The second level is to invoke blessings upon him at the beginning, middle, and end of the supplication.

The third level is to invoke blessings upon him at the beginning and end, placing one’s request between the two. Invoking blessings upon the Prophet—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him—is like a key to supplication. Ibn al-Qayyim—may Allah have mercy on him—said: “The key to supplication is invoking blessings upon the Prophet—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him—just as the key to prayer is purification.”

He then related that Ahmad ibn Abī al-Hawārī said: I heard Abū Sulaymān al-Dārānī say, “Whoever wishes to ask Allah to fulfill his need should begin by invoking blessings upon the Prophet—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him—then present his request, and conclude by invoking blessings upon the Prophet—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him. Invoking blessings upon the Prophet—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him—is accepted, and Allah is too generous to reject what lies between the two.”1