Introduction
The highest blessing which Islam has conferred on Man is the concept of Unity of God in its purest form. This has been furnished to mankind through Muhammed, the last in the order of Prophets (may peace and blessing of Allah be upon them). It is the duty of every Muslim to entertain the highest respect and love for him and to follow the best example in knowledge and action set by him. May it be made clear that obedience to the Apostle is always to be charged with an unalloyed love and reverence for him, for it is through his love alone that the highest truths can be comprehended and communion with God can be vouchsafed. In fact, love is the motive force; reverence disciplines love, and implicit obedience to the Prophet is the natural outcome. Is it therefore incumbent on those who love him to join with God and His angels in wishing for him peace according to the Divine Command.
The invocation of blessings on the Holy Prophet is styled in Arabic as “Salat and Salam” and in Persian as “Durood”. These invocations have been set forth in divers forms by eminent saints and divines in the history of Islam. These were compiled from time to time in the past centuries by renowned Muslim divines. The following five well-known compilations enjoy very great popularity:
1. Kanzul-Ummal by Hadrat Ali-Al-Muttaqi
2. Hizbul-Azam by Hadrat Ali-Al-Quari
3. Dala-el-ul Khairat by Jazooli
4. Salawat-us-sana wa Afzal-us-Salawat wa Saadat-ud-Darine by Nabhani
5. Majmoo-atul-Awrad wal-Ahzab by Kamishkhanwi
The writer, a very humble servant of the Prophet, has made a selection from out of several compilations, just referred above, and issued them in a single volume in five successive editions entitled “Mishkat-us-Salawaat” or ‘A bouquet of Invocations calling for divine blessings on the Prophet (SAW). This ‘Mishkat’ is arranged subject wise and divided into seven parts which provide recitation for seven days of the week.
Of the seven parts of the ‘Mishkat,’ the first three are composed of passages of the Quran. Two of these bring to view the diverse aspects of the Prophets absolute dependence on God, and of the role assigned to him as His Apostle to mankind. The third part deals with the different categories and grades of true believers who display in their day to day activity the qualities commended by the Quran and with the appropriate rewards received by them. The three parts thus bring home to the mind of the reciter many essential teachings of the Holy Quran. Each part has an internal coherence and harmony of its own. Reference to the section and part of the Quran is given at the end of each verse. In the fourth part of the ‘Mishkat’, most of the invocations are drawn from ‘Hadees’ literature. The remaining three parts of the ‘Mishkat’ embody the outpourings of the fervent love and reverence which great Muslim saints cherished for the Prophet. Their utterances are characterized by fluency, clarity and elegance. They bear testimony to the high estimation in which the Prophet was held by the great saints of Islam to the present day and are of the highest degree of excellence.
In conclusion, I may venture to state that this selection of invocations is sweet and short and at the same time comprehensive enough. May it kindle in the breasts of the reciters the love and reverence of the Holy Prophet and the zest to live up to the high ideal which he had set up as a Apostle before mankind.
Muhammed Ilyas Burney,
Ramadhan, 1349 Hijri. (January, 1931)
Baitus Salam, (Residence)
Saifabad, Hyderabad, India.