Hadith #3530

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of sending salutations upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) before making any supplication to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to begin by invoking blessings upon the Prophet (ﷺ) and then to ask Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for our needs. This Hadith highlights the generosity and kindness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), who is more than willing to fulfill our supplications.

The word (hajah) "حاجَةٌ" in the Hadith refers to a need or a desire that one wishes to fulfill. It can be any legitimate request that a person has from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It could be related to health, wealth, guidance, or any other aspect of life. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to begin by sending salutations upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) before making our supplication to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The act of sending salutations upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is highly recommended in Islam. It is a way of showing respect, love, and gratitude towards the Prophet (ﷺ). By invoking blessings upon him, we acknowledge his status as the final and greatest messenger of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Additionally, sending salutations upon the Prophet (ﷺ) is a means of seeking his intercession and blessings.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) Himself commands the believers to send salutations upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in the Quran. In Surah Al-Ahzab, Allah says, (Quran 33:56)

Indeed, Allah confers blessing upon the Prophet, and His angels [ask Him to do so]. O you who have believed, ask [Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [Allah to grant him] peace.

Furthermore, the Quran teaches us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is generous and kind. He is always ready to respond to the supplications of His servants. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:186)

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.

This verse assures us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is ever ready to answer our prayers and fulfill our needs.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is too generous to refuse one of the two supplications that are made to Him. This means that when we send salutations upon the Prophet (ﷺ) and then ask Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for our needs, He will not reject both of our supplications. Rather, He will fulfill one of them and grant us what is best for us.

This Hadith teaches us the importance of following the proper etiquette of supplication. By starting with sending salutations upon the Prophet (ﷺ), we show our respect and love for him and seek his intercession. This act of humility and reverence enhances the sincerity and acceptance of our supplication. It also reminds us of the Prophet's (ﷺ) role as a mediator between us and Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of sending salutations upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) before making our supplications to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It highlights the generosity and kindness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), who is always ready to fulfill our needs. By following this advice, we not only show our love and respect for the Prophet (ﷺ) but also increase the chances of our supplications being accepted. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to follow this guidance and fulfill our needs through His infinite mercy and grace.