Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "If anyone prays once on me, Allah will pray ten times on him.'"
Hadith Text
Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "If anyone prays once on me, Allah will pray ten times on him."
Source Reference
Book: Supplication
Author: Al-Adab Al-Mufrad
Hadith: Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 645
Commentary on the Meaning
The term "prays upon" (yusalli 'ala) in this noble hadith refers to sending blessings and mercy. When a believer sends blessings upon the Prophet (ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam), Allah responds with tenfold divine mercy and blessings upon that servant.
This multiplication demonstrates Allah's infinite generosity and honor bestowed upon His beloved Messenger. The tenfold reward reflects the perfection of divine justice and the elevated status of the Prophet in the sight of Allah.
Scholarly Insights
Imam An-Nawawi explains that sending blessings upon the Prophet is among the most virtuous acts of worship, bringing the servant closer to Allah and earning immense reward.
Ibn Al-Qayyim states that this multiplication of reward reflects the principle that good deeds are multiplied up to seven hundred times or more, as mentioned in the Quran, but here Allah specifies the exact multiplication for this particular act of devotion.
The scholars emphasize that this hadith encourages frequent sending of blessings upon the Prophet throughout one's life, especially on Fridays and in places of remembrance.
Practical Application
Muslims should make it a regular practice to send blessings upon the Prophet in their daily prayers, after the call to prayer, when entering and leaving mosques, and whenever his name is mentioned.
The minimum form is saying "ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam" (May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), while the complete form includes additional prayers for his family and companions as taught in the Sunnah.