When taking or hearing the Mubaarak name of Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam)

According to the principle, it is recommended to read Durud Shareef on hearing the Mubaarak name of Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam). If we hear it several times in one place, then it is Waajib to read Durud Shareef the first time and Mustahab for the rest. But those who have love for Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam), they cannot even take the name of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) without saying Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam. This formula is very short but it is good to know that this represents Salaat-o-Salaam on Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam). It is very reprehensible and annoying to hear people saying "the Prophet said ..." instead of saying Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) and that too, without saying Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam. It is a shortcoming that many preachers also do not realise when they make mention of Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam).

As for the practice of kissing one's finger upon hearing the name of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) in Azaan, this has never been the practice of the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallahu Anhum) and Taabi'in (Rahmatullaahi alayhim). There are some books that reported Hadith in regards to this subject but these Hadith are not authentic. These Hadith are very weak. They are so weak that they cannot be used as proof and basis to support this practice. Allaamah Jalaaluddeen As-Suyuti (Rahmatullaahi alayh) qualified these Hadith as fabricated. Thus, to kiss one's finger upon hearing the name of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) is neither Sunnah nor Mustahab.

In his book 'Abrul Maqaal', Maulana Ahmad Raza Khan Barelvi authorised the practice of kissing one's finger upon hearing the Mubaarak name of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) in Azaan with 4 conditions:

 Firstly, it should not be considered as Sunnah.Ø

 Secondly, one should not believe that there is an authentic Hadith which supports this practice.Ø

 Thirdly, one should not criticise those who do not practise it.Ø

 Fourthly, one should use it as a treatment for the eyes (and not as a principle of Deen).Ø

This is the reality of the matter but unfortunately the practice of 'kissing one's finger' and 'not kissing one's finger' has divided the community. And yet everyone is unanimous upon the fact that there is nothing authentic that supports this. But this practice has been given such importance that it has become a symbol of some group. It is like a storm in a glass of water.

Sincere friendship for Allah is in following Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam).

If one truly loves one's life in Aakhirah, then one must be willing to make sacrifices in one's worldly life.

[English version of "Quand prend ou bien tanne Nabi ‎(Sallallaahou A'laihi Wasallam)‎ so nom moubaarak" – Al Jamiat – Vol.6 No.15]