Prayer (Salat) is the second pillar of Islam; hence, Muslims all around the world strive to
perform it correctly. Among the noteworthy parts of prayer is Ibrahimiyya Prayer. This
latter captures the interest of many Muslims especially the new converts due to the ambiguity
surrounding it. So, what does one need to know about this Ibrahimiyya Prayer?
What is Ibrahimiyya Prayer?
Also known as Tashahud El-Ibrahimi, and Salat al-Ibrahimiya (Arabic: The Prayer of
Ibrahim), is a prayer upon the Prophet that was revealed by the Prophet himself .In South
Asia, it is also referred to as Durood(1) Ibrahim. In essence, it consists of sending salawat
(prayers) and blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad and his family.
It has been reported in a number of hadith sources, including Bukhari and Muslim, where it is
stated that it is the best and most thorough way to salute the Prophet (pbuh). Durood Ibrahim
is one of the most recited durood, as it is recited typically in the Prayers after reciting
Tashahhud while seated.
How to recite Ibrahimiyya Prayer?
There are various versions of Salat al Ibrahimiya but however the difference, they all share
the same essence which is prayers and blessings sent upon the prophet and his family. Here is
the most famous version:
“Allahumma Salle ‘Alaa Muhammadinw Wa’Alaa Aali Muhammadin Kamaa Sallaeta ‘Alaa
Ibraaheema Wa’Alaa Aaali Ibraaheema Innaka Hameedum Majeed. Allahumma Baarik ‘Alaa
Muhammadinw Wa’Alaa Aali Muhammadin Kamaa Baarakta ‘Alaa Ibraaheema Wa’Alaa
Aaali Ibraaheema Innaka Hameedum Majeed”.
Here is its English translation:
“O Allah send peace on Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and to the family of Prophet
Muhammad (P.B.U.H) as you sent peace on Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) and the family of Prophet
Ibrahim (A.S) Indeed, you are praiseworthy and glorious. O Allah, bless the Prophet
Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and the family of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) as you
blessed Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) and the family of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) Indeed, you are
praiseworthy and glorious.”
Is Salat al-Ibrahimiya mandatory in prayer?
The scholars had different opinions on the propriety of sending blessings to the Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) during the Tashahhud of prayer. There are mainly
three viewpoints: the first holds that it is a basis or crucial component of prayer, without
which it is invalid. The second asserts that it is required. The third viewpoint maintains that
although it is Sunnah and mustahabb, it is not required.
The third view is most likely to be correct according to Imam Ahmad(2) for a worship act
cannot be disregarded because of evidence that could be interpreted as a teaching or an
obligation.
What if I forget to recite Tashahud El-Ibrahimi?
Given the aforementioned scholars ‘opinions, there are different recommendations. However,
since the third view is the most agreed upon; without Ibrahimiyya Prayer, a prayer is still
valid. Whether a person deliberately or forgetfully omits it, his prayer is still valid Inshaallah.
If you like to believe that it is required, then if it is accidentally left out, one must perform the
prostration of forgetting (sujood al-sahw).
Muslims send salawat (prayers) upon the Prophet (pbuh) on a daily basis as part of their ritual
praying routine. Reciting Ibrahimiyya Prayer can only make the prayers more beautiful and
more profound aiming for guidance and soul nourishment.
1 A type of benediction and prayer sent to the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H). 2 Carries the title of Shaikh-ul-Islam and is one of the most eminent Islamic scholars (brilliant scholars of the Islamic sciences).
