To Proclaim Ya Rasoolullah (S.A.W)

There are some people who say proclaiming “Ya Rasoolullah” is Shirk and there are others who say it is permissible.

The belief of Ahle Sunnah Wal Jamaat is that to recite the following verses: "As Salaatu Was Salaamu Alaika Ya Rasoolullah" (Peace and Blessings upon you, O Messenger of Allah), or to recite "As Alukash Shafaa'atu Ya Rasoolullah" (I seek from you Shafaa'at 'Intercession', O Messenger of Allah) is totally permissible.

The following Hadith proves that it is permissible to utter the above mentioned words. There are many great Scholars of Islam, such as Imaam Bukhari, Imaam Tirmidhi, Imaam Muslim, Imaam Ibn Maaja, Imaam Haakim, Imaam Baihaqi, Imaam Abul Qasim Tabraani (R.A), have certified this Hadith Shareef as authentic.

A Sahabi (R.A) who was blind by birth, was taught a special Dua by the Holy Prophet (S.A.W), which he was to recite after every Salaah. The Dua is as follows: "Allahumma Inni As Aluka Wa Ata Wajjahu Ilaika Binabiyika Muhammadin Nabiyyir rahmati Ya Muhammadu Inni Ata Wajjahu Bika ila Rabbi Fi Haajati haazihi lituqda li. Allahumma Fashaf'fi'u Fiya".

(O’ Allah, I ask from you, and turn towards you through the Waseela (Intercession) of Your Nabi Muhammad (S.A.W), who is indeed a Prophet of Mercy.

O’ Muhammad, with your Waseela I turn towards Allah (S.W.T) for my need so that it may be bestowed. O’ Allah accept the Prophet's intercession for me).

Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Omar (R.A) once suffered from a cramp. Someone advised him to remember the person whom he loved the most. The great companion then proclaimed loudly, "Ya Muhammadah". It is recorded that he was immediately relieved. (Itaabul Adaabul Mufrad)

One of the main arguments used against the believers on this issue, is the one of the impermissibility of using the prefix Ya (Oh!) to someone who is not physically present.

We first would like to invite those who hold the above view, to examine one of the most respected classical dictionaries of the Arabic language, the Lasan al Arab of Ibn Manzur (d. 711 hijri). Ibn Manzur states that Ya! can be applied for either a person who is near, or far from the caller. (Ibn Manzur al-Afriqi, Lasan al-Arab under the word 'Ya')

In Arabic language there is more than one word used to call someone. The most common being “Ya” and “Ayu”.

A beautiful proof of calling to the Prophet (S.A.W) is in the Thashahud (Attahiyaat), wherein every worshipper salutes and calls unto the Prophet (S.A.W) (using the words as “Asalamu alai ka Ayu han Nabi”). If by calling the beloved Prophet (S.A.W) causes one to be guilty of Shirk, then how is it that it is found in the Salaah?

From the above AHadith, it is evident that proclaiming Ya Rasoolullah is not only permissible but also advocated.