Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
When bestowing prayers upon the Prophet ﷺ, is it better to use a long formula and recite less or a short formula and recite more?
What is best is whatever helps the heart to be present and focused on the Prophet ﷺ, and helps to increase in love, longing and veneration.
Should I give preference to reading Dala’il al-Khayrat or Habib Ali al-Habashi’s Majma al-Lata’if al-Arshiyyah?
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
The best thing would be to recite a portion of both (or any other similar compilation of salawat) daily but if this is not possible then you should alternate between the two. All these books are filled with light. In addition, you should give priority to any salat that your shaykh has instructed you to recite or any salat which you find especially beneficial in connecting your heart to the Prophet ﷺ.
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
Do we need to request permission before reciting various prayers upon the Prophet ﷺ, such as those contained in the book Dala’il al-Khayrat?
You have general permission to read any prayer upon the Prophet, ﷺ so there is no need to request permission. The main thing is that you recite it with love, longing and veneration witnessing that the Prophet ﷺ is the means for all the good that Allah gives His servants.
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
While doing so you should witness the exalted nature of the Prophet ﷺ and long to be with him in the next life. Be conscious that in reality it is not you who is bestowing prayers upon him but Allah and also that the Prophet does not need your prayers but rather you need the benefits that it contains.
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
Sayyiduna Ubayy bin Ka`b said to the Prophet ﷺ: “I bestow prayers upon you and do so in abundance. How many of my prayers should I make for you?” What is the meaning of this statement? Continue reading How Many of My Prayers Should I Make for You?
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
Every prayer contains goodness and blessings. Any prayer which is recited with love, yearning and veneration is of great benefit regardless of the form.
Priority should be given to the salawat that have been narrated in the Sunnah (such as al-Salat al-Ibrahimiyyah), then the salawat that have been narrated by the early generations or salawat that your Shaykh recommends.
Habib Abd al-Qadir al-Saqqaf (may Allah have mercy on him and benefit us by him) said:
Whoever bestows abundant prayers upon the Prophet ﷺ will be guaranteed ten things:
1. They will receive what they ask for Continue reading Ten Benefits of Salawat
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
We have been instructed to bestow abundant prayers upon the Prophet ﷺ. How many prayers would be regarded as being abundant? Is it better to repeat a short formula so as to bestow more prayers or should I also read some longer prayers?
Some scholars say 300 prayers would be regarded as ‘abundant’. Others say 700. So try to read either number according to your ability. You should choose a prayer that you can repeat easily while also reading some other prayers even if they are long.
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
What are the benefits of reciting ‘Dala’il al-Khayrat’?
The book contains many prayers upon the Messenger of Allah ﷺ composed by some of the knowers of Allah. Imam al-Jazuli, who compiled it, was himself a knower of Allah. The fact that it is loved by the elite as well as ordinary people is a sign that it has been accepted by Allah. Many of those who read it obtain a stronger connection to the Prophet ﷺ and some of the veils between them and Allah and His Messenger ﷺ are removed. Reciting it makes it easier to travel the path, removes obstacles and increases one’s love and faith. Generally speaking, anyone who bestows abundant prayers upon the Prophet ﷺ with truthfulness will be guided to his or her shaykh.
Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him) provides some valuable insights into bestowing prayers upon the Prophet ﷺ.
Allah ordered us to bestow prayers upon the Prophet ﷺ but we are certain that we are unable to do anything of our own accord, so instead of attempting to do so we request that Allah Himself bestows prayers on the Prophet. He called this request of ours prayers from us and said: Bestow prayers and peace upon him in abundance. (Al-Ahzab, 33:56) In reality, however, these prayers are from Him as we are incapable of bestowing them ourselves. That is why if we wish to bestow prayers upon the Prophet we say ‘O Allah,’ or ‘O Lord, bestow prayers upon him.’ Continue reading Insights into Bestowing Prayers Upon the Prophet ﷺ
