Swalathul Fathih or Salat ul Fatih (صَلَاةُ الْفَاتِحِ) (Prayer of the Opener) is a specific way of paying special tributes to the Prophet Muhammad, صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ, popular within the Tijaniyya order of Sufism, in Islam. Sufism (الصوفية‎) is a unique philosophy, widely practiced within Islam. It is also referred to as Tasawwuf (التصوف). It is translated as Mysticism. It is related to a deep focus on purification, ritualism, and spirituality, within the parameters of Islamic teachings. In simple words, Sufism is a spiritualist approach in Islam that brings humans close to Allah, سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, by way of purifying one’s own self.

Salat ul Fatih, also known as Durood Fatih, is believed to have been transmitted by Abu Al-Makarim Shaikh Muhammad Shams Al-Din Ibn Abi Al-Hasan Al-Bakri, who was a renowned scholar. It is believed that this Durood was revealed upon him by Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى. According to another tradition, it was revealed to Shaikh Ahmad Al-Tijani, founder of the Tijaniyya order of Sufism, in Islam. It is believed that this special Salat ul Fatih was revealed to Shaikh Ahmad Al-Tijani, directly by the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ. Accordingly, this special Dikr is recited by the followers of the Tijaniyyah Sufi Order across the Muslim world.

Swalathul Fathih – Historical Background

There are two different traditions about the revelation of Swalathul Fathih. Abu Al-Makarim Shaikh Muhammad Shams Al-Din Ibn Abi Al-Hasan Al-Bakri, who was a descendant of the first Rashidun Caliph, Hazrat Abu Bakar رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ. As per tradition, he spent a lot of time in prayers and supplications. Eventually, he found the script of Swalathul Fathih, written on paper, which he believed was directly revealed to him by Allah, سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى.

The second tradition is related to Shaikh Ahmad Al-Tijani, the founder of the Tijaniyyah order of Sufism. He claimed that the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ came in his dream and personally taught him this Durood. The followers of the Tijaniyyah Sufi Order believe that the Prophet transmitted this special Durood; hence, they regularly recite it, especially when practicing Sufism.

Swalathul Fathih – Meanings

Arabic Text

اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدِ الْفَاتِحِ لِمَا أُغْلِقَ، وَالْخَاتِمِ لِمَا سَبَقَ، نَاصِرِ الْحَقِّ بِالْحَقِّ، الْهَادِي إِلَى صِرَاطِكَ الْمُسْتَقِيمِ، وَعَلَى آلِهِ حَقَّ قَدْرِهِ وَمِقْدَارِهِ الْعَظِيمِ

Transliteration

Allahumma ṣalli ʿalā Sayyidinā Muḥammadini l-Fātiḥi limā ughliq(a), wa l-khātimi limā sabaq(a), nāṣiri l-ḥaqqi bi l-ḥaqq(i), wa l-hādī ilā ṣirāṭika l-mustaqīm(i), wa ʿalā ālihi ḥaqqa qadrihi wa miqdārihi l-ʿaẓīm.

Translation

O Allah, send prayers upon our master Muhammad, the opener of what was closed, and the seal of what had preceded, the helper of the truth by the Truth, and the guide to Your straight path. May Allah send prayers upon his Family according to his greatness and magnificent rank.

Salat ul Fatih or Durood Fatih is a popular Darood, especially among the followers of the Tijaniyyah Sufi Order. It is also known as the Prayer of the Opener. This very special Durood sends Prayers to the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ in a unique way. After the inaugural Prayer, the Prophet is recalled by specific expressions that reflect his attributes:

  • Al Fatih – The word Fatih (لْفَاتِحِ) is an Arabic expression which translates to “Opener.” The Prophet is remembered as “the Opener of what was Closed.”
  • Al Khatim – The word الْخَاتِم (Khatim) is translated as “Seal.” In Salawathul Fathih, the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ is recalled as Al-Khatim, “the Seal of what had preceded.” It is also highly relevant because he is the last and final Prophet, the “Seal of the Prophets.”
  • Al Nasir – Then the Prophet is recalled as نَاصِر Al-Nasir, “the Helper of the Truth.”
  • Al Hadi – Then the Prophet is also remembered as Al Hadi (الْهَادِي), “Guide to Straight Path.”

So, the Prophet is recalled by some of his most significant attributes. In fact, these four attributes cover almost the entire spiritual aspect. The Salawat ends with the most common phrases used in almost every Durood, “May Allah send Prayers upon the family of the Prophet, according to his Greatness and Magnificent Rank.”

The composition and selection of the attributes of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ make this special Salawat unique and highly significant.

Swalathul Fathih – Benefits

According to various renowned scholars, recitation of the Swalathul Fathih holds huge benefits. Some of the famous quotes are reproduced here:

Quote

  • Whoever recites it once, it is, in rewards, as if they have recited the entire Quran 6,000 times. – Shaikh Ahmad Al-Tijani.
  • It carries immense spiritual benefits, including forgiveness of sins and high status in the Hereafter – Shaikh Ahmad Al-Tijani.
  • Among its benefits is that whoever recites it just once in his lifetime will not enter the Hellfire – Shaikh Ahmad Al-Sawi, a renowned scholar of the early 19th
  • It is beneficial for beginners on the path as well as those in the middle and the end – Syed Ahmad Dahlan, a renowned scholar of the late 19th
  • One who recites Salatul Fatih on Thursday evenings 100 times will see the Prophet ﷺ in their dream, and this has been tried and tested, Praise be to Allah! One who recites it 100 times every day and is steadfast upon it, many veils will be lifted from them, they will receive divine lights, and their wishes will be fulfilled and their knowledge will remain solely with Allah – Shaikh Habib Muhammad Al-Haddar, a famous scholar from Medina.

Unquote

Accordingly, it is widely believed that recitation of the Swalathul Fathih is beneficial in many ways, such as:

  • Like any other Durood (Salawat), recitation of Swalathul Fathih is highly recommended and carries huge benefits.
  • It brings huge Spiritual Rewards.
  • It is a powerful source of getting Mercy and Forgiveness from Allah, سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى.
  • Regular recitation is a source of strengthening reciter’s connection with the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ.
  • It is known as the Prayer of the Opener; hence it is believed to be highly beneficial to come out of the difficult phase of life and may bring blessings of Allah, سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى
  • Regular recitation of this Prayer helps seek Protection and Guidance of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى
  • The rewards of recitation of this Prayer are equal to 10,000 other prayers.
  • If someone recites this Durood continuously for 40 days, Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى repents all of their sins.
  • If someone recites this Prayer 100 times a day, Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى will remove many veils from him, and he is likely to receive lights and facilitations beyond his expectations.

Swalathul Fathih – When to Recite

Generally, reciting Durood is not related to any specific time. Any of the Durood can be recited at any time. However, according to various traditions, recitation of the Swalathul Fathih is more beneficial when recited on certain specific occasions, times, or days. Some of the traditions are mentioned here:

  • Reciting this Durood 1000 times during the month of Rabi Al-Awwal is considered highly beneficial.
  • Recitation of the Swalathul Fathih at least once after every regular prayer is highly recommended. Many followers of the Tijaniyyah Sufi Order recite it even 100 times after regular daily prayers.
  • It is believed to be highly beneficial if someone recites this Durood during some specific nights, such as Friday nights, Laylat Al-Qadr, or on the 12th of Rabi Al-Awwal, the birthday of the Prophet.
  • It is a practice among the followers of the Tijaniyyah Sufi Order to recite Swalathul Fathih before starting any crucial task for the purpose of seeking blessings of Allah, سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى.
  • It can also be recited in difficult times or when someone is in need.
  • The followers of the Tijaniyyah order of Sufism recite this Durood as an essential part of their daily spiritual practice, in the form of “wird.”

Swalathul Fathih – Religious Perspective

Swalathul Fathih is widely practiced among the followers of the Tijaniyyah Order of Sufism. However, the majority of the Scholars are of the view that it has no authentic religious relevance, as it is neither mentioned in the Quran nor in any authentic Hadith. In that context, the majority of the scholars do not recommend to recite the Swalathul Fathih, with the belief that it was revealed directly by Allah, سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى or the Prophet, as claimed.

On the other hand, sending Durood on the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ is a highly recommended act, mentioned in the Quran as well as Hadiths.

The 56th verse of Surah Al-Ahzab specifically mentions that sending Durood on the Prophet is obligatory.

Translation

God and His angels shower their blessings on the Prophet. O believers, you should also send your blessings on him, and salute him with a worthy greeting.

Similarly, Hadith 384 of Sahih Al-Muslim also mentions the virtues of sending Durood on the Prophet.

Translation

Abdullah b. Amr b. al-As reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: When you hear the Mu’adhdhin, repeat what he says, then invoke a blessing on me, for everyone who invokes a blessing on me will receive ten blessings from Allah; then beg from Allah al-Wasila for me, which is a rank in Paradise fitting for only one of Allah’s servants, and I hope that I may be that one. If anyone who asks that I be given the Wasila, he will be assured of my intercession.

Both the above quotes from the Quran and Hadith clearly mention the importance and virtues of sending Durood on the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ. Accordingly, the most popular Durood, known as Durood Ibhrahimi, is an essential part of daily regular prayers. It is considered the best Durood by the scholars. Hence, the majority consensus is that reciting Durood is highly beneficial, and the best Durood is considered to be Durood Ibrahimi, which is recited during the regular daily prayers.

On the other hand, there is no such Quranic Verse or authentic Hadith which speaks about the Swalathul Fathih. Therefore, most of the Scholars are of the view that Swalathul Fatiha can be recited, but not in that context, which the followers of the Tijaniyyah Order of Sufism believe.

Conclusion

Sending Durood on the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ is a highly recommended act, which holds huge benefits and virtues. Every Muslim recites one or the other Durood frequently during the day or night, especially during the regular daily prayers. Swalathul Fathih is also a Durood, which is specifically popular among the followers of the Tijaniyyah Sufism.

Although there is no specific reference available in the Quran or Hadith about Swalathul Fathih, it is popularly practiced in Sufism, especially in the Tijaniyyah Sufi Order. Accordingly, the majority of the Sunni Scholars are of the view that Swalathul Fathih does not hold any special virtues, as it is not supported by any authentic Hadith or verse of the Quran.

They are of the view that associating it as having been revealed directly by Allah or the Prophet is not correct, although it can be recited as a normal prayer. They are of the firm opinion that the best Durood is Durood Ibrahimi, which is recited in regular daily prayers. Despite all that, Swalathul Fathih is considered a highly virtuous Prayer in Sufism, especially in the Tijaniyyah Order.

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