Question:
AssallamuAllaykum … I want to ask a common question : People in our area use to read “Salam”( Ya Nabi Salam alika , Ya Rasool Salam alika ………….) after Fajr (etc…) They form a group , stand toward Harmain Sharifain ( Madina ) and read the salam in very nice manner !!!! My question is that , Is right to Join Them ? If it’s wrong plzz provide Authentic Hadith !!! I personally felt it “WoW” !!! Plzz Provide urs Valuable Advice !!!!
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
In principle, if one says “Ya Rasool or “Ya Nabi” with the belief that Rasullullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) hears every sound, sees every action, etc, then it is impermissible and constitutes Shirk (polytheism). These qualities can only be attributed to Allah Ta’ala, and the knowledge of only Allah encompasses absolutely everything.
If one believes that the words “Ya Rasullullah” or “Ya Muhammad” are being sent to Rasullullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) via the angels in the form of Durood and Salaam, then it is permissible for one to say such words.
Nevertheless, since many people have the incorrect belief that Rasullullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) is Hadhir and Nadhir (omnipresent), knower of the unseen or that Rasullullah (Sallalalhu Alayhi Wa Sallam) listens to one who pronounces the words “Ya Nabi” or “Ya Rasullullah”, it is highly advisable that one refrains from uttering such words.
When Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alahi Wa Sallam) passed away, the Sahabah never used to say ‘Ya Nabi Salam Alaika’ (O Prophet peace be upon you ) or similar greetings to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alahi Wa Sallam) since he was no longer in their presence where they would meet him. Instead, only when they visited his blessed grave, they will face his grave, and convey Salaams directly to him saying, ‘As Salaam Alaika Ayuhan nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuh’ (‘Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy and blessings of Allah’.)
The correct belief is that the Durood and Salawaat recited upon Rasullullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) are conveyed to Rasullullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) via the medium of the angels.
عن عبد الله بن مسعود قال قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم : ان لله ملائكة سياحين في الأرض يبلغوني عن أمتي السلام (سنن الدارمي 2/409؛ عربي)
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wassalaam) said: “Verily, Allah has angels that travel the Earth and convey my Ummah’s salutations to me” (al-Darami)
It is evident that the Sahabahs (companion of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alahi Wa Sallam) and those after them from the pious generations of Muslims (the Tabieen and Atba’ut Tabe’een ) did not practice and bring about the singing of ‘Ya Nabi Salaam Alaika’ nor facing towards Madina when sending Salaam.
Rasullullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) said:
قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ( من أحدث في أمرنا هذا ما ليس فيه فهو رد )
“Whoever innovates something in this matter of ours (i.e., Islaam), it will be rejected” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari 7/146, Dar Ibn Katheer)
Therefore, as we mentioned, you should refrain from sending Salaam in such a manner like you explained. Rather adopt the method of the Sahabah and pious predecessors by reciting Darood and Attahiyyat, as mentioned in various Ahadith.
Everything sounding good and evoking ones emotions is not necessarily correct. There is no consideration for emotions in Islam in practices contrary to Shari’ah.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best.
Mufti Arshad Ali
Darul Iftaa, Jaamia Madinatul Uloom (Trinidad)
