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بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

When a person raises his hands towards the heavens, he is not performing a passing gesture; rather, he is engaging in the most intimate expression of servitude, proclaiming his neediness and humility before his Master, and placing his hopes in the One who holds the dominion of all things. Yet this lofty station – the station of duʿāʾ (supplication) – has, in our time, been tainted by much ignorance and misunderstanding, to the extent that some people call upon Allah as though they do not know Him, or do not accord Him the reverence He is due.

You may see one of them pouring out the details of his misfortune, prolonging the description of his suffering, and excessively enumerating his trials – as though he were speaking to someone unaware of his condition, or as if he were informing his Lord of what has befallen him. Indeed, some go so far as to suggest to Allah the means they deem most appropriate for removing their hardship, adorning their duʿāʾ with “proofs” that, in their view, justify a favourable response – as if they were arguing their case before a judge who requires convincing!

This is in grave opposition to the spirit of duʿāʾ, and indeed contradicts the adab (etiquette) of servitude, wherein a person should be humble, subdued, acknowledging his weakness, and resting under the will and wisdom of Allah.

Such a corrupted understanding has affected the behaviour of many imams and preachers, to the point that the qunūt supplication during prayer, for some, now extends beyond half an hour – filled with ornate expressions and excessive detail, showing little restraint, as though they believe that lengthy duʿāʾ is more likely to be accepted, and that florid words bring a higher chance of a response!

During my travels with the Jama‘at al-Tabligh, I witnessed many spiritual moments that filled the heart with light and taught me sincerity and selflessness. But what truly caused me pain was observing the excess in duʿāʾ and the heedlessness towards the reverence due to the Lord, exalted is He.

Reflecting on the supplications of the Prophets, peace be upon them, teaches us the reality and essence of duʿāʾ. In their prayers, they do not go into lengthy explanations or abundant clarifications. Rather, they are concise, focused, expressing neediness and humility in the most eloquent and succinct words.

Take, for example, the supplication of the Prophet Ayyub (peace be upon him). He was afflicted with multiple trials, lost his wealth and children, and his body was struck with great harm, and his hardship prolonged. Yet when he turned to his Lord, he neither complained nor detailed his pain. He simply said:
“Harm has touched me, and You are the Most Merciful of the merciful.”
(Qur’an 21:83)

A short phrase – yet profound – that encompasses all meanings of weakness, hope, certainty, trust in Allah, and reverence and veneration for Him. And so, Allah responded to him:
“So We answered him.”
(Qur’an 21:84)

In Ayyub’s duʿāʾ, there was no complaint that suggested impatience, nor any proposal that implied objection. It was a sincere reliance and a humble pleading – and that is what we need to re-learn today.

Indeed, Allah does not respond to someone merely due to the length of their speech, nor the sophistication of their language, but rather, He responds to those who supplicate with sincerity of intention, humility of heart, and reverence for their Lord.

Let us teach ourselves and those around us that duʿāʾ is a station of dignity, not a platform for performance; it is a gate of mercy, not a pulpit for speeches. Let us return to the supplications of the Prophets, that we may be more hopeful of acceptance and closer to the divine grace that knows no bounds.

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This article was translated by AI. Original article: https://t.me/DrAkramNadwi/5999