Permissibility of Saying “Ya Rasulallah”

This is an article dedicated to clearing up the misconceptions about whether or not it is permissible to proclaim ‘Ya Rasulallah’, ‘Ya Nabi’ etc.

Amongst those who oppose this act, some even claim it to be Kufr & Shirk and they also oppose the use of the word ‘Ya’ for calling upon someone who is no longer physically present with us.

However, the Ahle Sunnat wal Jamaat permits us to say Ya Rasulallah and clarifies its permissibility in light of great evidence from the Hadith Sharif & examples from the lives of blessed Sahaba, Tabi’een, Tab-e-Tabi’een and righteous scholars of Islam, some which will be presented here.

Examples of Proclaiming Ya Rasulallah

- Hazrat Imam Bukhari (R.A) in his Kitaabu Adaabul Mufrad has written that Hazrat Abdullah ibn Umar (R.A) once suffered from cramps. Someone advised him to remember the person whom he loved most. The great Companion then proclaimed loudly, "Ya Muhammad", and it is recorded that he was immediately relieved of the cramps.

- Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Umar (R.A) once suffered from cramps. Someone advised him to remember the person whom he loved the most. The great Companion then proclaimed loudly, "Ya Muhammad". It is recorded that he was immediately relieved.

[Kitaabul Adaabul Mufrad]

- Imaan ibn Jozi (R.A), in his book, "Oyunil Hikaayat", narrates a strange and amazing incident of three brothers who were constantly engaged in Jihad (Holy Islamic War). He narrates: Once, while engaged in Jihad with the Christians of Rome, they were captured and tortured. The King informed them that if they adopted the religion of Christianity he would set them free. The brothers refused to do so. Instead they all proclaimed aloud, "Ya Muhammada." The King became furious and ordered two of the brothers to be thrown into boiling oil. After a while, the youngest escaped from the clutches of his capturers accompanied by the daughter of the King, who was amazed at the piety of the young Muslim. Six months later when they were about to be married, the two martyred brothers amazingly appeared accompanied by a group of Angels. When it was inquired as to how they had survived they replied: "When you saw us being thrown into the boiling oil, you indeed saw the truth, yet as we entered the pot, we entered into the high stages of Jannah."

Imam ibn Jozi (R.A) states that the brothers lived in Syria and were extremely famous. Many couplets have been written in their praise. This incident has been shortened.

- Hazrat Abdur Rahman Huzaili Kufi Masoodi (R.A) was the grandson of Hazrat Abdullah ibn Masood (R.A). He was also a very great Jurist and a Taabi'in of high rank. It is stated that he used to wear a long hat with the inscribed words, "Ya Muhammad, Ya Mansoor" written on it.

- It is an established practice of the people of Madinah Sharif to proclaim "Ya Muhammada" in times of difficulty and anxiety. (Naseem-ur Riyaaz)

- Hazrat Shah Wali'ullah Dehlvi (R.A) states: "I cannot perceive anyone besides the Holy Prophet (s.a.w) who, for the depressed person at times of calamities, will forward a helping hand." (Ateebul Ghanum fi Madh-e-Sayyadal Arabi Wal Ajam)
 

- Hazrat Shah Wali'ullah Dehlvi (R.A) explains, “In the august court of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w), one should consider oneself insignificant and inferior. With a broken heart and with total sincerity, one should call to the Prophet (s.a.w) in Du'a. The person will indeed attain salvation if he states: "O Messenger of Allah! O Unique among the Creation! I seek your favour on the Day of Justice. On that Day when there will be a great test, only You, O Prophet of Allah, would give security from all calamities! I have turned to You for salvation and have my trust in You." (Madhiyaa Hamziya)

The Issue of ‘Ya’ and Calling those Who are not Physically Present

Hadith narrated by Hazrat Usman Ibn Hunayf (R.A) who was in a gathering with the Prophet (s.a.w) at the time when a blind man came to talk to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w):

The blind man addressed the Prophet (s.a.w) by saying, "O Messenger of Allah, ask Allah for me to cure my blindness." The Prophet (s.a.w) replied by saying, "If you wish, you would be patient with your calamity, and if you wish, I will ask Allah to cure your blindness."

However, the blind man told the Prophet (s.a.w), "The loss of my sight is a great hardship for me, and there is no one near to guide me around."

At this moment, the Prophet (s.a.w) ordered the man to go to the place of wudu, perform wudu, pray two rakah, end his salat by saying as-salamu ‘alaykum, and then say the following words:

“O Allah, I ask You, and I direct myself to You in supplication by our Prophet Muhammad, the Prophet of Mercy. O Muhammad, I direct myself to Allah by you, so my need [here the specific need is mentioned] would be fulfilled.” The blind man went and did as the Prophet (s.a.w) ordered. Shortly thereafter, he returned to the Prophet's session with his blindness cured.

This Hadith has been recorded by Imam Bukhari, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah and Imam Tabrani, amongst many others. It is accepted unanimously as a Sahih (authentic) Hadith.