Our Moroccan brothers and sisters are using salawat in their dua – here's why you should too

While we were on the ground overseeing our response to the earthquake in Morocco, we were welcomed with open arms by the locals who happily received your donations and were left at awe by their faith in Allah during such turbulent times.

During our visit to the remote Atlas Mountains, the Imam of one of the villages came and led a dua on the community’s behalf, expressing their heartfelt gratitude for donations and asking Allah to bless those who helped them.

Towards the end of the dua, we can see that they sent salutations to our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Not only is this important as part of Rabiul Awal, the birth month of the beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), but salawat is crucial for our duas to be answered.

Salawat is regarded in Islam as a means of showing love, respect, and admiration for our beloved spiritual master. It is a way for Muslims to express their devotion and appreciation for his teachings and the role he played in delivering the message of Islam.

The Prophet Muhammed himself encouraged his followers to send salawats – blessings -- upon him. We can see this from the sheer amount of hadiths that highlight the importance of reciting salawat. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, "The people nearest to me on the Day of Resurrection will be those who supplicate Allah more often for me" (Tirmidhi).

By sending Salawats on the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), we are emulating his example and fulfilling his request, which leads rewards in this life and the next.

Salawat can be viewed as a rubber stamp for our duas answered. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “When one of you makes dua’, he should start with praising Allah and glorifying his Lord, and should then invoke salwat on the Prophet. He should then make dua’ for whatever he wishes” (Abu Dawud).

Wherever you are in your spiritual journey, take advantage of this month to learn more about our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and follow the example of those who have been struck by disaster and invoke your blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad.

Watch the heartfelt dua here: Watch now: Survivors of the Moroccan earthquake are making dua for you!