Understanding The Prophet's Life
From Issue: 537 [Read full issue]
Acknowledging Prophet's Favours
It is preferable to use the lucid, yet simply-worded blessings for the Prophet which have been passed down to us by the first generations of Muslims, rather than the affected, abstruse formulas for which missals have been written, group recitations convened, and names for the Prophet invented - names for which Allah has revealed no legitimation. Surely it is not the mere repetition of eloquent phrases that is important. What matters is one's acknowledgement of the favour done by the Prophet, upon him be peace, for the betterment of the believers, one's appreciation of the jihad he waged against the forces of ignorance, and one's allegiance to the nation which he founded in the name of ultimate truth.
This is the real meaning of seeking blessings for the Prophet of Allah, upon him be peace. And only those who give practical evidence of their appreciation of this meaning will receive the rewards promised to those who seek blessings for the Prophet, upon him be peace. Certainly those self-acclaimed 'lovers of the Prophet' who hollowly echo set phrases, yet who are unable to stand in defence of the Sunnah, cannot ever be eligible for such rewards. It is with regard to the defenders of the faith, those who truly appreciate the Prophet, upon him be peace, that this hadith is related:
Whosoever seeks blessings for me will be blessed ten times over by the Almighty.
Abdullah ibn Masud related that the Prophet, upon him be peace, said:
On the Day of Judgement, the people most deserving of me will be those who have most often sought blessings for me.
Compiled From:
"Remembrance and Prayer" - Muhammad Al-Ghazali, pp. 104, 105