Written by: Abu Abdullah Sarim
**Narration of Abdur-Rahman ibn Abi Layla:
** Abdur-Rahman ibn Abi Layla narrates that he met Sayyiduna Kab ibn Ujrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said to him, "Shall I not present you with a great gift that I heard from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him)?" I replied, "Indeed, please do." He then said, "We asked the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him): 'O Messenger of Allah! How should we send blessings upon your family since Allah has taught us how to send peace upon you?' The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: 'Say:
"O Allah! Send Your mercy upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad as You sent Your mercy upon Ibrahim and upon the family of Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious. O Allah! Send Your blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad as You sent Your blessings upon Ibrahim and upon the family of Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious."
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 3370; Sahih Muslim: 406)
**Narration of Sayyiduna Talhah ibn Ubaydullah:** Sayyiduna Talhah ibn Ubaydullah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that he asked the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), "How should we send blessings upon you?" The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught the following words:
"O Allah! Send Your mercy upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad as You sent Your mercy upon Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious. O Allah! Send Your blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad as You sent Your blessings upon the family of Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious."
(Musnad Ahmad: 2/162; Sunan an-Nasa'i: 1290, and its chain is Hasan)
Hafiz Ibn Hajar (may Allah have mercy on him) has classified the chain of this hadith as "Hasan."
(Al-Talkhis al-Habir: 1/268)
**Narration of Sayyiduna Abu Masud al-Ansari:** Sayyiduna Abu Masud al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates:The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) came to us while we were in the gathering of Sad ibn Ubadah. Bishr ibn Sa`d said to him, "O Messenger of Allah! Allah has commanded us to send blessings upon you; how should we do so?" The Prophet (peace be upon him) remained silent until we wished that he had not asked. Then the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Say:
"O Allah! Send Your mercy upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad as You sent Your mercy upon the family of Ibrahim. O Allah! Send Your blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad as You sent Your blessings upon the family of Ibrahim in the worlds. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious. As for the Salutation (peace), it is as you know."
(Al-Muwatta of Imam Malik: 1/179; Sahih Muslim: 405)
**Narration of Sayyiduna Abu Humayd as-Saidi:** Sayyiduna Abu Humayd as-Saidi (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates:They asked, "O Messenger of Allah! How should we send blessings upon you?" The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Say:
"O Allah! Send Your mercy upon Muhammad, his wives, and his progeny as You sent Your mercy upon the family of Ibrahim. O Allah! Send Your blessings upon Muhammad, his wives, and his progeny as You sent Your blessings upon the family of Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious."
(Al-Muwatta of Imam Malik: 1/165; Sahih al-Bukhari: 3369; Sahih Muslim: 407)
**Narration of Sayyiduna Abu Said al-Khudri:** Sayyiduna Abu Said al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates:We asked, "O Messenger of Allah! We know how to send peace upon you, but how should we send blessings upon you?" The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Say:
"O Allah! Send Your mercy upon Muhammad, Your servant and messenger, as You sent Your mercy upon the family of Ibrahim. O Allah! Send Your blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad as You sent Your blessings upon Ibrahim."
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 4798, 6358)
Narration of Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah:
Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates:We asked, "O Messenger of Allah! How should we send blessings upon you?" The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Say:
"O Allah! Send Your mercy and blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad as You sent Your mercy and blessings upon Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious. And the Salutation (peace) is as you know."
(Sharh Mushkil al-Athar by Tahawi: 3/75, and its chain is authentic)
Regarding this hadith, Hafiz Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) said:"This chain is authentic according to the criteria of the two Sheikhs (Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim)."
(Jala' al-Afham: 44)
Allama Maqrizi (may Allah have mercy on him) said:"This chain is authentic according to the criteria of Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim."
(Imta' al-Asma': 11/37)
Narration of Khalid ibn Salamah:
Khalid ibn Salamah narrates:Abdul-Hamid ibn Abdur-Rahman invited Musa ibn Talhah to the wedding of his son. He asked him, "O Abu `Isa! What have you learned about sending blessings upon the Prophet (peace be upon him)?" Musa said, "I asked Zayd ibn Kharijah about sending blessings upon the Prophet (peace be upon him), and he said, 'I myself asked the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), "How should we send blessings upon you?" The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: 'Pray and strive, and then say:
"O Allah! Send Your blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad as You sent Your blessings upon Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious."
(Musnad Ahmad: 1/199; Sunan an-Nasa'i: 1292, and its chain is authentic)
In Sunan an-Nasa'i, the words are:
**Narration of Sayyiduna Abu Masud al-Ansari:
** Sayyiduna Abu Masud al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates:A man came and sat in front of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) while we were present. He said, "O Messenger of Allah! We know how to send peace upon you, but how should we send blessings upon you in our prayers? May Allah send His mercy upon you." The Prophet (peace be upon him) remained silent until we wished that he had not asked. Then the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "When you send blessings upon me, say:
"O Allah! Send Your mercy upon Muhammad, the unlettered Prophet, and upon the family of Muhammad as You sent Your mercy upon Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. O Allah! Send Your blessings upon Muhammad, the unlettered Prophet, and upon the family of Muhammad as You sent Your blessings upon Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious."
(Musnad Ahmad: 4/119; Sunan ad-Daraqutni: 1/354, 355, and its chain is Hasan)
This hadith has been classified as "Sahih" by Imam Ibn Khuzaymah (711) and Imam Ibn Hibban (1959).
Imam Hakim (1/268) classified it as "Sahih" according to the criteria of Imam Muslim, and Hafiz Dhahabi agreed with him.
Imam Daraqutni (may Allah have mercy on him) said:"This chain is Hasan and connected."
**Narration of Sayyiduna Abu Masud al-Ansari (continued):** Sayyiduna Abu Masud al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) also narrates:It was said, "O Messenger of Allah! How should we send blessings upon you?" The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Say:
"O Allah! Send Your mercy and blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad as You sent Your blessings upon Ibrahim in the worlds. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious."
(Musnad Ahmad: 4/118, and its chain is authentic)
Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Masud's advice:
Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Masud (may Allah be pleased with him) used to say:"When you send blessings upon the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), then do so with the best of words, for you do not know, perhaps that may be presented to him." They said, "Teach us, then." He replied, "Say:
"O Allah! Send Your mercy, blessings, and benedictions upon the master of the messengers, the leader of the pious, and the seal of the prophets, Muhammad, Your servant and messenger, the leader of goodness, the guide to goodness, and the messenger of mercy. O Allah! Grant him the exalted station of praise that will be envied by the first and the last. O Allah! Send Your mercy upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad as You sent Your mercy upon Ibrahim and upon the family of Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious. O Allah! Send Your blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad as You sent Your blessings upon Ibrahim and upon the family of Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious."
(Sunan Ibn Majah: 906; Al-Mujam al-Kabir by Tabarani: 9/115, Hadith: 8594; Musnad al-Shashi: 611; Al-Dua' al-Kabir by Bayhaqi: 177, and its chain is authentic)
Hafiz Mughltai has classified its chain as "Sahih." (Sharh Ibn Majah: 1/1529)
**Statement of the great Tabi'i, Yazid ibn Abdullah ibn Shikhir:
** The great Tabi'i Yazid ibn Abdullah ibn Shikhir (may Allah have mercy on him) narrates:"They (the Companions and Tabi'in) preferred to say:
"O Allah! Send Your mercy upon Muhammad, the unlettered Prophet. Peace be upon him."
(Fadl al-Salat ala al-Nabi by Imam Ismail ibn Ishaq: 60, and its chain is authentic)
**Incident of Miraj:** During the incident of Miraj (the Ascension), it is narrated that when the Prophet (peace be upon him) ascended to the third heaven with Jibril (peace be upon him), he was asked:
"Who is with you?"Jibril (peace be upon him) replied:
"Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم."
(Sahih Muslim: 162)
Benefit 1:
When the word "آل" (Aal) is mentioned in Durood along with the name of Muhammad (peace be upon him) without specifying any other group, it includes the Prophet’s wives, believing relatives, and all his followers. However, when "آل" is mentioned along with specific mention of wives and other groups, then it specifically refers to the Prophet’s followers only.
Benefit 2:
Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Masud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates:
"The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) taught me the Tashahhud while my hand was between his hands, just as he would teach me a Surah from the Qur'an. He said:
'All greetings, prayers, and pure words are for Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness that there is no deity except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.'We used to say 'Peace be upon you, O Prophet' when the Prophet (peace be upon him) was among us. After he passed away, we started saying, 'Peace be upon the Prophet' (السلام على النبي)."
(Musnad Ahmad: 1/414; Sahih al-Bukhari: 6265)
In his explanation of this hadith, Hafiz Ibn Hajar (may Allah have mercy on him) writes:"The apparent meaning of this additional phrase is that the Companions used to say 'Peace be upon you, O Prophet' (السلام عليك أيها النبي) using the direct address form while the Prophet (peace be upon him) was alive. After the Prophet (peace be upon him) passed away, they abandoned the direct address and began saying 'Peace be upon the Prophet' (السلام على النبي) using the third-person form."(Fath al-Bari Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari: 11/56)
Qasim bin Muhammad bin Abi Bakr (may Allah have mercy on him) narrates:
"Sayyidah A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) used to teach us the Tashahhud and she would gesture with her hand, saying:
** All greetings, prayers, pure words are for Allah. Peace be upon the Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness that there is no deity except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.' This means that Sayyidah A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) also recited the Tashahhud using the third-person form."
(Al-Mukhlisiyyat by Abu Tahir al-Mukhlis: 2521, with a sound chain)
A narration from Sayyidah `A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) has been reported with the direct address form:
(Al-Mukhlisiyyat by Abu Tahir al-Mukhlis: 450, with a sound chain)
Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) also used to recite the Tashahhud using the third-person form:
(Al-Muwatta of Imam Malik: 1/91, with a sound chain)
The great Tabi'i, Imam `Ata bin Abu Rabah (may Allah have mercy on him) narrates:"The Companions used to say 'Peace be upon you, O Prophet' (السلام عليك أيها النبي) using the direct address form while the Prophet (peace be upon him) was alive. After the Prophet (peace be upon him) passed away, they began saying 'Peace be upon the Prophet' (السلام على النبي) using the third-person form."
(Fath al-Bari by Ibn Hajar: 2/314-315, under Hadith: 831, with a sound chain)Hafiz Ibn Hajar has classified its chain as "Sahih."
"If this third-person form is proven from the Companions, it indicates that the direct address form in the Salutation after the Prophet's (peace be upon him) death is not obligatory. Hence, the worshipper can also say 'Peace be upon the Prophet' (السلام على النبي) using the third-person form."(Fath al-Bari by Ibn Hajar: 2/314)
Hafiz Ibn Hajar comments on Allama Subki's statement:"I say that this matter has indeed been proven without doubt."
(Fath al-Bari by Ibn Hajar: 5/314)
These evidences make it clear that both forms of Salutation in the Tashahhud, whether using "السلام عليك أيها النبي" or "السلام على النبي," are correct. However, the primary form is the one taught by the Prophet (peace be upon him). The forms mentioned by the Companions are understood to indicate permissibility.
Benefit 3:
Salamah al-Kindi narrates that Sayyiduna Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) used to teach people the following Durood:
(Al-Awsat by Tabarani: 9089; Al-Shari'ah by Al-Ajurri: 420; Kitab al-Salat Ala al-Nabi by Ibn Abi `Asim: 23)
The chain of this narration is "weak" because:
Sahibzada Mufti Iqtadar Ahmad Khan Naeemi Barelvi writes:
"It is essential to remember that Durood Ibrahimi can only be recited in prayer. Reciting it outside of prayer is sinful and impermissible because it does not include 'Salam' (peace). According to the Qur'an, it is obligatory to recite Salam along with Durood. The Durood that does not include Salam is incomplete. Durood Ibrahimi is permissible in prayer because Salam has already been recited in the Tashahhud. Wahhabi Deobandis insist on reciting Durood Ibrahimi because they deny and oppose Salam. Due to their influence, some ignorant Pirs (spiritual leaders) also insist on reciting Durood Ibrahimi without considering the Qur'an. For any devotional act, the most complete and concise Durood is Durood Khizri, which should be recited."
(Tafsir Naeemi, Vol. 16, p. 110, published by Naeemi Kutub Khana, Gujarat)
The above passage highlights the following points:
We have merely elaborated on the intent of Mufti Iqtadar Ahmad Khan above. Any sincere Muslim can easily understand that his position contradicts authentic hadiths and the consensus of the Ummah. Perhaps he shares this view with someone of similar thought.
It should be noted that the Ahl al-Bid`ah (people of innovation) are not content with merely sending blessings upon the Prophet (peace be upon him). They create new, exaggerated, and often shirk-based forms of Durood and fabricate virtues associated with them. Nowadays, people even inquire about "new Duroods" that have been introduced in the market.
Here are some names of fabricated Duroods created by the innovators, along with their falsely attributed virtues:
One author wrote a book called "Aab-e-Kauthar" on the virtues of sending Durood and Salam. In this book, he falsely attributed baseless and fabricated narrations to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Such an act is extremely reprehensible.
Warning:
Some people recite Durood and Salam using the phrase "الصلاة والسلام عليك يا رسول الله" with the belief that the Prophet (peace be upon him) is present and witnessing them.
Haji Imdadullah Makki said:
"Some people criticize using the phrase 'الصلاة والسلام عليك يا رسول الله' in the form of direct address. This is based on a connection in meaning. The creation and command belong to Allah alone, and the realm of command is not bound by directions, sides, nearness, or distance. Thus, there is no doubt about its permissibility."
(Imdad al-Mushtaq by Ashraf Ali Thanawi, p. 59)
Misguided Sufis' deceptive terms like "connection in meaning" have no validity. This belief directly contradicts the hadith where the Prophet (peace be upon him) clearly stated that Allah's angels are responsible for conveying the Durood to him.
Ashraf Ali Thanawi Deobandi said:
"However, if using the direct address form causes mischief among the general public, then its expression will be prohibited."
(Imdad al-Mushtaq, p. 59)
Taqi Usmani Deobandi said:
"In any case, using the direct address form in Durood and Salam, even if it is not based on an incorrect belief, is still prohibited because it implies shirk and fabrication."
(Dars Tirmidhi, 2/255)
Durood and Salam and a Blasphemous Incident:
One of Ashraf Ali Thanawi's followers wrote to him about a dream he had. Below is the incident and Thanawi's response:"I saw in a dream that I was reciting the Kalima 'لا اله الا الله محمد رسول الله,' but instead of saying 'محمد رسول الله,' I said 'اشرف علي.' A thought crossed my mind that I had made a mistake in reciting the Kalima and that I should recite it correctly. With this in mind, I recited the Kalima again. I intended to recite it correctly, but once again, instead of saying 'رسول الله,' the name 'اشرف علي' came out of my mouth. Even though I knew that this was incorrect, I couldn't control my tongue, and I kept saying 'اشرف علي' instead of 'رسول الله.' This happened two or three times.
I then saw Ashraf Ali in front of me, and a few others were with him. At that moment, I became so emotional that I fell to the ground and let out a loud cry, feeling as if all my strength had left me. I then woke up from the dream, but I still felt weak and emotional. Even while awake, my thoughts were focused on Ashraf Ali, and when I reflected on my mistake in reciting the Kalima, I resolved to remove this thought from my mind, fearing that I might make the same mistake again. I then sat down and recited Durood Sharif to make up for my mistake, but again, instead of saying 'رسول الله,' I found myself saying 'اشرف علي.' Although I was awake, I was unable to control myself, and this continued throughout the day, with tears in my eyes."
Response:
This incident reassures you that the one you turn to (Ashraf Ali) is indeed a true follower of the Sunnah.
(Al-Imdad, Safar 1336 AH, p. 35)
**Narration of Abdur-Rahman ibn Abi Layla:
** Abdur-Rahman ibn Abi Layla narrates that he met Sayyiduna Kab ibn Ujrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said to him, "Shall I not present you with a great gift that I heard from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him)?" I replied, "Indeed, please do." He then said, "We asked the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him): 'O Messenger of Allah! How should we send blessings upon your family since Allah has taught us how to send peace upon you?' The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: 'Say:
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ، اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ.
"O Allah! Send Your mercy upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad as You sent Your mercy upon Ibrahim and upon the family of Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious. O Allah! Send Your blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad as You sent Your blessings upon Ibrahim and upon the family of Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious."
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 3370; Sahih Muslim: 406)
**Narration of Sayyiduna Talhah ibn Ubaydullah:** Sayyiduna Talhah ibn Ubaydullah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that he asked the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), "How should we send blessings upon you?" The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught the following words:
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ، إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ، وَبَارِكْ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ.
"O Allah! Send Your mercy upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad as You sent Your mercy upon Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious. O Allah! Send Your blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad as You sent Your blessings upon the family of Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious."
(Musnad Ahmad: 2/162; Sunan an-Nasa'i: 1290, and its chain is Hasan)
Hafiz Ibn Hajar (may Allah have mercy on him) has classified the chain of this hadith as "Hasan."
(Al-Talkhis al-Habir: 1/268)
**Narration of Sayyiduna Abu Masud al-Ansari:** Sayyiduna Abu Masud al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates:The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) came to us while we were in the gathering of Sad ibn Ubadah. Bishr ibn Sa`d said to him, "O Messenger of Allah! Allah has commanded us to send blessings upon you; how should we do so?" The Prophet (peace be upon him) remained silent until we wished that he had not asked. Then the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Say:
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، وَبَارِكْ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، فِي الْعَالَمِينَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ، وَالسَّلَامُ كَمَا قَدْ عَلِمْتُمْ.
"O Allah! Send Your mercy upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad as You sent Your mercy upon the family of Ibrahim. O Allah! Send Your blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad as You sent Your blessings upon the family of Ibrahim in the worlds. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious. As for the Salutation (peace), it is as you know."
(Al-Muwatta of Imam Malik: 1/179; Sahih Muslim: 405)
**Narration of Sayyiduna Abu Humayd as-Saidi:** Sayyiduna Abu Humayd as-Saidi (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates:They asked, "O Messenger of Allah! How should we send blessings upon you?" The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Say:
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَأَزْوَاجِهِ وَذُرِّيَّتِهِ، كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، وَبَارِكْ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَأَزْوَاجِهِ وَذُرِّيَّتِهِ، كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ.
"O Allah! Send Your mercy upon Muhammad, his wives, and his progeny as You sent Your mercy upon the family of Ibrahim. O Allah! Send Your blessings upon Muhammad, his wives, and his progeny as You sent Your blessings upon the family of Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious."
(Al-Muwatta of Imam Malik: 1/165; Sahih al-Bukhari: 3369; Sahih Muslim: 407)
**Narration of Sayyiduna Abu Said al-Khudri:** Sayyiduna Abu Said al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates:We asked, "O Messenger of Allah! We know how to send peace upon you, but how should we send blessings upon you?" The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Say:
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ عَبْدِكَ وَرَسُولِكَ، كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، وَبَارِكْ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ.
"O Allah! Send Your mercy upon Muhammad, Your servant and messenger, as You sent Your mercy upon the family of Ibrahim. O Allah! Send Your blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad as You sent Your blessings upon Ibrahim."
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 4798, 6358)
Narration of Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah:
Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates:We asked, "O Messenger of Allah! How should we send blessings upon you?" The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Say:
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، وَبَارِكْ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ وَبَارَكْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَآلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ، وَالسَّلَامُ كَمَا قَدْ عَلِمْتُمْ.
"O Allah! Send Your mercy and blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad as You sent Your mercy and blessings upon Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious. And the Salutation (peace) is as you know."
(Sharh Mushkil al-Athar by Tahawi: 3/75, and its chain is authentic)
Regarding this hadith, Hafiz Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) said:"This chain is authentic according to the criteria of the two Sheikhs (Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim)."
(Jala' al-Afham: 44)
Allama Maqrizi (may Allah have mercy on him) said:"This chain is authentic according to the criteria of Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim."
(Imta' al-Asma': 11/37)
Narration of Khalid ibn Salamah:
Khalid ibn Salamah narrates:Abdul-Hamid ibn Abdur-Rahman invited Musa ibn Talhah to the wedding of his son. He asked him, "O Abu `Isa! What have you learned about sending blessings upon the Prophet (peace be upon him)?" Musa said, "I asked Zayd ibn Kharijah about sending blessings upon the Prophet (peace be upon him), and he said, 'I myself asked the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), "How should we send blessings upon you?" The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: 'Pray and strive, and then say:
اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ، إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ.
"O Allah! Send Your blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad as You sent Your blessings upon Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious."
(Musnad Ahmad: 1/199; Sunan an-Nasa'i: 1292, and its chain is authentic)
In Sunan an-Nasa'i, the words are:
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ، وَبَارِكْ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ.
**Narration of Sayyiduna Abu Masud al-Ansari:
** Sayyiduna Abu Masud al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates:A man came and sat in front of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) while we were present. He said, "O Messenger of Allah! We know how to send peace upon you, but how should we send blessings upon you in our prayers? May Allah send His mercy upon you." The Prophet (peace be upon him) remained silent until we wished that he had not asked. Then the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "When you send blessings upon me, say:
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ النَّبِيِّ الْأُمِّيِّ، وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، وَبَارِكْ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ النَّبِيِّ الْأُمِّيِّ، وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ.
"O Allah! Send Your mercy upon Muhammad, the unlettered Prophet, and upon the family of Muhammad as You sent Your mercy upon Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. O Allah! Send Your blessings upon Muhammad, the unlettered Prophet, and upon the family of Muhammad as You sent Your blessings upon Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious."
(Musnad Ahmad: 4/119; Sunan ad-Daraqutni: 1/354, 355, and its chain is Hasan)
This hadith has been classified as "Sahih" by Imam Ibn Khuzaymah (711) and Imam Ibn Hibban (1959).
Imam Hakim (1/268) classified it as "Sahih" according to the criteria of Imam Muslim, and Hafiz Dhahabi agreed with him.
Imam Daraqutni (may Allah have mercy on him) said:"This chain is Hasan and connected."
**Narration of Sayyiduna Abu Masud al-Ansari (continued):** Sayyiduna Abu Masud al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) also narrates:It was said, "O Messenger of Allah! How should we send blessings upon you?" The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Say:
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، وَبَارِكْ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ، وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ فِي الْعَالَمِينَ، إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ.
"O Allah! Send Your mercy and blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad as You sent Your blessings upon Ibrahim in the worlds. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious."
(Musnad Ahmad: 4/118, and its chain is authentic)
Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Masud's advice:
Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Masud (may Allah be pleased with him) used to say:"When you send blessings upon the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), then do so with the best of words, for you do not know, perhaps that may be presented to him." They said, "Teach us, then." He replied, "Say:
اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ صَلَاتَكَ، وَرَحْمَتَكَ، وَبَرَكَاتَكَ عَلَى سَيِّدِ الْمُرْسَلِينَ، وَإِمَامِ الْمُتَّقِينَ، وَخَاتِمِ النَّبِيِّينَ مُحَمَّدٍ عَبْدِكَ وَرَسُولِكَ، إِمَامِ الْخَيْرِ، وَقَائِدِ الْخَيْرِ، وَرَسُولِ الرَّحْمَةِ، اللَّهُمَّ ابْعَثْهُ مَقَامًا مَحْمُودًا يَغْبِطُهُ بِهِ الْأَوَّلُونَ وَالْآخِرُونَ، اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ، اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ.
"O Allah! Send Your mercy, blessings, and benedictions upon the master of the messengers, the leader of the pious, and the seal of the prophets, Muhammad, Your servant and messenger, the leader of goodness, the guide to goodness, and the messenger of mercy. O Allah! Grant him the exalted station of praise that will be envied by the first and the last. O Allah! Send Your mercy upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad as You sent Your mercy upon Ibrahim and upon the family of Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious. O Allah! Send Your blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad as You sent Your blessings upon Ibrahim and upon the family of Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious."
(Sunan Ibn Majah: 906; Al-Mujam al-Kabir by Tabarani: 9/115, Hadith: 8594; Musnad al-Shashi: 611; Al-Dua' al-Kabir by Bayhaqi: 177, and its chain is authentic)
Hafiz Mughltai has classified its chain as "Sahih." (Sharh Ibn Majah: 1/1529)
**Statement of the great Tabi'i, Yazid ibn Abdullah ibn Shikhir:
** The great Tabi'i Yazid ibn Abdullah ibn Shikhir (may Allah have mercy on him) narrates:"They (the Companions and Tabi'in) preferred to say:
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ النَّبِيِّ الْأُمِّيِّ، عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ.
"O Allah! Send Your mercy upon Muhammad, the unlettered Prophet. Peace be upon him."
(Fadl al-Salat ala al-Nabi by Imam Ismail ibn Ishaq: 60, and its chain is authentic)
**Incident of Miraj:** During the incident of Miraj (the Ascension), it is narrated that when the Prophet (peace be upon him) ascended to the third heaven with Jibril (peace be upon him), he was asked:
"Who is with you?"Jibril (peace be upon him) replied:
"Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم."
(Sahih Muslim: 162)
- The practice of sending Durood (salutations) upon the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم with the words صلى الله عليه وسلم is unanimously agreed upon by the Ummah through continuous consensus, which serves as a definitive proof.
- It is also permissible to say صلى الله عليه وسلم with the names of other prophets as well, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself said:فينزل عيسى ابن مريم صلى الله عليه وسلم.
"Isa ibn Maryam (peace be upon him) will descend."
(Sahih Muslim: 2/392, Hadith: 2897)
Benefit 1:
When the word "آل" (Aal) is mentioned in Durood along with the name of Muhammad (peace be upon him) without specifying any other group, it includes the Prophet’s wives, believing relatives, and all his followers. However, when "آل" is mentioned along with specific mention of wives and other groups, then it specifically refers to the Prophet’s followers only.
Benefit 2:
Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Masud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates:
"The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) taught me the Tashahhud while my hand was between his hands, just as he would teach me a Surah from the Qur'an. He said:
التحيات لله والصلوات والطيبات، السلام عليك أيها النبي ورحمة الله وبركاته، السلام علينا وعلى عباد الله الصالحين، أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله، وأشهد أن محمدا عبده ورسوله.
'All greetings, prayers, and pure words are for Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness that there is no deity except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.'We used to say 'Peace be upon you, O Prophet' when the Prophet (peace be upon him) was among us. After he passed away, we started saying, 'Peace be upon the Prophet' (السلام على النبي)."
(Musnad Ahmad: 1/414; Sahih al-Bukhari: 6265)
In his explanation of this hadith, Hafiz Ibn Hajar (may Allah have mercy on him) writes:"The apparent meaning of this additional phrase is that the Companions used to say 'Peace be upon you, O Prophet' (السلام عليك أيها النبي) using the direct address form while the Prophet (peace be upon him) was alive. After the Prophet (peace be upon him) passed away, they abandoned the direct address and began saying 'Peace be upon the Prophet' (السلام على النبي) using the third-person form."(Fath al-Bari Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari: 11/56)
Qasim bin Muhammad bin Abi Bakr (may Allah have mercy on him) narrates:
"Sayyidah A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) used to teach us the Tashahhud and she would gesture with her hand, saying:
التحيات الطيبات الصلوات الزاكيات لله، السلام على النبي ورحمة الله، السلام علينا وعلى عباد الله الصالحين، أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله، وأشهد أن محمدا عبده ورسوله.
** All greetings, prayers, pure words are for Allah. Peace be upon the Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness that there is no deity except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.' This means that Sayyidah A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) also recited the Tashahhud using the third-person form."
(Al-Mukhlisiyyat by Abu Tahir al-Mukhlis: 2521, with a sound chain)
A narration from Sayyidah `A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) has been reported with the direct address form:
التحيات لله والصلوات والطيبات، السلام عليك أيها النبي ورحمة الله وبركاته، السلام علينا وعلى عباد الله الصالحين أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ.
(Al-Mukhlisiyyat by Abu Tahir al-Mukhlis: 450, with a sound chain)
Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) also used to recite the Tashahhud using the third-person form:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ، الصَّلَوَاتُ لِلَّهِ، الزَّاكِيَاتُ لِلَّهِ، السَّلَامُ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ، السَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ، شَهِدْتُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، شَهِدْتُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ.
(Al-Muwatta of Imam Malik: 1/91, with a sound chain)
The great Tabi'i, Imam `Ata bin Abu Rabah (may Allah have mercy on him) narrates:"The Companions used to say 'Peace be upon you, O Prophet' (السلام عليك أيها النبي) using the direct address form while the Prophet (peace be upon him) was alive. After the Prophet (peace be upon him) passed away, they began saying 'Peace be upon the Prophet' (السلام على النبي) using the third-person form."
(Fath al-Bari by Ibn Hajar: 2/314-315, under Hadith: 831, with a sound chain)Hafiz Ibn Hajar has classified its chain as "Sahih."
- Imam Tawus bin Kaysan (may Allah have mercy on him) also used to recite the Tashahhud using the third-person form (السلام على النبي) in his prayers.
(Musnad al-Siraj: 825, with a sound chain)
"If this third-person form is proven from the Companions, it indicates that the direct address form in the Salutation after the Prophet's (peace be upon him) death is not obligatory. Hence, the worshipper can also say 'Peace be upon the Prophet' (السلام على النبي) using the third-person form."(Fath al-Bari by Ibn Hajar: 2/314)
Hafiz Ibn Hajar comments on Allama Subki's statement:"I say that this matter has indeed been proven without doubt."
(Fath al-Bari by Ibn Hajar: 5/314)
These evidences make it clear that both forms of Salutation in the Tashahhud, whether using "السلام عليك أيها النبي" or "السلام على النبي," are correct. However, the primary form is the one taught by the Prophet (peace be upon him). The forms mentioned by the Companions are understood to indicate permissibility.
Benefit 3:
Salamah al-Kindi narrates that Sayyiduna Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) used to teach people the following Durood:
اللهم داحي المدحوات , وباري المسموكات , وجبار القلوب على فطرتها شقيها وسعيدها , اجعل شرائف صلواتك، ونوامي بركاتك، ورأفع تحيتك على محمد عبدك ورسولك، الخاتم لما سبق , والفاتح لما أغلق , والمعلوم الحق بالحق , والدامغ جيشات الأباطيل , كما كمل , فاضطلع بأمرك لطاعتك، مستوفرا فى مرضاتك بغير ملك فى قدم، ولا وهن فى عزم، واعيا لوحيك، حافظا لعهدك، ماضيا على نفاد أمرك حتَّى أورى تبسما لقابس به، هديت القلوب بعد خرصات الفتن والإثم، بموضحات الأعلام، ومسرات الإسلام , وماثرات الأحكام، فهو أمينك المأمون , وخازن علمك المخزون , وشهيدك يوم الدين، ومبعوثك نعمة، ورسولك بالحق رحمة، اللهم افسح له متفسحا فى عدلك , واجزه مضاعفات الخير من فضلك، له مهنيات غير مكدرات من فوز ثوابك المعلوم، وجزيل عطائك المجلول . اللهم أعل على بناء الباقين بنائه , وأكرم مثواه لديك ونزله، وأتمم له نوره وأجزه من ابتعائك له، مقبول الشهادة مرضي المقالة , ذا منطق عدل , وكلام فصل , وحجة وبرهان عظيم.
(Al-Awsat by Tabarani: 9089; Al-Shari'ah by Al-Ajurri: 420; Kitab al-Salat Ala al-Nabi by Ibn Abi `Asim: 23)
The chain of this narration is "weak" because:
- Salamah al-Kindi is an unknown narrator, as Imam Abu Hatim al-Razi mentioned that he is "unknown." (Al-Jarh wa al-Ta'dil by Ibn Abi Hatim: 4/301)
- Salamah al-Kindidid not directly hear this from Sayyiduna `Ali (may Allah be pleased with him), making the narration "Mursal" (i.e., disconnected), as:
- Imam Abu Hatim al-Razi (may Allah have mercy on him) stated: "Salamah al-Kindi narrated from `Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) Mursal, regarding the Durood upon the Prophet (peace be upon him)." (Al-Jarh wa al-Ta'dil by Ibn Abi Hatim: 4/300)
- Hafiz al-Ala'i (694-761 AH) mentions: "It is not known that Salamah heard from Ali, and the narration is Mursal."
(Jami al-Tahsil fi Ahkam al-Marasel: 183; Tuhfat al-Tahsil fi Dhikr Ruwat al-Marasel by Hafiz Abu Zurah al-Iraqi, p. 142) - Hafiz Ibn Kathir (700-774 AH) states:"Ibn Qutaybah discussed this narration in 'Mushkil al-Hadith,' and so did Abu al-Husayn Ahmad ibn Faris al-Lughawi in a compilation on the virtues of sending blessings upon the Prophet (peace be upon him). However, the chain of this narration is questionable. Our teacher, Hafiz Abu al-Hajjaj al-Mizzi, said: 'Salamah al-Kindi is not well-known, and he did not meet `Ali.'"
(Tafsir Ibn Kathir: 6/462, ed. Salamah) - Hafiz al-Sakhawi (831-902 AH) has classified this narration as "weak."
(Al-Qawl al-Badi`: p. 34)
Sahibzada Mufti Iqtadar Ahmad Khan Naeemi Barelvi writes:
"It is essential to remember that Durood Ibrahimi can only be recited in prayer. Reciting it outside of prayer is sinful and impermissible because it does not include 'Salam' (peace). According to the Qur'an, it is obligatory to recite Salam along with Durood. The Durood that does not include Salam is incomplete. Durood Ibrahimi is permissible in prayer because Salam has already been recited in the Tashahhud. Wahhabi Deobandis insist on reciting Durood Ibrahimi because they deny and oppose Salam. Due to their influence, some ignorant Pirs (spiritual leaders) also insist on reciting Durood Ibrahimi without considering the Qur'an. For any devotional act, the most complete and concise Durood is Durood Khizri, which should be recited."
(Tafsir Naeemi, Vol. 16, p. 110, published by Naeemi Kutub Khana, Gujarat)
The above passage highlights the following points:
- Reciting Durood Ibrahimi outside of prayer is sinful and impermissible. It is only permissible in prayer because Salam is recited before it in the Tashahhud. Otherwise, it would not have any place in the prayer.
- Reciting Durood without Salam is not only devoid of reward but is also a cause of sin.
- Reciting only Durood Ibrahimi implies the denial of Salam. Those who recite only Durood Ibrahimi are deniers and opponents of Salam.
- Those who insist on reciting only Durood Ibrahimi are considered ignorant.
- Instead of Durood Ibrahimi, Durood Khizri should be recited.
We have merely elaborated on the intent of Mufti Iqtadar Ahmad Khan above. Any sincere Muslim can easily understand that his position contradicts authentic hadiths and the consensus of the Ummah. Perhaps he shares this view with someone of similar thought.
It should be noted that the Ahl al-Bid`ah (people of innovation) are not content with merely sending blessings upon the Prophet (peace be upon him). They create new, exaggerated, and often shirk-based forms of Durood and fabricate virtues associated with them. Nowadays, people even inquire about "new Duroods" that have been introduced in the market.
Here are some names of fabricated Duroods created by the innovators, along with their falsely attributed virtues:
- Durood Shafa`at
- Durood Ghawthiya
- Durood Lakhi
- Durood Taj
- Durood Tunajina
- Durood Hazara
- Durood Mahi
- Durood `Abdusi
- Durood Khizri
- Durood Nariya
- Durood Kamil
- Durood Ziyarat
One author wrote a book called "Aab-e-Kauthar" on the virtues of sending Durood and Salam. In this book, he falsely attributed baseless and fabricated narrations to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Such an act is extremely reprehensible.
Warning:
Some people recite Durood and Salam using the phrase "الصلاة والسلام عليك يا رسول الله" with the belief that the Prophet (peace be upon him) is present and witnessing them.
Haji Imdadullah Makki said:
"Some people criticize using the phrase 'الصلاة والسلام عليك يا رسول الله' in the form of direct address. This is based on a connection in meaning. The creation and command belong to Allah alone, and the realm of command is not bound by directions, sides, nearness, or distance. Thus, there is no doubt about its permissibility."
(Imdad al-Mushtaq by Ashraf Ali Thanawi, p. 59)
Misguided Sufis' deceptive terms like "connection in meaning" have no validity. This belief directly contradicts the hadith where the Prophet (peace be upon him) clearly stated that Allah's angels are responsible for conveying the Durood to him.
Ashraf Ali Thanawi Deobandi said:
"However, if using the direct address form causes mischief among the general public, then its expression will be prohibited."
(Imdad al-Mushtaq, p. 59)
Taqi Usmani Deobandi said:
"In any case, using the direct address form in Durood and Salam, even if it is not based on an incorrect belief, is still prohibited because it implies shirk and fabrication."
(Dars Tirmidhi, 2/255)
Durood and Salam and a Blasphemous Incident:
One of Ashraf Ali Thanawi's followers wrote to him about a dream he had. Below is the incident and Thanawi's response:"I saw in a dream that I was reciting the Kalima 'لا اله الا الله محمد رسول الله,' but instead of saying 'محمد رسول الله,' I said 'اشرف علي.' A thought crossed my mind that I had made a mistake in reciting the Kalima and that I should recite it correctly. With this in mind, I recited the Kalima again. I intended to recite it correctly, but once again, instead of saying 'رسول الله,' the name 'اشرف علي' came out of my mouth. Even though I knew that this was incorrect, I couldn't control my tongue, and I kept saying 'اشرف علي' instead of 'رسول الله.' This happened two or three times.
I then saw Ashraf Ali in front of me, and a few others were with him. At that moment, I became so emotional that I fell to the ground and let out a loud cry, feeling as if all my strength had left me. I then woke up from the dream, but I still felt weak and emotional. Even while awake, my thoughts were focused on Ashraf Ali, and when I reflected on my mistake in reciting the Kalima, I resolved to remove this thought from my mind, fearing that I might make the same mistake again. I then sat down and recited Durood Sharif to make up for my mistake, but again, instead of saying 'رسول الله,' I found myself saying 'اشرف علي.' Although I was awake, I was unable to control myself, and this continued throughout the day, with tears in my eyes."
Response:
This incident reassures you that the one you turn to (Ashraf Ali) is indeed a true follower of the Sunnah.
(Al-Imdad, Safar 1336 AH, p. 35)