Dr. Ali Gomaa, a member of Al-Azhar’s Council of Senior Scholars, emphasized that Muslims should not neglect sending blessings and peace upon Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, particularly when his name is mentioned.
He explained that sending blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ is an important expression of love, reverence, and devotion to the Messenger of Allah.
Hadiths Warning Against Neglecting Blessings
Ali Gomaa cited the Prophet’s ﷺ statement: “It is enough miserliness that I am mentioned before someone and he does not send blessings upon me.”
The Prophet ﷺ also said: “The miser is the one in whose presence I am mentioned and he does not send blessings upon me.”
These narrations emphasize the importance of remembering to send blessings upon Prophet Muhammad ﷺ whenever he is mentioned.
A Strong Warning Against Neglect
A narration from Ka'b ibn Ujrah, may Allah be pleased with him, describes how the Prophet ﷺ ascended the pulpit and said “Amin” three times.
The Prophet ﷺ later explained that Gabriel عليه السلام had invoked a severe warning against those who missed opportunities for forgiveness, including a person who hears the Prophet ﷺ mentioned but does not send blessings upon him.
The narration demonstrates the seriousness with which the practice of sending blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ is regarded.
Is Neglecting Blessings Upon the Prophet a Major Sin?
Some scholars considered deliberately neglecting blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ when he is mentioned to be a major sin. Among them was Imam Ibn Hajar al-Haytami, who included the matter among the major sins because of the severe warnings found in the relevant narrations.
The descriptions of such a person as miserly, along with the warnings of deprivation and loss, were among the evidence cited for this position.
Increasing Blessings Upon Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
Muslims are encouraged to frequently send blessings and peace upon Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and to make this remembrance part of their daily lives.
One may say: “O Allah, send Your blessings, peace, and blessings upon our master Muhammad, and upon his family and companions.”
May Allah fill our hearts and tongues with blessings and peace upon Prophet Muhammad ﷺ at all times.
What is the virtue of sending blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ?
It is a virtuous act of remembrance and an expression of love and reverence for Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
What did the Prophet ﷺ say about someone who does not send blessings upon him?
The Prophet ﷺ described such a person as miserly when he is mentioned and no blessings are sent upon him.
Are there strong warnings about neglecting blessings upon the Prophet?
Yes. Several narrations contain strong warnings concerning neglecting blessings when the Prophet ﷺ is mentioned.
Did some scholars consider this a major sin?
Yes. Some scholars, including Ibn Hajar al-Haytami, considered it a major sin based on the severity of the warnings reported in the narrations.
