Question
Mufti saab could you shed some light on the following issue:
Using the word “Ya Muhammad” in Naat lyrics and also the verdict about reading such Naats
As there are quite few narrations in which Sahaba Ikram have called out “Ya Muhammada” when in grief.
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
الجواب بعون الملك الوهاب اللهم هداية الحق والصواب
Answer
It is permissible to seek help (Istighatha) from the Pious Servants of Allah سبحانه وتعالىٰ such as the noble Prophets and Saints, and to ask for their assistance, while holding the belief that the actual Helper is Allah سبحانه وتعالىٰ. However, through the power granted to them by Allah, these great religious figures also help. There is evidence for this from many Ahadeeth. However, if one wants to seek help from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ or call out to him, one should not say “Ya Muhammad” when doing so.
Rather, when reciting Naat or making Istighasa, instead of saying “Ya Muhammad”, phrases like “Ya Rasool Allah”, “Ya Habib Allah” or other similar titles should be used.
Note: There are some Naatiya verses in which the word ‘Ya Muhammad’ is mentioned or there are a few narrations from some Sahaba Karam. The scholars have explained many reasons for them, one of which is that the calling is based on the descriptive meaning.
It is stated in Fatawa Razawiyyah: The Scholars explicitly state: Calling the Noble Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم by his name is unlawful (Haram). And this is truly a matter of justice, that one whom the Almighty Allah has not called by name, how can a servant transgress the bounds of etiquettes?
Rather, Imam Zainuddin al-Murghi and other researchers have stated: If this word is mentioned in a supplication that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم himself taught (such as the supplication ’’یَا مُحَمَّدُ اِنِّی تَوَجَّہْتُ بِکَ اِلٰی رَبِّیْ‘‘), then instead of saying “یَا مُحَمَّدُ”, one should say Ya Rasool Allah, Ya Nabi Allah.
Though the words of prayer are not usually changed. This is an extremely important issue which most people of this age are unaware of. It is Wajib to remember it.
(Fatawa Razawiyyah Vol. 30, pages 157-158, Raza Foundation, Lahore)
Answered by: Tabaruk Madani (Askmufti Scholar)
Verified by: Maulana Umar Madani
Translated by: Shaheer Attari
