Sending Salawat (also known as Durood or Durood Sharif) – invoking peace and blessings upon Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) – is a fundamental and deeply cherished act of devotion in Islam. It is an expression of love, respect, gratitude, and obedience to Allah SWT (God). While comprehensive forms like Durood Ibrahim hold immense virtue, especially in Salah (formal prayer), there are also numerous short Salawat that are easy to memorize and recite frequently throughout the day. These concise supplications are equally powerful in bringing blessings and connecting the believer to the beloved Prophet (PBUH).
This article highlights some common, authentic short forms of Salawat, their meanings, and the profound benefits of making them a regular part of one’s life.
The Essence and Importance of Sending Salawat
The practice of sending Salawat is rooted in a direct command from Allah SWT in the Holy Quran:
“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.” (Quran 33:56 – Surah Al-Ahzab)
Furthermore, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) consistently encouraged his followers to send Salawat upon him, emphasizing its immense rewards. This act:
- Is a direct form of worship (Ibadah).
- Expresses love, honor, and gratitude towards the Prophet (PBUH) for delivering Allah’s message.
- Strengthens the believer’s connection to both Allah and His Messenger (PBUH).
- Is a means of seeking Allah’s mercy and blessings.
Examples of Short, Powerful Salawat
Even the briefest, sincerely uttered Salawat carries great weight. Here are some widely recognized and easy-to-memorize forms:
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“Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam” (ﷺ / SAW / PBUH)
- Arabic: صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ
- Transliteration: Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.
- Translation: “May Allah send His prayers (grace, honor, mercy) and peace upon him.”
- Usage: This is the most universally recognized and frequently recited short Salawat, typically said immediately after mentioning the name of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The abbreviation “SAW” or “PBUH” (Peace Be Upon Him) represents this phrase.
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“Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad”
- Arabic: اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ
- Transliteration: Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad.
- Translation: “O Allah, send Your grace, honor, and mercy on Muhammad.”
- Usage: A very direct and beautiful way to invoke Allah’s specific blessings upon the Prophet (PBUH). It can be easily extended to include his family: “Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammad” (O Allah, send Your grace, honor, and mercy on Muhammad and on the family of Muhammad).
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“‘Alayhis-salatu was-salam”
- Arabic: عَلَيْهِ الصلاة والسلام
- Transliteration: ‘Alayhis-salatu was-salam.
- Translation: “Upon him be prayers (blessings) and peace.”
- Usage: Another very common and concise phrase used after mentioning the name of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
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Adding “wa barik” (and send blessings/abundance) A slightly longer but still concise and powerful form includes asking for Barakah (divine blessings and increase in good):
- Example: Allahumma salli wa sallim wa barik ‘ala nabiyyina Muhammad.
- Translation: “O Allah, send Your grace, peace, and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad.” (Note: Adding “Sayyidina” (our Master) before Muhammad, e.g., “Sayyidina Muhammad,” is a common practice out of reverence, considered permissible and good by many scholars, though the simplest forms from direct Hadith do not always include it.)
These short forms are not lesser in intent or sincerity; their brevity makes them accessible for frequent recitation.
Virtues and Benefits of Reciting Short Salawat Frequently
The rewards for sending Salawat are immense, and they apply to all authentic forms, whether long or short:
- Fulfills the Divine Command Easily and Often: Short Salawat make it easy to obey Allah’s command in Surah Al-Ahzab frequently throughout the day.
- Receives Allah’s Blessings Tenfold: As the famous Hadith states: “Whoever sends blessings upon me once, Allah will send blessings upon him ten times.” (Sahih Muslim). This applies to every single recitation.
- Sins Forgiven and Rank Elevated: The same Hadith often continues: “…will erase ten sins from him, and will raise him ten degrees in status.” (An-Nasa’i – Sahih).
- Easy to Integrate into Daily Life: Short Salawat can be recited while walking, working, waiting, driving, or during any quiet moment, requiring minimal effort but yielding great reward.
- Constant Connection and Remembrance: Helps keep the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his noble example in one’s thoughts and heart.
- Increases Love for the Prophet (PBUH): The more one sends blessings upon him, the more love and connection one feels towards him.
- Contributes to Barakah (Divine Blessings) in Time and Efforts: Engaging in such a beloved act of Dhikr can invite Allah’s blessings into all aspects of one’s life.
- A Means for Du’as to be Accepted: Framing personal Du’as with Salawat at the beginning and end is a Sunnah that increases the likelihood of their acceptance. Short Salawat are perfect for this.
- Alleviation of Worries: As per the Hadith of Ubayy ibn Ka’b (Tirmidhi), dedicating one’s supplication time to Salawat can suffice one’s worries. Frequent short Salawat contribute to this state.
Making Short Salawat a Regular Habit
- Set Achievable Goals: Start by aiming to say a short Salawat (e.g., “Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam”) a certain number of times daily, perhaps 10 times after each Salah, or 100 times throughout the day.
- Recite When His Name is Mentioned: Make it an immediate reflex to send Salawat whenever you hear, read, or say the name of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
- Utilize Spare Moments: Recite during your commute, while waiting in line, or during household chores.
- Use a Tasbih (Prayer Beads) or Finger Counting: This can help keep track if you are aiming for a specific number.
- Understand the Meaning: Reflecting on the meaning, even of short Salawat, deepens its impact.
Conclusion
Short forms of Salawat are powerful, easily accessible, and highly meritorious acts of devotion in Islam. They provide a simple yet profound way for Muslims to constantly send peace and blessings upon Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), thereby fulfilling a divine command, expressing their love and reverence, and reaping immense spiritual rewards from Allah SWT. By integrating these concise supplications into the fabric of our daily lives, we can cultivate a continuous connection with the beloved Messenger (PBUH) and invite abundant blessings, forgiveness, and divine favor into our existence.