Darood Sharif, also known as Darood Ibrahimi or Salawat, is one of the most frequently recited pieces of text in Islamic worship, said by Muslims multiple times a day within the five daily prayers. This guide covers what it means, its text with an English rendering, when it is recited, and why sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) holds such a central place in Muslim life.
What Is Darood Sharif?
"Darood" (also spelled durood) comes from an Arabic root connected to blessing, and "Sharif" means noble or honourable. Darood Sharif refers to any supplication asking Allah to send blessings and peace upon the Prophet Muhammad, but the term is most commonly used for one specific, widely recited version known as Darood Ibrahimi, so called because it draws a comparison to the blessings sent upon the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his family.
Where This Practice Comes From
The instruction to send blessings on the Prophet comes directly from the Qur'an. In Surah Al-Ahzab (33:56), Allah states that He and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet, and believers are instructed to do the same, along with sending him peace. When the Prophet was later asked by his companions how exactly to do this, he taught them the wording that became Darood Ibrahimi, which is why this particular version carries such weight and is the one recited within the formal structure of the five daily prayers, in the sitting position known as tashahhud.
The Text of Darood Ibrahimi
Transliteration:
Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammadin wa 'ala aali Muhammad, kama sallayta 'ala Ibrahima wa 'ala aali Ibrahim, innaka Hamidun Majid.
Allahumma barik 'ala Muhammadin wa 'ala aali Muhammad, kama barakta 'ala Ibrahima wa 'ala aali Ibrahim, innaka Hamidun Majid.
Meaning:
O Allah, send Your blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, as You sent blessings upon Ibrahim and upon the family of Ibrahim. You are indeed Praiseworthy and Glorious.
O Allah, send Your favour upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, as You sent favour upon Ibrahim and upon the family of Ibrahim. You are indeed Praiseworthy and Glorious.
The comparison to Ibrahim is significant in Islamic theology: Ibrahim is honoured across the Abrahamic faiths as a patriarch whose family was blessed abundantly, and the prayer asks that the same generosity of blessing extend to Muhammad and his family and followers.
When Is Darood Sharif Recited?
Darood Ibrahimi is recited within every unit of the five daily prayers, in the final sitting, making it something the vast majority of practising Muslims recite multiple times daily without necessarily thinking of it as a separate act of devotion. Beyond the obligatory prayers, many Muslims also make a habit of reciting darood, in this or shorter forms, at other times: after hearing or writing the Prophet's name, before making a personal supplication (as a way of opening it respectfully), and especially on Fridays, which hold a particular significance for this practice in the Islamic calendar.
The Virtue of Sending Blessings on the Prophet
The general principle behind this practice, that sending blessings on the Prophet is rewarded and encouraged, is well established and uncontroversial in Islamic teaching, rooted directly in the Qur'anic verse above. Beyond that broad principle, many additional specific claims about exact rewards circulate online, some resting on stronger scholarly grounding than others. Rather than repeat every such claim here, we would encourage readers who want the full picture, including the various narrations and their gradings, to consult a knowledgeable local scholar or a reputable site such as Sunnah.com, which documents hadith alongside their sourcing.
Darood Sharif as Wall Art
Because of its place at the heart of daily prayer, Darood Sharif calligraphy is a popular choice for the prayer room, hallway, or any space where a reminder of devotion feels fitting. Our Darood Sharif Canvas Wall Art collection features the text rendered across a range of calligraphy styles and colour palettes, printed on artist-grade canvas and hand-stretched over a pine frame, ready to hang. It also makes a thoughtful gift: for a new home, a wedding, or simply as a considered Islamic gift for someone who values their daily prayers.
Shop the full Darood Sharif collection →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Darood Sharif mean?
Darood Sharif means "noble blessing" and refers to a supplication asking Allah to send blessings and peace upon the Prophet Muhammad. The most widely recited version is called Darood Ibrahimi.
Why is it called Darood Ibrahimi?
Because it asks Allah to bless Muhammad and his family in the same way He blessed Ibrahim (Abraham) and his family, drawing a direct comparison between the two Prophets.
When do Muslims recite Darood Sharif?
It is recited within every one of the five daily prayers, during the final sitting (tashahhud). Many Muslims also recite it after hearing the Prophet's name, before making a personal prayer, and especially on Fridays.
Is Darood Sharif from the Qur'an or hadith?
The instruction to send blessings on the Prophet is from the Qur'an (33:56). The specific wording of Darood Ibrahimi comes from the Prophet's own teaching in response to a companion's question, recorded in hadith.
Is it appropriate to display Darood Sharif as wall art?
Yes. As a text of blessing and respect for the Prophet, it is widely and warmly regarded as suitable for display in the home, typically at or above eye level in living spaces, hallways, and prayer rooms.
Continue Exploring
You may also like our complete guide to Surah Ar-Rahman or our guide to Islamic wall art for the living room.
Last updated: 24 September 2026.