Question
Please explain the famous Hadith of Sayyiduna Ubay ibn Ka’b (radiyallahu ‘anhu) regarding sending salutations on the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) the whole day to remove the worries of both the Dunya and Akhirah.
Does this apply to a person who recites it at least 100 times a day?
Answer
I have not come across any specific number or set amount of time, that a person should be engaged in sending salutations, in order to attain the aforementioned reward.
Furthermore, it should be noted that this Hadith does not necessitate sending salutations upon Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) the entire day. It is rather with regards to the amount of time a person allocates in his du’a, for sending salutations, that the Hadith discusses.
See the translation and authenticity of the Hadith by clicking here and here.
The commentators of Hadith have mentioned that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) did not want to allocate a specific number or ratio of time for sending salutations in one’s du’a, so as to permanently leave the door open for more. Therefore, when asked, Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) continued to leave the decision up to the one asking, making sure all the while, to encourage sending more salutations.
The commentators have mentioned when one deliberately makes majority of his ‘ibadah (worship) the sending of salutations upon the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam), it is then that Allah Ta’ala will take care of one’s needs in both the Dunya and Akhirah.
They have further explained that this is due to the sending of salutations essentially consisting of the dhikr (remembrance) of Allah Ta’ala and the honoring of His most beloved, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam). When one spends all of his time engaged in the dhikr of Allah Ta’ala, and remains occupied in that, instead of begging Allah Ta’ala [for various things], then Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) has informed us that Allah Ta’ala says “He will grant him [the one engaged in dhikr] more than He grants those who ask”.
(References for all of the above: Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 2457 and 2926, Al-Qawlul Badi’, pg. 296, Fathul Ilah, Hadith: 929, and Mirqat, Hadith: 929)
Also see here.
And Allah Ta’ala knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Farhan Shariff
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar