Darood Sharif (also spelled Durood Shareef) is the beautiful blessing that Muslims send upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The most well-known form — Darood Ibrahim — is recited in the final sitting of every Salah, making it one of the most repeated supplications in a Muslim's life.
What is Darood Sharif?
Darood Sharif (Arabic: salawat) is a dua in which we ask Allah to honour, exalt and send peace upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Allah Himself commands it in the Quran: "Indeed, Allah confers blessing upon the Prophet, and His angels [ask Him to do so]. O you who have believed, ask [Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [Allah to grant him] peace." (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:56).
Darood Ibrahim (recited in Salah)
Allaahumma salli alaa Muhammadin wa alaa aali Muhammadin kamaa sallayta alaa Ibraaheema wa alaa aali Ibraaheema innaka hameedum majeed. Allaahumma baarik alaa Muhammadin wa alaa aali Muhammadin kamaa baarakta alaa Ibraaheema wa alaa aali Ibraaheema innaka hameedum majeed.
English: O Allah, send prayers upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, as You sent prayers upon Ibrahim and upon the family of Ibrahim; indeed, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious. O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, as You sent blessings upon Ibrahim and upon the family of Ibrahim; indeed, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious.
This is the Darood the Prophet ﷺ taught his companions when they asked how to send blessings upon him (Sahih al-Bukhari). It is recited in the last sitting (Qa'dah) of Salah, after the Tashahhud.
Short Darood Sharif
Allaahumma salli alaa Muhammadin wa alaa aalihi wa as-haabihi wa sallim.
English: O Allah, send blessings and peace upon Muhammad, and upon his family and his companions.
Muslims also commonly say the short salawat "Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam" (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) whenever the Prophet's ﷺ name is mentioned.
Benefits of reciting Darood Sharif
- Tenfold blessings: The Prophet ﷺ said, "Whoever sends one blessing upon me, Allah will send ten blessings upon him." (Sahih Muslim).
- Sins forgiven and ranks raised: With each salawat, Allah forgives sins and elevates the reciter's status.
- Nearest on the Day of Judgment: "The people nearest to me on the Day of Resurrection will be those who send the most blessings upon me." (Tirmidhi).
- Duas are accepted: Sending Darood at the beginning and end of dua is a key reason for its acceptance.
- Angels' prayers: The angels ask forgiveness for the one who sends blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ.
When to recite Darood Sharif
- In every Salah, in the final sitting after Tashahhud.
- Abundantly on Friday (Jumu'ah) — the Prophet ﷺ especially encouraged it.
- Whenever his ﷺ blessed name is mentioned.
- At the start and end of every dua.
- As daily dhikr, morning and evening.