BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Muslims were told to intensify their Selawat or invocations to Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as it is one of the many ways of gaining happiness in the world and the hereafter.

During the Friday sermon, imams across the Sultanate told congregants that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was sent by Allah (SWT) as a blessing not only for the world but for the entire universe.

“Rasulullah (SAW) was sent by Allah (SWT) as a blessing to the whole universe. Hence, our love for Rasulullah (SAW) is very much sought. The love for Rasulullah (SAW) extends to not only Muslims who are mukallaf but also to all children in Islam,” said imams.

They added that order will naturally fall into place when the love for the Prophet (SAW) is internalised and flourishing within the hearts of Muslims, leading to obedience and loyalty to Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) teachings.

“Reciting the Selawat is one of the proofs or signs of our love for Rasulullah (SAW). We must therefore amplify our efforts to recite it, particularly with the awareness that sending _Selawat _to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is intertwined with aspects of faith and Islam.”

They went on to mention that Muslims receive various benefits from reciting the Selawat, including mercy and blessings from Allah (SWT) while also having their sins forgiven and removed.

Selawat may also lead to an individual being blessed with intercession by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) on Judgment Day.

It also carries the same rewards of freeing a slave and may help a person attain peace and tranquility because when someone recites the Selawat 100 times, Allah (SWT) will inject serenity and illuminate the individual’s heart.

Selawat also makes it possible for an individual’s prayers to be accepted by Allah (SWT), and it can be a replacement for charity for those who can’t afford to give.

The last benefit imams mentioned was “the unshackling of oneself from the yoke of restlessness and anxiety on Judgment Day. When we neglect to invoke the blessings of Allah (SWT) upon Rasulullah (SAW), then despair and turmoil will await us on the Day of Resurrection.”

There are also various types and forms of Selawat, from the Selawat Ibrahimiyyah, which is recited in prayers during tahiyyat akhir to the Selawat Al-Tafrijiyyah or Al-Naariyyah, which if recited 11 times after each fardhu prayer may gain an individual boundless sustenance and provisions.

“So fellow Muslims, blessed indeed is the Muslim _ummah _who continues to recite the _Selawat _every time and at every place instead of just restricting it to the once a year Maulidur Rasul celebrations. ”

The Brunei Times