First of all, we’d like to cite for you the following hadith reported by Ubayy bin Ka`b (May Allah be pleased with him) who is reported to have said: When one-third of the night would pass, Messenger of Allah (PBUH) would get up and call out, “O people, remember Allah. The Rajifah (i.e., the first Blowing of the Trumpet which will shake the whole universe and thus cause all life to cease) has come, followed by Ar-Radifah (i.e., the second Blowing of the Trumpet after which life is restored and thus mark the Resurrection Day). Death has approached with all that it comprises. Death has approached with all that it comprises.” I said: “O Messenger of Allah (PBUH), I frequently invoke Allah to elevate your rank. How much of my supplications should I devote to you?” He said, “You may devote as much as you wish.” When I suggested a quarter, he said, “Do whatever you wish, but it will be better for you if you increase it.” I suggested half, and he said, “Do whatever you wish, but it will be better for you if you increase.” I suggested two-thirds, and he said, “Do whatever you wish but it will be better for you if you increase it.” I said, “Shall I devote all my supplications invoking Allah to elevate your rank?” He said, “Then you will be freed from your worries and your sins will be forgiven.” [At-Tirmidhi].
Sheikh `Abdul-Majeed Subh, a prominent Azharite scholar, states: “Sending peace and blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is a kind of Dhikr (remembrance) that a Muslim is encouraged to say and is rewarded for. Saying Darud for 1000 times or more or less does not imply glorification of the Prophet. Actually, it is right and rewardable for a Muslim to say darud as much as one can. In this regard, it is reported that Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) used to have a rope including 2000 knots that he was accustomed to use it when saying dhikr (including sending peace and blessings on the Prophet).”