Title: Regarding Supplications & Blessings for the Prophet (pbuh) Question: I have some doubts regarding the recitation of Darood . Kindly clarify. I understand Darood is a prayer, we offer for our beloved Prophet (pbuh) Did Prophet (pbuh) command the Muslims (through any reliable narratives) to recite Darood whenever we hear his name? Did the companions recite Darood whenever they mentioned his name? It has become a common practice in many mosques that after the congregational prayer especially after Friday prayer, they recite Darood in congregation. Is this act a bidah ? Why is that only for our Prophet Mohammad (pbuh), we should recite Darood ? Why not for other prophets? My last question is: When God had forgiven all sins of the Prophet(pbuh) (according to the Quran) why do we Muslims should pray for our Prophet (pbuh) when he is already exalted? Regards, Naina Answer: Offering supplications, prayers and blessings for the Prophet (pbuh) is representative of our love and respect for the Prophet (pbuh), on the one hand, and an acknowledgement of his great favor upon us, on the other. Such supplication and prayers is neither required by the Prophet (pbuh) for the exaltation of his position in the Hereafter, nor should be construed as a religious ritual as, for instance, the daily Sala'h . The Qur'an has itself recommended and prescribed supplication and prayer for the Prophet (pbuh) upon the Muslims. In view of the foregoing, it should be clear that because the recitation of such supplications for the Prophet (pbuh) is not a religious ritual, therefore, whether or not it should be offered every time the Prophet's name is mentioned is irrelevant. We should offer it whenever we so desire and there is no restriction on offering it each time the Prophet's name is mentioned. As for the companions of the Prophet (pbuh), it seems that they did not offer such supplications every time the Prophet's name was mentioned. Giving the recitation of the Darood a shape of a religious ritual, as you have stated in point no. 2, is not authorized by the Prophet (pbuh) and is, therefore, like a bid`ah , in my opinion. Your objection in point no. 3 is not very accurate. It is the common practice of offering prayers for each of the prophets of God, at the mention of their names. Regards, Moiz Amjad April 6, 2002