment and connection to their faith. Whether recited in moments of joy, gratitude, or distress, Durood Paak serves as a constant reminder of the Prophet’s teachings and the significance of his role in the lives of believers.