Salat al-Imam al-Nawawi
Salat al-Imam al-Nawawi (Arabic: صلاة الإمام النووي) is a collection of prayers upon the Prophet ﷺ transmitted by Imam Muhyi al-Din al-Nawawi, the renowned Shafi’i jurist and hadith master. It consists of various forms of prayers and salutations traditionally recited during the ziyarah of the Prophet ﷺ in Madinah. Imam al-Nawawi advises the visitor to stand with a lowered gaze and a heart free from worldly distractions, mindful of the tremendous rank of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, before reciting these prayers in a calm and moderate voice.
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About Salat al-Imam al-Nawawi
This noble collection of prayers upon the Prophet ﷺ, comprising various forms of salutations and supplications, is traditionally recited during the ziyarah of the Prophet ﷺ in Madinah. It was transmitted by Imam Muhyi al-Din al-Nawawi in his Manasik (book of Hajj rites), where he describes the proper etiquette for this moment.
He explains that, when standing before the wall of the Prophet’s ﷺ grave, the visitor should lower his gaze towards its lower part in a state of awe and reverence. His heart should be emptied of worldly distractions while he brings to mind the immense rank and station of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ before whom he stands. He should then recite these prayers without raising his voice, speaking instead in a calm and moderate tone.
Imam al-Nawawi adds that whoever is unable to memorise the entire invocation, or does not have sufficient time to recite it in full, may suffice with part of it. At a minimum, one should say:
السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْكَ وَسَلَّمَ
As-salāmu ʿalayka yā Rasūla Llāh, ṣallā Llāhu ʿalayka wa-sallam.
Peace be upon you, O Messenger of Allah, may Allah send prayers and peace upon you.
