The practice of sending blessings upon Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), known as Darood Sharif, is a central pillar of Islamic devotion. While Darood-e-Ibrahimi holds a special place due to its recitation in daily prayers, the rich tapestry of Islamic tradition offers a multitude of other beautiful and potent forms of Darood Sharif. Each form carries its own unique wording, historical context, and specific virtues.
This article will delve into the diverse world of Darood Sharif, exploring various popular forms beyond Darood-e-Ibrahimi. We’ll present their Arabic text, transliteration, and English translations, along with the distinct spiritual and worldly benefits often attributed to them. Understanding these different forms enriches a believer’s spiritual practice and opens new avenues for seeking Allah’s blessings.
Beyond Darood-e-Ibrahimi – Other Blessed Forms
While Darood-e-Ibrahimi holds a special place, often recited in Salah, Islam offers a rich variety of other powerful forms of Darood Sharif, each with unique virtues and historical significance. A detailed understanding of Darood-e-Ibrahimi’s profound meaning and virtues is essential for every Muslim, as it is the most complete form.
It’s important to note that any form of Darood Sharif is permissible as long as it respects the Prophet (PBUH) and does not contradict Islamic teachings. The diversity allows believers to choose what resonates most with their hearts and intentions, fostering a deeper personal connection.
Popular and Significant Forms of Darood Sharif
Let’s explore some of the widely recognized and recited forms of Darood Sharif, each with its own special blessings:
Darood Tanjeena
Darood Tanjeena is renowned for its power in providing relief from calamities, fulfilling needs, and overcoming difficulties. It’s often recited in times of distress and hope.
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ صَلاَةً تُنْجِينَا بِهَا مِنْ جَمِيعِ الأَهْوَالِ وَالآفَاتِ
وَتَقْضِي لَنَا بِهَا جَمِيعَ الْحَاجَاتِ وَتُطَهِّرُنَا بِهَا مِنْ جَمِيعِ السَّيِّئَاتِ
وَتَرْفَعُنَا بِهَا أَعْلَى الدَّرَجَاتِ وَتُبَلِّغُنَا بِهَا أَقْصَى الْغَايَاتِ
مِنْ جَمِيعِ الْخَيْرَاتِ فِي الْحَيَاةِ وَبَعْدَ الْمَمَاتِ
Allahumma Salli ‘ala Sayyidina Muhammadin Salatan Tunajina biha min Jami’il Ahwali wal Aafaati,
wa Taqdi Lana biha Jami’al Haajaati wa Tutahhiruna biha min Jami’is Sayyi’aat,
wa Tarfa’una biha A’lad Darajaati wa Tuballighuna biha Aqsal Ghayaati,
min Jami’il Khayraati fil Hayaati wa Ba’dal Mamaat.
“O Allah, bless our Master Muhammad with such a blessing by means of which You may relieve us of all anxieties and calamities.
You may satisfy all our needs, You may cleanse us of all our sins,
You may raise us to the highest stations, and You may make us attain the utmost limits
of all good things in life and after death.”
Darood Ghausia
Associated with the great Sufi saint Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani (RA), Darood Ghausia is believed to bring immense spiritual purification and closeness to Allah and His Messenger (PBUH).
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ النُّورِ الذَّاتِيِّ وَالسِّرِّ السَّارِي فِي سَائِرِ الْأَسْمَاءِ وَالصِّفَاتِ
Allahumma Salli ‘ala Sayyidina Muhammadinin Nooriz Zaati was Sirris Saari fi Saa’iril Asma’i was Sifaati.
“O Allah, bless our Master Muhammad, the light of essence and the secret flowing in all names and attributes.”
Darood Mahi
Darood Mahi is another beautiful invocation with unique blessings, often recited for protection and blessings in one’s environment.
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ وَسَلِّمْ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ بِعَدَدِ كُلِّ حَرْفٍ جَرَى بِهِ الْقَلَمُ
Allahumma Salli wa Sallim ‘ala Sayyidina Muhammadin bi ‘adadi kulli harfin jara bihil Qalam.
“O Allah, send blessings and peace upon our Master Muhammad by the number of every letter written by the pen.”
Darood Shifa
As its name suggests, Darood Shifa is often recited seeking healing and spiritual well-being, invoking Allah’s complete mercy and cure through the Prophet (PBUH).
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ طِبِّ الْقُلُوبِ وَدَوَائِهَا وَعَافِيَةِ الأَبْدَانِ وَشِفَائِهَا وَنُورِ الأَبْصَارِ وَضِيَائِهَا
Allahumma Salli ‘ala Sayyidina Muhammadin Tibbil Quloobi wa Dawa’iha, wa ‘Aafiyatil Abdaani wa Shifa’iha, wa Nooril Absaari wa Diya’iha.
“O Allah, bless our Master Muhammad, the medicine of hearts and their remedy, the health of bodies and their cure, and the light of eyes and their illumination.”
Other Commonly Recited Short Forms of Darood Sharif
For those seeking simplicity and ease of regular recitation, several short forms of Darood Sharif are widely used:
- Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam: “May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him.”
- Allahumma Salli Ala Sayyidina Muhammad: “O Allah, send blessings upon our Master Muhammad.”
- Peace Be Upon Him (PBUH): While an English phrase, it conveys the same meaning of sending blessings.
These simpler forms allow for continuous remembrance throughout the day, embodying the spirit of sending blessings upon the Prophet (PBUH) frequently.
Choosing and Reciting Different Forms of Darood Sharif
Regardless of the chosen form, the intention and sincerity behind the recitation are paramount. To ensure your recitation of any form is most effective and brings maximum rewards, it’s crucial to follow the proper etiquettes of Darood Sharif, which apply across all types.
- Sincerity and Understanding: Endeavor to understand the meaning of the Darood Sharif you recite. This transforms mere repetition into a heartfelt supplication.
- Consistency over Quantity: Regular, consistent recitation, even of shorter forms, is more beneficial than sporadic, high-volume recitation without presence of heart.
- No Fixed Number: For most forms, there is no prescribed number of times to recite. However, many find solace and benefit in setting personal targets for daily recitation.
Feel free to explore these various forms and adopt those that resonate with you, helping you to deepen your connection with the Prophet (PBUH) and earn immense rewards.
Embracing the Diversity of Darood Sharif
The array of Darood Sharif forms available to believers is a profound blessing, reflecting the endless ways we can express our love and reverence for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). From the foundational Darood-e-Ibrahimi to the specific invocations like Darood Tanjeena and Darood Ghausia, each serves as a powerful means to seek Allah’s mercy, elevate our spiritual status, and invite blessings into our lives.
Embrace this beautiful diversity. Let the recitation of Darood Sharif, in its various forms, become a constant source of peace, purification, and spiritual growth in your daily life. May Allah accept our efforts and shower His choicest blessings upon us through this noble practice.