Supplication[1]

     In reality, supplication is an act in which a servant invokes God for help and provision. Supplication is one of the most significant components of worship. It leads to being close to God, the Almighty. Scholars consider supplication as one of the highest ranked acts of worship, as evidenced by the Qur’anic verse, “When My servants asks you concerning Me, then, surely I am near; I answer the supplication of the invoker when s/he invokes Me.” (2: 186) This verse indicates that one becomes nearer to God if they direct themselves to Him with supplication.[2] Many Qur’anic verses highlight the value of supplication. In one of these verses, The Qur’an says,

“If only as Our suffering came to them, they had supplicated! But their hearts hardened and the Satan made their foul deeds alluring to them.” (Qur’an, 6: 43)

The Qur’an also says,

“Your Lord says, ‘Call on Me and I will answer you; those who are too proud to serve Me will be humiliated in Hellfire.’”. (Qur’an, 40: 60)

     This verse comprises a decree from God to His servants to ask and call Him. It also promises that God will answer the supplicant. Supplication is also regarded as an act of worship that God accepts. God has the attributes of “hearing every prayer or supplication;” (Qur’an, 3: 38) “being near and ready to answer;” (Qur’an, 11: 61), and “self-sufficient and full of mercy.” (Qur’an, 6:133)

     These verses do not stipulate anything for accepting the supplicants except saying the supplication and directing it to God alone. There are some other verses that give explicit orders to believers to make supplications. Of these verses are the following:

“Invoke your Lord in supplication and in secrecy; surely, He does not love the transgressors.” (Qur’an, 7: 55)

“So invoke God, making the religion faithfully His, though disbelievers hate it.” (Qur’an, 40: 14)

“Invoke Him in fear and longing. Surely, the Mercy of God is near to the fair-doers.” (Qur’an, 7: 56)

     Supplication has certain etiquettes to be followed; one preferably uses formulas of supplications reported from the Prophet’s, with wholeheartedly devotion and sincerity to God. One should also utter supplication in humility and submission to God after having ritual ablution, and avoid supplicating for unreasonable matters.