Islam is a religion that emphasizes remembrance of Allah and sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammadﷺ. Among the many acts of worship recommended by scholars is the practice of reciting Durood Shareef (Salutations upon the Prophetﷺ). A question often arises regarding the permissibility and virtue of reciting Durood before Azaan (آذان سے پہلے درود پڑھنا). This discussion has been addressed in many Fatwas, including Fatwa QA sources, where scholars explain its status in light of the Qur’an, Hadith, and scholarly consensus.

This article will explore the religious basis, scholarly opinions, and benefits of reciting Durood before Azaan, while keeping in mind the keyword “آذان سے پہلے درود پڑھنا” for SEO and AI ranking purposes.

The Importance of Azaan in Islam

The Azaan is the call to prayer that invites Muslims to worship five times a day. It is not only a reminder of the prayer but also a declaration of Tawheed (Oneness of Allah). Since Azaan is such a sacred act, every word surrounding it is treated with respect. The moments before Azaan are considered blessed, and supplications made at that time are accepted.

In this blessed period, many Muslims engage in Dhikr, reciting the Quran, or sending blessings upon the Prophetﷺ. Hence, the practice of آذان سے پہلے درود پڑھنا is connected with honoring the Prophetﷺ while preparing the heart for the Azaan.

Evidence of Sending Blessings on the Prophetﷺ

The Qur’an itself commands:

“Indeed Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O you who believe, send blessings upon him and salute him with respect.” (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:56)

This verse establishes that reciting Durood is a continuous act of worship, not restricted to a particular time. The Hadith literature is also filled with the virtues of reciting Durood. The Prophetﷺ said:

  • “Whoever sends one blessing upon me, Allah will send ten blessings upon him.” (Sahih Muslim)
  • “The closest people to me on the Day of Judgment will be those who sent the most blessings upon me.” (Tirmidhi)

Given these narrations, reciting Durood at any time — including before Azaan — carries great virtue.

Scholarly Discussion: Is It Permissible Before Azaan?

The question arises: Is it Sunnah or Bid‘ah to recite Durood before Azaan?

According to Fatwa QA references, scholars clarify that:

  1. It is permissible – Since reciting Durood is a general act of worship, it can be recited at any time, including before Azaan. There is no prohibition in Shariah against it.
  2. It is not obligatory – One must not consider it a fixed Sunnah practice specifically tied to Azaan. It is an act of piety done for blessings.
  3. It should not disturb Azaan – If reciting Durood delays or interrupts the official Azaan, then it becomes discouraged.
  4. Local customs matter – In some Muslim communities, reciting Durood before Azaan has become a tradition, particularly in South Asia. Scholars advise that such practices are permissible as long as they are not declared mandatory.

Thus, آذان سے پہلے درود پڑھنا is allowed and beneficial, provided one does not label it as compulsory.

Fatwa QA Rulings on the Issue

Several Fatwa QA platforms have addressed this matter. Their conclusions include:

  • Darul Ifta scholars: Reciting Durood before Azaan is permissible, as Durood itself is a Sunnah in general.
  • Hanafi Jurists: They emphasize that innovations are only problematic if they contradict Shariah. Since Durood is proven by the Qur’an and Hadith, reciting it before Azaan is not an innovation in the negative sense.
  • Other Scholars: Some caution against institutionalizing it, fearing that people may mistake it for being part of the Azaan.

In summary, the Fatwas generally agree that reciting Durood before Azaan is a praiseworthy act of remembrance, not an obligatory Sunnah.

Benefits of Reciting Durood Before Azaan

The spiritual and practical benefits of آذان سے پہلے درود پڑھنا are many:

  1. Increased Rewards – Each Durood brings multiple blessings from Allah.
  2. Strengthening Love for the Prophetﷺ– Sending blessings nurtures attachment to the Messenger of Allahﷺ.
  3. Preparing for Salah – Durood softens the heart and creates a spiritual atmosphere before the Azaan.
  4. Community Harmony – In many mosques, reciting Durood collectively before Azaan fosters unity and spiritual awareness.
  5. Barakah (Blessings) – Scholars mention that gatherings with Durood attract angels and blessings from Allah.

Misconceptions About Innovation (Bid‘ah)

Some critics argue that آذان سے پہلے درود پڑھنا is an innovation. However, scholars clarify the difference:

  • Blameworthy Innovation (Bid‘ah Sayyi’ah) Practices that contradict Qur’an, Sunnah, or established Islamic law.
  • Praiseworthy Innovation (Bid‘ah Hasanah) Acts rooted in Islamic teachings but applied in new contexts for good, such as compiling the Qur’an in one book.

Since reciting Durood is already an established Sunnah, doing it before Azaan cannot be classified as a forbidden innovation. Instead, it is a contextual practice of Sunnah.

Practical Guidelines for Reciting Durood Before Azaan

To ensure the practice remains within Shariah guidelines:

  1. Do not declare it as a fixed Sunnah specific to Azaan.
  2. Recite it softly or collectively without disturbing the Azaan.
  3. Avoid delaying the Azaan unnecessarily.
  4. Understand it as a general act of devotion, not part of the Azaan itself.
  5. Maintain sincerity, recite for the sake of Allah and love of the Prophetﷺ, not for show.

Conclusion

The practice of آذان سے پہلے درود پڑھنا has its roots in the love for the Prophet Muhammadﷺ and the encouragement of sending blessings upon him at all times. Fatwa QA discussions say it is permissible and beneficial, but not obligatory or Sunnah, specifically tied to Azaan. As long as it is practiced sincerely and without exaggeration, it remains a source of blessings and spiritual preparation for Salah.