The Book of Forgetfulness (In Prayer)

Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1292

Hadith Text

"I asked Zaid bin Kharijah who said: 'I asked the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and he said: Send salah upon me and strive hard in supplication, and say: Alahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala ali Muhammad (O Allah, send salah upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad).'"

Scholarly Commentary

This noble hadith establishes the excellence of sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and demonstrates its connection to earnest supplication. The command to "strive hard in supplication" (jiddū fī al-du'ā') indicates the importance of combining tawassul (seeking means of approach) through sending salawat with sincere, focused prayer.

The specific formulation "Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala ali Muhammad" represents one of the most comprehensive forms of sending blessings, encompassing both the Prophet and his purified household. Classical scholars note that including the family of Muhammad (ﷺ) in our prayers for him demonstrates complete adherence to his teachings and love for those whom he loved.

Imam al-Nawawi comments that this hadith shows the superiority of this particular formulation of sending blessings and emphasizes that earnestness in supplication coupled with sending salawat increases the likelihood of the supplication being accepted. The placement of this narration in the chapter on forgetfulness in prayer suggests that sending blessings upon the Prophet serves as both a means of rectifying prayer and elevating its spiritual reward.