MAWLID AL-NABI SUPPLICATIONS
Mawlid al-Nabi is the name given to the night commemorating the Prophet's birth. No separate form of supplication specific to this night is prescribed in the Quran or authentic sources; instead, Muslims mark this night by sending blessings on the Prophet, reflecting on his excellent character, and reading the Quran. The verses below — drawn directly from the Quran — recall the command to send blessings, the Prophet's exemplary character, and his being sent as a mercy to all worlds.
There is no obligatory list in the Quran or authentic sources specific to Mawlid al-Nabi stating that certain supplications must be read. The supplications on this page are a sourced reading guide for those who wish to remember the Prophet with an awareness of mercy, excellent character, and blessings.
Duas and Verses
The Command to Send Blessings
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ وَمَلَٰٓئِكَتَهُۥ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى ٱلنَّبِىِّ ۚ يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ صَلُّوا۟ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا۟ تَسْلِيمًا
İnnallâhe ve melâiketehû yusallûne alen-nebiyy, yâ eyyühellezîne âmenû sallû aleyhi ve sellimû teslîmâ.
Indeed, God and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O you who believe, send blessings upon him and greetings of peace.
The verse most often recalled as the basis for sending blessings on Mawlid al-Nabi.
The Excellent Example
لَّقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِى رَسُولِ ٱللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌۭ لِّمَن كَانَ يَرْجُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلْيَوْمَ ٱلْءَاخِرَ وَذَكَرَ ٱللَّهَ كَثِيرًۭا
Lekad kâne leküm fî Rasûlillâhi üsvetün hasenetül limen kâne yercûllâhe vel yevmel âhıra ve zekerallâhe kesîrâ.
There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of God an excellent example for whoever hopes for God and the Last Day and remembers God often.
Can be recalled when reflecting on the Prophet's character.
A Mercy to All Worlds
وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَٰكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةًۭ لِّلْعَٰلَمِينَ
Ve mâ erselnâke illâ rahmeten lil-âlemîn.
And We have not sent you, (O Muhammad), except as a mercy to all worlds.
Can be recalled on Mawlid al-Nabi when reflecting on the purpose of the Prophet's mission.
A Messenger from Among You
لَقَدْ جَآءَكُمْ رَسُولٌۭ مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ عَزِيزٌ عَلَيْهِ مَا عَنِتُّمْ حَرِيصٌ عَلَيْكُم بِٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ رَءُوفٌۭ رَّحِيمٌۭ
Lekad câeküm Rasûlüm min enfüsiküm azîzün aleyhi mâ anittüm harîsun aleyküm bil mü'minîne raûfür rahîm.
There has certainly come to you a Messenger from among yourselves; grievous to him is what you suffer, full of concern for you, and to the believers, kind and merciful.
Can be read when recalling the Prophet's compassion for his community.
The Path to Loving God
قُلْ إِن كُنتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ ٱللَّهَ فَٱتَّبِعُونِى يُحْبِبْكُمُ ٱللَّهُ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌۭ رَّحِيمٌۭ
Kul in küntüm tuhıbbûnallâhe fettebiûnî yuhbibkümüllâhü ve yağfir leküm zünûbeküm, vallâhü ğafûrur rahîm.
Say: If you love God, then follow me; God will love you and forgive you your sins. And God is Forgiving and Merciful.
Can be read when recalling the connection between following the Prophet and loving God.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a supplication that must specifically be read on Mawlid al-Nabi?
No. There is no obligatory list in the Quran or authentic sources stating "this supplication must be read" specific to Mawlid al-Nabi. The supplications on this page are a sourced reading guide for those who wish to remember the Prophet with an awareness of mercy, excellent character, and blessings.
What is the Quranic basis for sending blessings on the Prophet?
Surah Al-Ahzab verse 56 states that God and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet, and believers are asked to send blessings and greetings of peace upon him as well. Sending blessings on Mawlid al-Nabi is a common practice based on this verse.
Sources
- Tanzil Project — Uthmani Mushaf
- QuranEnc — English Translation