Thus, removal is freedom from deficiencies, while adornment is the mention of perfect qualities. So we begin by asking for freedom from harm, then for mercy.
His words, “and His blessings”: this is the plural of barakah (blessing), which is abundant and enduring goodness. It derives from birkah, with a kasrah on the letter ba, meaning a large, still body of gathered water.
Barakah is growth and increase in every form of goodness. So what are the blessings for which you supplicate on behalf of the Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, after his death? During his lifetime, it was possible for blessings to be granted to him in his food, clothing, family, and work.
As for blessing after his death, it lies in the increase of his followers and in their deeds in following him. Thus, if we suppose that a person has one million followers, then his followers become two million, this is a blessing.
Likewise, if we suppose that the followers voluntarily pray ten rak'ahs, while some of them pray twenty rak'ahs, then the latter involves an increase.
Therefore, we supplicate for blessings for the Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, and this entails an increase in his followers and in their righteous deeds. For every righteous deed performed by the followers of the Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, he receives the equivalent of their rewards until the Day of Resurrection.
By way of digression, I say: this is one of the arguments by which those who dedicate the reward of acts of devotion to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, may be refuted. Some of those who claim love for the Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, dedicate acts of devotion to him, such as completing a recitation of the Quran, reciting al-Fatihah for the soul of Muhammad—as they put it—and the like. We say: this is an innovation and misguidance. I ask you, O one who dedicates an act of worship to the Messenger: do you love the Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, more deeply than Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali?