Etiquette and Secrets of Supplication
Supplication is one of the most sincere and direct means of communication between Muslims and Allah. In Islam, supplication is not only a form of worship but also an expression of one's devotion and submission to Allah. It is a moment when the servant expresses their need to their Lord, seeking help and guidance. Our Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of supplication and taught Muslims the etiquette of supplicating. Authentic hadiths detail the conditions for the acceptance of supplication, the times and circumstances in which supplication is more virtuous, and other related topics. These hadiths teach Muslims what to pay attention to while supplicating and how their supplications can be more effective.
إِنَّ اللَّهَ حَيِيٌّ كَرِيمٌ يَسْتَحْيِي إِذَا رَفَعَ الرَّجُلُ إِلَيْهِ يَدَيْهِ أَنْ يَرُدَّهُمَا صِفْرًا خَائِبَتَيْنِ
"Allah is shy when a servant raises their hands to Him in supplication, to return them empty."
Allah does not turn away a servant who sincerely supplicates. It is important to be sincere while supplicating.
الدُّعَاءُ هُوَ الْعِبَادَةُ
"Supplication is the essence of worship."
Supplication is the most fundamental and important part of worship. It is a way to draw closer to Allah.
لَا يَزَالُ يُسْتَجَابُ لِلْعَبْدِ مَا لَمْ يَدْعُ بِإِثْمٍ أَوْ قَطِيعَةِ رَحِمٍ مَا لَمْ يَسْتَعْجِلْ
"The servant's supplication is accepted as long as they do not supplicate with sin or a desire to sever family ties, and as long as they do not rush."
One should be patient while supplicating and avoid rushing. Supplications that involve sin should be avoided.
إِذَا دَعَا أَحَدُكُمْ فَلْيَعْزِمِ الْمَسْأَلَةَ وَلَا يَقُولَنَّ اللَّهُمَّ إِنْ شِئْتَ فَأَعْطِنِي فَإِنَّهُ لَا مُسْتَكْرِهَ لَهُ
"When one of you supplicates, let them be determined in their request and not say, 'O Allah, if You will, then give me,' for there is no force that can compel Allah."
One should be resolute and definite while supplicating. Expressions that limit Allah's power should be avoided.
إِذَا سَأَلْتَ فَاسْأَلِ اللَّهَ وَإِذَا اسْتَعَنْتَ فَاسْتَعِنْ بِاللَّهِ
"When you ask for something, ask Allah, and when you seek help, seek help from Allah."
In every request and plea for help, one should turn only to Allah. He is the owner of everything.