Lirik Sholawat Gusdur Ya Rasulullah: A Tribute to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
The Sholawat or salawat is a form of prayer in Islam that is recited to bless and praise Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and seek his intercession on our behalf. It is a customary practice among Muslims, especially in Indonesia, to recite various forms of Sholawat, including songs known as Qasidah, during religious gatherings, festivals, and social events. One of the most beloved and iconic Sholawat songs in Indonesia is called “Ya Rasulullah” or “O Messenger of Allah,” attributed to the late Abdurrahman Wahid, popularly known as Gus Dur, a prominent Muslim scholar and former president of Indonesia. This article explores the lyrics, meanings, and significance of the Sholawat Gusdur Ya Rasulullah, and answers some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Sholawat and its role in Islam.
The Origin and Composer of Sholawat Gusdur Ya Rasulullah
Abdurrahman Wahid, who passed away in 2009, was a renowned Indonesian Muslim figure, known for his progressive views, pluralistic approach, and intellectual prowess. As the leader of the largest Muslim organization in Indonesia, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), and the first elected president after the fall of Suharto regime, Gus Dur (as he was fondly called) left a lasting legacy in Indonesian politics, religion, and culture.
One of the contributions for which Gus Dur is fondly remembered is the composition of the Sholawat Gusdur Ya Rasulullah, which became an instant hit among Muslims in Indonesia and beyond. The origin of the song is traced back to the time when Gus Dur was serving as the chairman of NU, and he used to recite the Sholawat Ya Rasulullah as part of his sermons and speeches. According to some sources, the melody of the Sholawat was inspired by an Indian Bollywood song called “Kisi Disco Mein Jaayein” from the movie “Bade Miyan Chote Miyan” (1998), which Gus Dur used to listen to during his travels abroad.
The lyrics of the Sholawat Gusdur Ya Rasulullah were recited spontaneously by Gus Dur during a gathering of his followers in Jakarta in 2001, and it was later recorded by a local band called Al Madina. The song soon went viral and became a sensation among Muslims in Indonesia, as well as in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and other Southeast Asian countries with large Muslim populations. The popularity of the Sholawat was not only due to its catchy tune and sing-along chorus but also due to its message of love, respect, and devotion to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), who is revered as the most beloved and influential figure in Islamic history.
The Lyrics and Translation of Sholawat Gusdur Ya Rasulullah
The Sholawat Gusdur Ya Rasulullah comprises of several verses and a chorus, which are sung alternately. The following are the lyrics of the Sholawat Gusdur Ya Rasulullah in Arabic, Romanized transliteration, and English translation.
The Chorus:
Ya Rasulullah, ya habiballah
O Messenger of Allah, O beloved of Allah
Ya Rasulullah, ya Shafi’allah
O Messenger of Allah, O intercessor of Allah
Salawatullah wa salamullah
Peace and blessings of Allah be upon you
‘Ala khayril khalqi kullihimi ajma’in
And upon the best of all creations, altogether
The Verses:
1. Sallu ‘alal Habib, sallu ‘alaih
Send blessings upon the Beloved, send blessings upon him
Majduhu ‘inda qidaman qadim
Whose magnificence is ancient and primordial
Dam’a bi annabiyyi wa ‘ashabihi
He shed tears for the Prophet and his companions
Walauka khusni baina zu ulami
Even if I am insignificant among the scholars
2. La haula wala quwwata illa Billahil ‘Ali
There is no power or might except with Allah, the Most High
La yasa’u alqalbu anhama fijufi
The heart does not tire of mentioning him
Sad’ruhu mushtakiw min ghururiqalb
The chest longs for him amidst the distractions of the heart
Walauka ta’adda bi anna talabanee
Even if I ask for more than what I deserve
3. Shalatullah wasalamullah ‘alaika ya Syed
May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon you, O Master
Ya Nabiyyallah, ya Rahmatallah
O Prophet of Allah, O Mercy of Allah
Syafa’atullah ‘inda fiqih Wabil
Allah’s intercession is with the faqih of the Wabil
Wa qad qarabaka minna jamii’an
And we are all close to you
4. Sabbih’allah, ‘am anta tashhad
Glorify Allah, as you bear witness
Anni wajadtu shaqrin liyadik
I found gratitude in your hands
Kullulaha shukran ‘alayh
All of it is gratitude to him
Walau batala mut’uni alahdhik
Even if the pleasures of life are cancelled
Translation:
The lyrics of the Sholawat Gusdur Ya Rasulullah are a combination of praises, supplications, and acknowledgments of Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) virtues, merits, and blessings. The Chorus begins with the invocation of Allah’s peace and blessings upon the Prophet, followed by his titles and roles as the beloved and intercessor of Allah, and the best among all creations. The Chorus ends with the affirmation of the oneness of Allah, the source of all power and might.
The Verses elaborate on specific aspects of the Prophet’s life and teachings, such as his love for his companions, his humility, his intercession, and his status as the Mercy of Allah. The verses also express the singer’s longing and gratitude towards the Prophet and his message, as well as his humility and recognition of his own inadequacy. The verses highlight the spiritual and emotional bond between the singer and the Prophet, as well as between all Muslims and their Prophet.
The Meaning and Significance of Sholawat in Islam
The Sholawat or salawat is a form of prayer that is considered a virtuous and rewarding act in Islam. The term salawat is derived from the Arabic root “salat,” which means prayer or supplication. The Sholawat refers specifically to the act of invoking Allah’s peace and blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and praising his virtues and merits.
The practice of Sholawat has a long and rich tradition in Islam, dating back to the time of the Prophet himself. The companions of the Prophet used to recite salawat on him, as a way of showing their love, respect, and loyalty to him. The Prophet also encouraged his followers to recite salawat on him, and he promised them abundant rewards for doing so. The Prophet said: “Whoever sends blessings upon me once, Allah will send blessings upon him tenfold” (Muslim).
The act of Sholawat is not limited to a particular time, place, or format. Muslims can recite salawat anytime, anywhere, and in any language. There are various ways to recite Sholawat, such as reciting the classical formulas of salawat, such as “Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin kama sallaita ‘ala Ibrahim wa ‘ala ali Ibrahim, innaka hamidun majid” (O Allah, send peace and blessings upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as you sent peace and blessings upon Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim, verily you are praiseworthy and glorious), or by reciting spontaneous words or phrases of praise and supplication in one’s own words.
The act of Sholawat is not only a means of expressing one’s love and devotion towards the Prophet but also a way of seeking his intercession and barakah (blessings) in this world and the Hereafter. Muslims believe that the Prophet is the most beloved and chosen servant of Allah, who has been granted special privileges and powers, such as interceding on behalf of his ummah (community), and his approval or disapproval of a person’s actions can have a tremendous impact on his fate. Therefore, Muslims turn to the Prophet through the act of Sholawat, seeking his blessings, guidance, and mercy.
The Sholawat is also a means of connecting with the rich spiritual heritage of Islam, as it reflects the beauty and eloquence of the Arabic language, the depth and wisdom of Islamic teachings, and the diversity and unity of the Muslim ummah. The act of Sholawat transcends the boundaries of race, culture, and nationality, as it brings together Muslims from all walks of life, from different parts of the world, and from different sects and schools of thought. The act of Sholawat is a source of inspiration, comfort, and hope, especially in times of difficulty, hardship, or adversity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sholawat Gusdur Ya Rasulullah
Q: What is Sholawat Gusdur Ya Rasulullah?
A: Sholawat Gusdur Ya Rasulullah is a popular Sholawat song composed by the late Indonesian Muslim leader Abdurrahman Wahid, also known as Gus Dur. It is a tribute to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and is widely sung and revered in Indonesia and other Muslim countries.
Q: What is the meaning of the lyrics of Sholawat Gusdur Ya Rasulullah?
A: The lyrics of Sholawat Gusdur Ya Rasulullah are a combination of praises, supplications, and acknowledgments of Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) virtues, merits, and blessings. The Chorus invokes Allah’s peace and blessings on the Prophet, while the Verses elaborate on specific aspects of his life and teachings.
Q: What is the significance of Sholawat in Islam?
A: Sholawat is a form of prayer in Islam that is recited to bless and praise Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and seek his intercession on our behalf. It is a customary practice among Muslims, especially in Indonesia, to recite various forms of Sholawat, including songs known as Qasidah, during religious gatherings, festivals, and social events.
Q: Is it permissible to sing Sholawat?
A: Yes, it is permissible to sing Sholawat, as long as it does not involve any haram (forbidden) practices, such as mixing of genders, lewdness, or musical instruments that produce haram sounds. The lyrics and the tone of the Sholawat should be respectful and appropriate to the sanctity of the subject.
Q: What are the benefits of reciting Sholawat?
A: Reciting Sholawat is considered a virtuous and rewarding act in Islam, as it brings numerous benefits, such as earning the blessings and forgiveness of Allah, gaining the intercession of the Prophet, increasing one’s love and respect for the Prophet, enhancing one’s humbleness and piety, and earning merits for the Hereafter.
Q: Is it necessary to recite Sholawat during prayer?
A: No, reciting Sholawat is not an obligatory part of the Islamic prayer (Salah), but it is recommended and highly encouraged as a means of seeking Allah’s blessings and the Prophet’s intercession. Muslims can recite Sholawat anytime, anywhere, and in any language, outside of the prayer, as well.