Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Salawat/Durood Nariya

Salawat/Durood Nariya

اَللّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ صَلٰوةً کَامِلَةً وَّ سَلِّمْ سَلَامًا تَامًّا عَلٰی سَیِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدِ نِ الَّذِیْ تَنْحَلُّ بِهِ الْعُقَدُ وَ تَنْفَرِجُ بِهِ الْکُرَبُ وَ تُقْضٰی بِهِ الْحَوَآئِجُ وَ تُنَالُ بِهِ الرَّغَآئِبُ وَ حُسْنُ الْخَوَاتِمِ وَ یُسْتَسْقَی الْغَمَامُ بِوَجْهِهِ الْکَرِیْمِ وَ عَلٰۤی اٰلِهٖ وَ صَحْبِهٖ فِیْ کُلِّ لَمْحَةٍ وَّ نَفَسٍۭ بِعَدَدِ کُلِّ مَعْلُوْمٍ لَّکَ یَا اللّٰه یَا اللّٰه یَا اللّٰه

Transliteration:
Allah-humma sale salawaatan kaamilatan wa sallim salaaman Taa-aman ala'a sayyedinaa Muhammad allazi tanhalo behi al-aqad wa tanfirjo behil kurabo wa tuqzaa behil hawaa ijo wa tunaalo behi al-raqhaaibo wa Husnu-ul-khawa-time wa yus-tas qayel. Ghamaa-mo-be-wajhe-hi al-karime wa ala'a aalehi wa sahbehi Fii kulle Lamhatin wa nafsin baa-dada kulle Maloomin laka yaa Allah yaa Allah yaa Allah.

Translation:
Oh Allah, every moment and every breath, bestow complete and the best blessings and perfect peace, which is endless on Muhammad (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم) our Master and his posterity, and his companions; and may for his sake all our troubles and tortures be over. [May all our] calamities end and all our needs fulfilled, all our cherished desires attained, and good ends vouchsafed and clouds are laden with water through the glorious countenance of the Prophet (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم).

Salawat / Durood Nariya: An Explanation

What Is Durood Nariya?

Durood Nariya, also known as Durood Tafreej or Salat-ut-Tafreejiyyah, is one of the most widely recited forms of Salawat (blessings) upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the Muslim world. It is especially popular in South Asia, North Africa, and among Sufi communities, where it is recited individually and in congregational gatherings for the fulfillment of needs, relief from hardship, and spiritual blessing.

The name "Nariya" is generally understood to relate to the concept of relief from "naar" (fire/distress) or difficulty, while "Tafreej" directly means "relief" or "opening up" of hardship — reflecting the core purpose for which this Durood is recited.

Structure of the Text

Arabic Text

The Durood is a single, flowing supplication addressed to Allah, asking for complete and perfect blessings (Salawat) and peace (Salaam) upon Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is composed as one continuous sentence, without breaks, which is itself considered part of its unique character.

Transliteration

The Latin transliteration provided renders the Arabic phonetically for those who cannot read Arabic script, allowing them to recite it correctly by sound: "Allahumma salli salawatan kamilatan wa sallim salaman tamman ala sayyidina Muhammad..."

English Translation

The translation captures the meaning: a request for complete blessings and perfect peace upon Prophet Muhammad, through whom knots (difficulties) are untied, grief is relieved, needs are fulfilled, desires are attained, good endings are secured, and rain (mercy) is sought — all through his noble countenance, along with his family and companions, repeated for every moment and breath, as many times as Allah's knowledge encompasses.

Key Themes Within the Supplication

  1. Complete and Perfect Blessings — The prayer opens by asking for Salawat that is "kamilatan" (complete) and Salaam that is "tamman" (perfect/whole), emphasizing totality rather than partial blessing.
  2. Relief from Hardship — The phrase "tanhallu bihi al-uqad" (through whom knots are untied) and "tanfariju bihi al-kurab" (through whom distress is relieved) form the heart of why this Durood is recited during times of difficulty.
  3. Fulfillment of Needs — "Tuqda bihi al-hawa'ij" refers to the fulfillment of needs and requirements, making this a supplication often used when seeking help with personal matters.
  4. Attainment of Desires and Good Endings — The text asks for "husn al-khawatim," meaning a good conclusion to one's life and affairs, alongside the attainment of noble aspirations ("al-ragha'ib").
  5. Mercy Likened to Rain — The phrase about clouds being "laden with water" through the Prophet's noble countenance uses rain as a metaphor for abundant mercy descending upon the supplicant.
  6. Inclusion of Family and Companions — The Durood concludes by extending blessings to the Prophet's family ("aalihi") and companions ("sahbihi"), following the traditional pattern found in most forms of Salawat.
  7. Perpetual Repetition — The closing phrase, repeated for "every moment and breath... as many times as encompassed by Your knowledge," expresses a desire for the blessings to be sent continuously and without limit.

Common Practices Associated with Durood Nariya

  • Individual Recitation: Many people recite it a fixed number of times (commonly 11, 41, 100, or more) daily or during times of difficulty.
  • Congregational Recitation: In some communities, groups gather to recite it collectively a large number of times (sometimes thousands), particularly during hardship, illness, or before undertaking important tasks.
  • Recitation During Distress: It is popularly recited when facing financial trouble, illness, delays in matters, or when seeking a solution to a persistent problem.
  • Recitation for Blessings on Special Occasions: Some also recite it during the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal or on Fridays, alongside other forms of Salawat.

A Note on Authenticity and Scholarly Views

It is worth noting that scholars differ on the origin and authenticity of Durood Nariya. Unlike Quranic verses or verified Hadith texts, this specific wording is a later devotional composition rather than a direct statement of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Some scholars accept its use as a permissible and beneficial form of Salawat given that sending blessings upon the Prophet is itself a recommended act, while others advise caution regarding specific numerical claims of guaranteed outcomes sometimes attributed to it in popular tradition. As with many devotional texts, individuals are generally encouraged to consult local scholars regarding its status and appropriate usage.

Summary

Durood Nariya is a devotional supplication combining praise of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) with a plea for relief, fulfillment of needs, and abundant mercy. Its poetic structure, rhythmic repetition, and comprehensive scope — covering worldly relief, spiritual attainment, and a good ending to life — explain its widespread popularity across generations of Muslims seeking comfort and blessing through invoking peace upon the Prophet.


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