How can a person achieve sincere repentance and salvation from sins when the human soul may be drawn toward disobedience and struggle to abandon familiar sinful habits?
Dr. Ali Gomaa, a member of Al-Azhar’s Council of Senior Scholars, addressed this question by emphasizing frequent prayers upon Prophet Muhammad ﷺ throughout the day and night and connecting them with the remembrance of Allah and tranquility of the heart.
How Can a Person Achieve Sincere Repentance?
Ali Gomaa emphasized the importance of frequently sending prayers and blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ as a means of maintaining the remembrance of Allah.
He cited the Quranic verse:
“Surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” [Quran 13:28]
Sending prayers upon the Prophet ﷺ includes remembrance of Allah, as the Muslim says: “O Allah, send blessings and peace upon our master Muhammad,” invoking Allah and asking Him to bless His Prophet ﷺ.
Remembrance and Purifying the Soul
Frequent remembrance helps keep the heart connected to Allah.
When a Muslim consistently engages in remembrance and prayers upon the Prophet ﷺ, the tongue becomes accustomed to words of worship, which can help a person resist heedlessness and persistent wrongdoing.
The Prophet’s Place in Faith
Ali Gomaa highlighted the central position of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in the testimony of faith.
A Muslim’s testimony includes both the declaration that there is no deity but Allah and the testimony that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.
Praying upon the Prophet ﷺ is also an expression of love and reverence for him, while following Allah’s command to send blessings and peace upon him.
The Virtue of Sending Prayers Upon the Prophet ﷺ
Ali Gomaa referred to the narration of Ubayy ibn Ka‘b, may Allah be pleased with him, who asked the Prophet ﷺ how much of his supplication should be devoted to sending prayers upon him.
The Prophet ﷺ replied that whatever amount he wished was permissible and that increasing it would be better for him.
When Ubayy asked about dedicating all of his supplication to prayers upon the Prophet ﷺ, the narration states:
“Then you will be spared your worries and your sins will be forgiven.”
The narration highlights the reported virtue of frequently sending prayers upon Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Prayers Upon the Prophet in the Quran
Allah says:
“Indeed, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O believers, send blessings upon him and greet him with peace.” [Quran 33:56]
The verse contains a clear command for believers to send blessings and peace upon the Prophet ﷺ.
For this reason, Muslims are encouraged to make this remembrance part of their daily worship.
“Keep Your Tongue Moist with the Remembrance of Allah”
A man once told the Prophet ﷺ that the religious obligations had become numerous for him and asked for something he could hold onto.
The Prophet ﷺ advised him:
“Keep your tongue moist with the remembrance of Allah.”
This guidance emphasizes the importance of maintaining continuous remembrance and not allowing the tongue to remain distant from worship.
Sending Prayers Upon the Prophet as Remembrance
When a Muslim says:
“O Allah, send blessings and peace upon our master Muhammad.”
he is remembering Allah and asking Him to bless His Prophet ﷺ.
This combines remembrance of Allah with love for the Messenger ﷺ, reflecting the connection between faith, remembrance, and spiritual life.
How Can Prayers Upon the Prophet Help Resist Sin?
Regular remembrance keeps awareness of Allah present in a person’s daily life and helps reinforce the meanings of obedience, love, and returning to Allah.
Sincere repentance is not merely a verbal statement. It requires a genuine desire to abandon wrongdoing and return to obedience.
Frequent remembrance and prayers upon the Prophet ﷺ can be among the acts of worship that support this spiritual effort.
Sincere Repentance Begins with Returning to Allah
A person may struggle against habits and desires, but consistent remembrance can help open the door back to Allah.
Prayers upon the Prophet ﷺ can become part of a Muslim’s daily routine, repeated throughout the day and night alongside efforts to leave sinful actions and remain committed to obedience.
How can a person achieve sincere repentance?
By turning back to Allah, seeking forgiveness, abandoning the sin, and striving to remain committed to obedience.
What advice did Ali Gomaa give regarding sins?
He emphasized frequently sending prayers and blessings upon Prophet Muhammad ﷺ during the day and night.
Is sending prayers upon the Prophet a form of remembrance?
Yes. It involves calling upon Allah and asking Him to bless His Prophet ﷺ.
What did the Prophet say about continuous remembrance?
He advised a man to keep his tongue moist with the remembrance of Allah.
What is the reported virtue of frequent prayers upon the Prophet?
The cited narration mentions relief from worries and forgiveness of sins for the person who frequently sends prayers upon him.
