What is Ruqyya and How Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used this form of healing

Everyone of us is prone to ailments, diseases and fevers. This is not something new as today these ailments are attributed to exposure to germs, infections or incapacity of the immune system to fight back the bacteria or virus that creep into our bodies. Other factors, such as dehydration, diet, and environment, can also raise the risk of getting sick. In the absence of medical treatment in the bygone days, people consulted men  who knew about herbs and other natural remedies for curing of the ailment.

This was also so during the times of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ when the harsh summers, draught and inappropriate diet or even access to food due to poverty, people would get sick and looked for treatment from herbs and other means. However, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would often used a spiritual method of healing to cure the sick. 

This method is mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī  (Book 76:  Medicine / كتاب الطب / Chapter 38:  The Ruqya of the Prophet (saws) / باب  رُقْيَةِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم / as Hadith 5743, given herein under:

Narrated `Aisha: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to treat some of his wives by passing his right hand over the place of ailment and used to say, "O Allah, the Lord of the people! Remove the trouble and heal the patient, for You are the Healer. No healing is of any avail but Yours; healing that will leave behind no ailment."

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا عَمْرُو بْنُ عَلِيٍّ، حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى، حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، حَدَّثَنِي سُلَيْمَانُ، عَنْ مُسْلِمٍ، عَنْ مَسْرُوقٍ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ ـ رضى الله عنها ـ أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم كَانَ يُعَوِّذُ بَعْضَ أَهْلِهِ، يَمْسَحُ بِيَدِهِ الْيُمْنَى وَيَقُولُ ‏ "‏ اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ النَّاسِ أَذْهِبِ الْبَاسَ، اشْفِهِ وَأَنْتَ الشَّافِي، لاَ شِفَاءَ إِلاَّ شِفَاؤُكَ، شِفَاءً لاَ يُغَادِرُ سَقَمًا ‏"‏‏.‏ قَالَ سُفْيَانُ حَدَّثْتُ بِهِ مَنْصُورًا فَحَدَّثَنِي عَنْ إِبْرَاهِيمَ عَنْ مَسْرُوقٍ عَنْ عَائِشَةَ نَحْوَهُ‏.‏

Ruqyya in Islamic tradition refers to the practice of spiritual healing, often involving the recitation of specific prayers, verses from the Qur’an, and supplications (duas) to seek healing from illness, both physical and spiritual. 

Let’s break down the hadith and the concept of Ruqyya:

Ruqyya as a Healing Method

In this hadith, Aisha (RA), the beloved wife of the Prophet ﷺ, describes how the Prophet ﷺ would use his right hand to perform a form of healing on those who were ill, especially his wives. This is a physical and spiritual act of healing, where the Prophet ﷺ would recite a prayer and place his hand on the affected area of the body.

Words of Healing: The prayer recited by the Prophet ﷺ in this hadith is deeply meaningful and reflects a strong sense of tawheed (monotheism). By calling upon Allah as "the Lord of the people" and recognizing that only He can truly heal, the Prophet ﷺ was emphasizing that no matter what the treatment or remedy, the ultimate source of healing is Allah alone. The phrase "healing that will leave behind no ailment" signifies the complete and perfect healing that only Allah can provide—healing that is permanent and free of side effects.

Spiritual and Physical Healing: The act of touching the affected area while reciting the prayer could be seen as an example of spiritual ruqyya, where the Prophet ﷺ combined both physical touch and spiritual supplication to seek Allah's help in curing the illness. It’s a holistic approach to healing—invoking Allah’s mercy while acknowledging human limits.

Concept of Ruqyya in Islam:

Ruqyya refers to the recitation of specific Qur'anic verses and supplications to seek protection or healing from harm, disease, or other negative influences. The concept of ruqyya stems from the understanding that Allah is the ultimate healer and that the Qur’an contains divine words that have healing properties.

Sources of Ruqyya:

The supplications used in Ruqyya are chosen from Qur'an and many prayers made by Prophet ﷺ:

• Qur'anic Verses: Certain verses from the Qur'an are frequently used in ruqyya, such as Surah Al-Fatiha, Surah Al-Baqarah (2:255-257), Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq, and Surah An-Naas.
• Prophet’s Duas: The supplications (duas) of the Prophet ﷺ are also widely used for healing. These include the prayer mentioned in the hadith you shared.

Types of Ruqyya:

Central to the practice of ruqyya is the absolute belief in Tawheed, which means that healing is solely in the hands of Allah. While seeking medical treatment or using spiritual healing, a Muslim should never attribute healing power to anything other than Allah.

• Ruqyya Shariyyah (Islamic Ruqyya): This involves using Qur’anic recitations, duas, and supplications that are permissible in Islam. It is done to cure illnesses or alleviate harm caused by evil eye, black magic, or spiritual disturbance.
• Ruqyya (Unlawful/Improper Ruqyya): If the recitations involve anything that contradicts Islamic teachings (such as invoking jinn or polytheistic practices), it would be considered shirk (associating partners with Allah) and impermissible.

Method of Ruqyya:

• Recitation: The healer (or the one seeking healing) recites the Qur’anic verses or duas, often blowing or gently placing hands over the sick person’s body, particularly on the areas of pain.
• Blowing: The Prophet ﷺ is reported to have used his breath to blow gently on the patient after reciting verses, symbolizing the dispersal of healing and protection.

Healing Power of the Qur'an:

• The Qur’an is described as having a healing power in many places. For example, in Surah Al-Isra (17:82): "And We sent down in the Qur’an such things that have healing and mercy for the believers..."
• And in Surah As-Sajda (32:21): "And We sent down to you the Book in truth, confirming what came before it. Surely, Allah’s Word is full of healing and mercy."

The Role of the Healer:

While ruqyya involves seeking Allah’s help, it can be performed by someone who is knowledgeable in the practice, such as an Islamic scholar, a righteous person, or even the patient themselves. However, it’s crucial to remember that ruqyya is not a substitute for medical treatment. Islam encourages seeking medical care while also relying on spiritual healing.

In essence, the hadith you mentioned shows the Prophet ﷺ practicing ruqyya on his loved ones, calling upon Allah as the ultimate healer. The practice of ruqyya is about acknowledging Allah’s power in healing, understanding that no matter what treatment we seek, it is only through Allah’s will that healing can occur. The act of placing the hand and reciting prayers is a way to invoke Allah’s mercy, but it’s not just physical—it connects the spiritual and the physical realms, reinforcing the idea that Allah is the ultimate source of both physical and spiritual well-being.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our reference page: Supplications attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more prophetic Supplications attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Please refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet ﷺ of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given below. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

Photo | Source of Supplication | Help has been taken from ChatGPT for explanation of the hadith

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

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Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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Prophetic supplication that reflects the perfect balance in Islam between dunya (worldly life) and akhirah (the hereafter)

Life without ensuring a perfect balance always leads to imbalances in everything we do. The same is true for living a perfect balanced worldly life while ensuring keeping one's faith and adherence to tenets of Islam to ensure candidature for an equally perfect and blessed life in the Hereafter. For many keeping such balance is very difficult for the charms and Satanic enticements are so powerful that one loses sight of one's Akhirah and the life of the Hereafter.

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ too cognizant of this fact, always made a special supplication, and encouraged his companions to do so, that reflects the perfect balance in Islam between dunya (worldly life) and akhirah (the hereafter)

This supplication is mentioned in Sahih Muslim  (Book 48: The Book Pertaining to the Remembrance of Allah, Supplication, Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness  / كتاب  الذكر والدعاء والتوبة والاستغفار / Chapter 18:  Supplications [Of The Prophet (SAW)]  / باب التَّعَوُّذِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا عَمِلَ وَمِنْ شَرِّ مَا لَمْ يَعْمَلْ / as Hadith 2720, given herein under:

Abu Huraira reported that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to supplicate (in these words):

" O Allah, set right for me my religion which is the safeguard of my affairs. And set right for me the affairs of my world wherein is my living. And set right for me my Hereafter on which depends my after-life. And make the life for me (a source) of abundance for every good and make my death a source of comfort for me protecting me against every evil."

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ بْنُ دِينَارٍ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو قَطَنٍ، عَمْرُو بْنُ الْهَيْثَمِ الْقُطَعِيُّ عَنْ عَبْدِ الْعَزِيزِ، بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ أَبِي سَلَمَةَ الْمَاجِشُونِ عَنْ قُدَامَةَ بْنِ مُوسَى، عَنْ أَبِي صَالِحٍ السَّمَّانِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ ‏ "‏ اللَّهُمَّ أَصْلِحْ لِي دِينِيَ الَّذِي هُوَ عِصْمَةُ أَمْرِي وَأَصْلِحْ لِي دُنْيَاىَ الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَاشِي وَأَصْلِحْ لِي آخِرَتِي الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَادِي وَاجْعَلِ الْحَيَاةَ زِيَادَةً لِي فِي كُلِّ خَيْرٍ وَاجْعَلِ الْمَوْتَ رَاحَةً لِي مِنْ كُلِّ شَرٍّ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

This beautiful and profound du'a (supplication) of the Prophet ﷺ, reported by Abu Huraira, reflects the perfect balance in Islam between dunya (worldly life) and akhirah (the hereafter). Let’s break it down piece by piece and explore how it aligns with the Qur’an and other hadiths.

Let us breakdown the Hadith for easy understanding:

1. "Set right for me my religion which is the safeguard of my affairs."

Meaning that Religion (dīn) is the foundation of a believer’s life, whichgoverns not only worship but how we interact, speak, and live. The Prophet ﷺ asks Allah to preserve and correct his religion because if faith is upright, everything else will follow.

• Qur’an connection:
• “Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam...” (Surah Aal-Imran 3:19)
• “Whoever follows My guidance will not go astray or be miserable.” (Surah Taha 20:123)
• Related hadith:
• "Whoever Allah intends good for, He gives him understanding in the religion." (Bukhari & Muslim)
• This highlights that right guidance in faith is one of the greatest blessings.

2. "Set right for me the affairs of my world wherein is my living."

The Prophet ﷺ is asking Allah to bless his worldly life, because it’s where we earn, interact, and grow.  A balanced and stable dunya helps us worship better and prepare for the akhirah.

• Qur’an connection:
• “Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter...” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:201)
• This mirrors the Prophet's du’a, emphasizing that a believer does not shun the world, but seeks goodness in it, while remaining focused on the eternal.
• Related hadith:
• "The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, although both are good..." (Muslim)
• This strength includes physical, financial, and mental capability in the worldly domain.

3. "Set right for me my Hereafter on which depends my after-life."

The ultimate goal is a blessed Hereafter: Jannah (Paradise), peace, and proximity to Allah. The Prophet ﷺ seeks stability and goodness in what comes after death, because everything in this world is temporary.

• Qur’an connection:
• “And the Hereafter is better and more lasting.” (Surah Al-A'la 87:17)
• “Whoever is removed from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has indeed triumphed...” (Surah Aal-Imran 3:185)
• The Prophet ﷺ emphasizes that true success lies in the Hereafter, not in worldly wealth or power.

4. "Make life for me (a source) of abundance for every good."

The Prophet ﷺ doesn’t just want to live — he wants to live meaningfully, engaging in acts of goodness, worship, kindness, and benefit to others. This is similar to what is being said in Qur'an:

• “Blessed is He in whose hand is dominion, and He is over all things competent—Who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed.” (Surah Al-Mulk 67:1–2)
• Life is a test, and the Prophet ﷺ is asking that his time here be filled with beneficial deeds.

5. "Make my death a source of comfort for me, protecting me against every evil."

Meaning that death, for a believer, is not an end but a transition. The Prophet ﷺ seeks a death that is peaceful, a relief from harm, and a gateway to mercy. Let us quote two verses from Qur'an with the same theme:

• Quranic Connection:
• “Indeed, the righteous will be in pleasure... (It will be said to them:) 'Peace! A word from a Merciful Lord.'” (Surah Ya-Sin 36:55-58)
• “Every soul will taste death. And you will only be given your full compensation on the Day of Resurrection.” (Surah Aal-Imran 3:185)
• Related hadith:
• “None of you should wish for death... but if he must, then let him say: 'O Allah, keep me alive as long as life is better for me, and cause me to die when death is better for me.'” (Bukhari & Muslim)
• This echoes the sentiment of this du'a: let death be a mercy, not a punishment.

Summary Reflection: This hadith is a comprehensive life blueprint from the Prophet ﷺ. It asks Allah to set our faith straight, the root of all things:

• To make our worldly life balanced and beneficial.
• To give us a blessed Hereafter, where real success lies.
• To let our life be productive, not wasted.
• And to let our death be a relief, not a fear.

It’s the ultimate du’a for a balanced, purposeful, and peaceful life, perfectly aligned with Qur’anic values and prophetic wisdom. Let us make this supplications an important part of our life and always be mindful of ensuring a perfect balance  for both Dunya and Akhira. 

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

You may refer to our reference: page: Supplications attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more prophetic supplications

For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Source of Hadith | Help taken from ChatGPT for expanding meaning of the Hadith

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

The virtue of a short Prophetic supplication (Attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) if recited 100 times a day

Man has a very short and uncertain life to live. No one know when the wordily clock stops ticking for him and the angel of death takes away one's soul. This uncertainty leave no time for a man to repent his wrongdoings and sins. Therefore one should keep repenting to his Creator all the time and seek forgiveness so as not to be caught unaware leaving no time for repentance.

There are numerous supplication that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught his companions to recite much too often so that they are forgiven and virtues added to their dossiers. Many of these we have already shared in our reference page: Supplications attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

One more supplication is being shared for the benefit of Muslim sisters and brothers, as mentioned in Sahih Muslim  (Book 48: The Book Pertaining to the Remembrance of Allah, Supplication, Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness  / كتاب  الذكر والدعاء والتوبة والاستغفار / Chapter 10:  The Virtue Of Tahlil (Saying La Ilaha Ill-Allah), Tasbih (Saying Subhan Allah) And (Du'a) Supplication  / باب فَضْلِ التَّهْلِيلِ وَالتَّسْبِيحِ وَالدُّعَاءِ / as Hadith 2691, given herein under:

Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:

He who uttered these words:" There is no god but Allah, the One, having no partner with Him. Sovereignty belongs to Him and all the praise is due to Him, and He is Potent over everything" one hundred times every day there is a reward of emancipating ten slaves for him, and there are recorded hundred virtues to his credit, and hundred vices are blotted out from his scroll, and that is a safeguard for him against the Satan on that day till evening and no one brings anything more excellent than this, except one who has done more than this (who utters these words more than one hundred times and does more good acts) and he who utters:" Exalted is Allah (He is free from imperfection), and all praise is due to Him," one hundred times a day, his sins are obliterated even if they are equal to the extent of the foam of the ocean.

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ يَحْيَى، قَالَ قَرَأْتُ عَلَى مَالِكٍ عَنْ سُمَىٍّ، عَنْ أَبِي صَالِحٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ مَنْ قَالَ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ ‏.‏ فِي يَوْمٍ مِائَةَ مَرَّةٍ ‏.‏ كَانَتْ لَهُ عَدْلَ عَشْرِ رِقَابٍ وَكُتِبَتْ لَهُ مِائَةُ حَسَنَةٍ وَمُحِيَتْ عَنْهُ مِائَةُ سَيِّئَةٍ وَكَانَتْ لَهُ حِرْزًا مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ يَوْمَهُ ذَلِكَ حَتَّى يُمْسِيَ وَلَمْ يَأْتِ أَحَدٌ أَفْضَلَ مِمَّا جَاءَ بِهِ إِلاَّ أَحَدٌ عَمِلَ أَكْثَرَ مِنْ ذَلِكَ ‏.‏ وَمَنْ قَالَ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ فِي يَوْمٍ مِائَةَ مَرَّةٍ حُطَّتْ خَطَايَاهُ وَلَوْ كَانَتْ مِثْلَ زَبَدِ الْبَحْرِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

 

Summary of the Supplication: The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

"Whoever says: Lā ilāha illallāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-ḥamdu wa huwa ‘alā kulli shay’in qadīr

(There is no god but Allah, alone without partner, to Him belongs the kingdom and all praise, and He is powerful over everything) — 100 times a day — it is as if he freed 10 slaves, 100 good deeds are written for him, 100 sins erased, and it serves as protection from Satan until the evening. No one can surpass him in reward except one who does more."

And:

"Whoever says: Subḥānallāhi wa biḥamdih 100 times a day, his sins will be forgiven even if they are as much as the foam of the sea."

How This Hadith Aligns with the Qur’an

Let’s break down the themes of this hadith and match them with verses from the Qur'an:

Tawheed (Oneness of Allah): Phrase: “Lā ilāha illallāh...” is the central message of Islam is tawheed — that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah. This shows that the dhikr in the hadith is a direct verbal affirmation of the Qur’anic command to uphold tawheed.

• Qur’an – Surah Muhammad (47:19): "So know [O Muhammad], that there is no deity except Allah..." (فَاعْلَمْ أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ)
• Surah Al-Ikhlas (112:1): "Say: He is Allah, One."

Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah): Theme: Reciting dhikr regularly brings spiritual reward and protection. The hadith highlights the power of dhikr in attaining peace, reward, and divine attention — just as the Qur’an emphasizes:

• Qur’an – Surah Al-Baqarah (2:152): "So remember Me; I will remember you."
• Surah Ar-Ra’d (13:28): "...Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest."

Good Deeds and Forgiveness: Phrase: “100 sins erased... sins forgiven even if like the foam of the sea” The hadith shows that even major sins (if repented for) can be forgiven through sincere acts of worship and remembrance, aligning perfectly with the Qur’anic message of hope and mercy.

• Qur’an – Surah Az-Zumar (39:53): "Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins...'"
• Surah Al-Furqan (25:70): "...except for those who repent, believe and do righteous work. For them Allah will replace their evil deeds with good..."

Reward Multiplication:  Theme: 100 good deeds, reward equal to freeing 10 slaves. The Prophet ﷺ is giving us practical examples of how simple acts of dhikr can result in immense multiplied reward — exactly as the Qur'an promises.

• Qur’an – Surah Al-An'am (6:160): "Whoever comes [on the Day of Judgment] with a good deed will have ten times the like thereof [to his credit]..."
• Surah Al-Hadid (57:18): "Indeed, the men who give charity and the women who give charity and [they who] have loaned Allah a goodly loan—it will be multiplied for them..."

Protection from Shayṭān: Theme: Dhikr acts as a shield from the Devil. This hadith teaches that daily remembrance of Allah makes a person spiritually guarded from the whispers and influence of Shayṭān — in line with Qur'anic teachings.

• Qur’an – Surah An-Nahl (16:99-100): 
• "Indeed, he [Satan] has no authority over those who have believed and rely upon their Lord."
• "His authority is only over those who take him as an ally and those who through him associate others with Allah."

The Hadith 2691 from Sahih Muslim is thus deeply rooted in the core Qur’anic themes:

• Tawheed
• Dhikr and its rewards
• Mercy and forgiveness
• Multiplication of deeds
• Protection from Shayṭān / Satan

This hadith serves as a daily spiritual formula, combining worship, reflection, and purification in just a few minutes. It's a perfect example of how the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ brings the teachings of the Qur’an to life in simple, actionable ways.

Let us remember these short supplications and recite these 100 times a day or as much we can, for mercy of Allah is boundless and He grants mercy in abundance.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our reference page: Supplications attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more prophetic Supplications attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Please refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet ﷺ of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given below. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing. For explanation of the Hadith, help has been taken from ChatgPT.

Photo | Source of Supplication

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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How to repent when getting up from a sitting engaged in idle and meaningless conversation (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

Every man born is born for a specific Divine purpose. Thus whatever we do in our daily chores should find a purpose for us. Those who engage in idle and meaningless conversations or those who even attend such sittings not only waste their time but also drift away from the Divine purpose for them.

Today we share a hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ , narrated by Abu Hurairah, addresses the the theme of our premise and importance of seeking forgiveness and turning to Allah in repentance, especially after engaging in idle or meaningless speech. The hadith presents a specific formula to be recited after any gathering where one might have engaged in unnecessary or unproductive talk.

This Hadith is mentioned Jami` at-Tirmidhi Book 48: Chapters on Supplication / كتاب  الدعوات عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم / Chapter 38: What One Says When Getting Up From His Sitting / باب مَا يَقُولُ إِذَا قَامَ مِنَ الْمَجْلِسِ / as Hadith number # 3433:

Abu Hurairah narrated that:

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Whoever sits in a sitting and engages in much empty, meaningless speech and then says before getting from that sitting of his: ‘Glory is to You, O Allah, and praise, I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except You, I seek You forgiveness, and I repent to You, (Subḥānaka Allāhumma wa biḥamdika, ashhadu an lā ilāha illā anta, astaghfiruka wa atūbu ilaik)’ whatever occurred in that sitting would be forgiven to him.”

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو عُبَيْدَةَ بْنُ أَبِي السَّفَرِ الْكُوفِيُّ، - وَاسْمُهُ أَحْمَدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ الْهَمْدَانِيُّ حَدَّثَنَا حَجَّاجُ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ، قَالَ قَالَ ابْنُ جُرَيْجٍ أَخْبَرَنِي مُوسَى بْنُ عُقْبَةَ، عَنْ سُهَيْلِ بْنِ أَبِي صَالِحٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ مَنْ جَلَسَ فِي مَجْلِسٍ فَكَثُرَ فِيهِ لَغَطُهُ فَقَالَ قَبْلَ أَنْ يَقُومَ مِنْ مَجْلِسِهِ ذَلِكَ سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ أَسْتَغْفِرُكَ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْكَ ‏.‏ إِلاَّ غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا كَانَ فِي مَجْلِسِهِ ذَلِكَ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ وَفِي الْبَابِ عَنْ أَبِي بَرْزَةَ وَعَائِشَةَ ‏.‏ قَالَ هَذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ غَرِيبٌ صَحِيحٌ مِنْ هَذَا الْوَجْهِ لاَ نَعْرِفُهُ مِنْ حَدِيثِ سُهَيْلٍ إِلاَّ مِنْ هَذَا الْوَجْهِ ‏.‏

Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)

This hadith encourages:

• Guarding one's speech from idle talk.
• Turning to Allah in repentance after any lapse.
• Engaging in dhikr as a means of purification and gaining forgiveness.
• Experiencing Allah's mercy in forgiving mistakes, no matter how big or small.
• In light of the Qur'an, this hadith emphasizes several important themes:

Let us now read some verses from Qur'an which cautions man from safeguarding his speech and importance of repentance for having done so.

1. The Importance of Guarding One's Speech

The Qur'an repeatedly reminds believers to guard their speech, especially from idle talk, gossip, and anything that does not benefit. For example:

• Surah Al-Ahzab (33:70-71):
• “O you who have believed, fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice. He will then amend for you your deeds and forgive you your sins. And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly attained a great attainment.”
• This verse emphasizes the importance of using words in a way that is beneficial and aligned with righteousness.
• Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:3):
• “And they who turn away from ill speech.”
• The Qur'an commands believers to avoid meaningless or harmful speech, which is consistent with the guidance in the hadith.

2. Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness

The phrase mentioned in the hadith—“Glory is to You, O Allah, and praise, I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except You, I seek Your forgiveness, and I repent to You”—is a formula that emphasizes repentance (tawbah) and seeking forgiveness (istighfar). Repentance is a fundamental concept in Islam and is frequently mentioned in the Qur'an:

• Surah At-Tahrim (66:8):
• “O you who have believed, repent to Allah with sincere repentance.”
• This verse encourages believers to seek Allah’s forgiveness with sincerity and humility, just as the hadith advises after a sitting where one may have engaged in inappropriate speech.
• Surah An-Nisa (4:110):
• “Whoever does a wrong or wrongs himself but then seeks forgiveness of Allah will find Allah Forgiving and Merciful.”
• This reinforces the idea that seeking forgiveness after engaging in any sinful or unproductive behavior will lead to Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.

3. The Power of Remembrance of Allah (Dhikr)

The hadith mentions a specific dhikr (remembrance) of Allah that should be recited after a gathering. The importance of dhikr is emphasized throughout the Qur'an:

• Surah Al-Ahzab (33:41-42):
• “O you who have believed, remember Allah with much remembrance and exalt Him morning and afternoon.”
• Remembrance of Allah, especially after activities that may have involved distraction or neglect of the remembrance of Allah, is a way to purify one’s actions and intentions.
• Surah Al-Jumu’ah (62:9):
• “O you who have believed, when the call to prayer is heard on the day of Jumu’ah, then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew.”
• The Qur'an highlights the significance of turning to Allah in remembrance and seeking His forgiveness.

4. The Mercy of Allah

The hadith mentions that if a person recites this supplication after a sitting filled with idle speech, whatever was wrong in that gathering will be forgiven. This emphasizes the immense mercy and forgiveness of Allah, a theme that runs strongly through the Qur'an:

• Surah Az-Zumar (39:53):
• “Say, 'O My servants who have harmed yourselves by your own hands, do not despair of Allah’s mercy. Allah forgives all sins. He is truly the Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.'”
• The hadith echoes this divine mercy, illustrating that no matter what was said or done in the gathering, through repentance and turning back to Allah, a person can attain forgiveness.

5. Purification of the Soul

This hadith also serves to purify the soul. After a gathering where meaningless speech may have taken place, the recitation of this supplication serves as a means of spiritual purification. The Qur'an stresses the importance of cleansing the heart:

• Surah Al-Baqarah (2:222):
• “Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves.”
• This reflects the idea that seeking forgiveness, particularly through dhikr and repentance, is a means of purifying oneself spiritually.

Conclusion

The hadith is in perfect harmony with the Qur'anic teachings on speech, repentance, seeking forgiveness, and remembrance of Allah. It provides a practical tool for maintaining spiritual cleanliness, even after moments of negligence or distraction. By turning to Allah with the prescribed supplication, the believer purifies their actions, seeks forgiveness for any wrongdoing, and brings themselves back to a state of peace and spiritual alignment with Allah.

Remember, this life is not meant for wasting time in fruitless and meaningless conversations that do not add to our religious education and help us becoming good human and believer. Let us not engage in meaningless conversation and stay away from such sittings from where one does not learn to be a better human being.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

You may refer to our reference: page: Supplications attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more prophetic supplications

For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Source of Hadith | Help taken from ChatGPT for expanding meaning of the Hadith

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

Supplication that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ made after saying the Taslim

The life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has been a role model for all Muslims and the entire mankind for as long as this world exists. He not only explained Qur'an through his personal example, but also taught his companions supplications in carefully selected words so that believers could make supplications in the words as taught by him.

We have already shared one of the supplications which the revered Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to make after finishing his prayer or saying taslim [What should a person supplicate after the Taslim ]. But that is one of the many supplications he made after the prayers. Today we share yet another Prophetic supplication which Prophet Muhammad ﷺ made after the Taslim.

[What is Taslim: After making all of the supplications that you want, you should end the prayer with taslim, which means to say the salutation: as-salāmu 'alaykum wa raḥmatullah to the right and left hand sides.]

This supplication is mentioned in Sunan Abi Dawud (Book # 8  Prayer (Kitab Al-Salat): Detailed Injunctions about Witr / كتاب الوتر / Chapter # 511 What A Person Should Say When He Says The Taslim / باب مَا يَقُولُ الرَّجُلُ إِذَا سَلَّمَ as Hadith number # 1509, quoted herein under:

'Ali b. Abi Talib said:

When the Prophet (ﷺ) uttered salutation at the end of the prayer, he used to say: "O Allah, forgive me my former and latter sins, what I have kept secret and what I have done openly, and what I have done extravagance; and what You know better than I do. You are the Advancer, the Delayer, there is no god but You."

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا عُبَيْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ مُعَاذٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا أَبِي، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الْعَزِيزِ بْنُ أَبِي سَلَمَةَ، عَنْ عَمِّهِ الْمَاجِشُونَ بْنِ أَبِي سَلَمَةَ، عَنْ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ الأَعْرَجِ، عَنْ عُبَيْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ أَبِي رَافِعٍ، عَنْ عَلِيِّ بْنِ أَبِي طَالِبٍ، قَالَ كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم إِذَا سَلَّمَ مِنَ الصَّلاَةِ قَالَ ‏ "‏ اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي مَا قَدَّمْتُ وَمَا أَخَّرْتُ وَمَا أَسْرَرْتُ وَمَا أَعْلَنْتُ وَمَا أَسْرَفْتُ وَمَا أَنْتَ أَعْلَمُ بِهِ مِنِّي أَنْتَ الْمُقَدِّمُ وَأَنْتَ الْمُؤَخِّرُ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

Grade: Sahih (Al-Albani)

This hadith, narrated by Ali b. Abi Talib, relates to a supplication that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) used to recite at the end of the prayer, asking Allah for forgiveness. It contains a rich meaning, and when understood in light of the Qur'an, it provides deeper insights into the relationship between the believer and Allah.

Key Elements of the Hadith:

• Seeking Forgiveness: The Prophet (ﷺ) asks Allah to forgive his past and future sins, both those that are public and private, as well as any excesses or wrongs that may have been committed unknowingly.
• Acknowledging Allah’s Sovereignty: The Prophet (ﷺ) recognizes Allah as the one who has control over all matters (i.e., the Advancer and the Delayer), and emphasizes the uniqueness of Allah, declaring that there is no god but Him.

Explanation in Light of the Qur'an

• Seeking Forgiveness for Sins: The Prophet’s supplication includes a request for forgiveness of sins — both public and private, and those committed knowingly or unknowingly. This resonates with the Qur'anic guidance on seeking forgiveness from Allah, as it is central to a believer's relationship with Him.
• Allah commands believers to seek forgiveness for their sins:
• Surah Al-Furqan (25:70): “Except for those who repent, believe and do righteous work. For them Allah will replace their evil deeds with good. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.”
• Surah An-Nisa (4:110): “Whoever does an evil or wrongs himself but then seeks forgiveness of Allah will find Allah Forgiving and Merciful.”
• This emphasizes that Allah’s mercy is vast, and He is always ready to forgive those who repent sincerely.
• Public and Private Sins: The Prophet (ﷺ) explicitly mentions both the "secret" and "open" sins in his supplication, highlighting the comprehensive nature of human shortcomings.
• The Qur'an acknowledges that Allah is aware of both the public and private actions of people:
• Surah Al-Mujadila (58:6): “On the Day when their faces will be turned over in the Fire, they will say, ‘Woe to us! How could we have failed to respond to Allah’s call?’”
• Surah Al-Imran (3:29): "Say, 'Whether you conceal what is within your breasts or reveal it – Allah knows it.’"
• Allah’s knowledge encompasses all things, both seen and unseen, and He is fully aware of all that we do, making the Prophet’s supplication a reminder that we should seek forgiveness for all types of transgressions, even those that we may think are hidden.
• Excessive Actions (Extravagance): The Prophet (ﷺ) also asks for forgiveness regarding "what I have done extravagance," which may refer to any actions that were beyond moderation or were excessive, whether in worship or in worldly matters. Islam emphasizes the importance of balance and moderation.
• Surah Al-A’raf (7:31): “O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.”
• The Qur'an encourages believers to avoid extravagance, whether in material matters, worship, or other aspects of life.
• Allah as the Advancer and Delayer: The Prophet (ﷺ) concludes by referring to Allah as the "Advancer" (Muqaddim) and "Delayer" (Mu'akkhir). This refers to Allah’s control over all matters, especially in the context of life and death, blessings and trials.
• The Qur'an repeatedly mentions Allah's control over everything:
• Surah Al-Mulk (67:1): “Blessed is He in whose hand is the dominion, and He is over all things competent.”
• Surah Al-Ahzab (33:61): “They have been cursed wherever they are found, being seized and murdered in a massacre.”
• This aligns with the understanding that Allah has complete authority to advance or delay anything in creation, from the course of events to the granting of forgiveness.

Theological and Spiritual Insight

• Humility and Dependence on Allah: This supplication reveals the humility of the Prophet (ﷺ), despite his infallibility as the best of creation. It teaches the believer that no matter how righteous one is, seeking Allah's forgiveness and recognizing one's imperfections is crucial.
• Comprehensive Repentance: The mention of both secret and open sins encourages believers to reflect on all aspects of their actions, not just those that are visible to others.
• Trust in Allah’s Mercy: By acknowledging Allah’s sovereignty over all matters, the supplication instills trust in Allah’s ability to forgive and provide relief from one's sins, demonstrating reliance on Allah’s mercy.

In summary, this hadith encapsulates key themes of repentance, seeking Allah's forgiveness, and acknowledging Allah's control over all things. It aligns with the Qur’anic teachings on forgiveness and moderation while also emphasizing Allah's encompassing knowledge and mercy.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

You may refer to our reference: page: Supplications attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more prophetic supplications

For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Source of Hadith | Help taken from ChatGPT for expanding meaning of the Hadith

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

What has been related about a Comprehensive Supplication from Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Asking Allah for something is an art of beautifully well thought out of words that really move the Heavens and are liked by Allah. One doesn't need to be a scholar or a well read person to choose the right words that open one's heart out to his Creator. Today we share a similar supplication by an ordinary Bedouin which when heard by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was promptly responded by the Prophet of Allah who said: ‘By the One in Whose Hand is my soul, he has asked Allah by His Greatest Name, the one which if He is called upon by it, He responds, and when He is asked by it, He gives."

Let us share what were the words of the supplication that even moved the Prophet of Allah. This supplication is mentioned in Jami` at-Tirmidhi Book 48: Chapters on Supplication / كتاب  الدعوات عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم / Chapter 63: What Has Been Related About The Comprehensive Supplications From The Messenger Of Allah / باب جَامِعِ الدَّعَوَاتِ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم / as Hadith number # 3475:

`Abdullah bin Buraidah Al Aslami narrated from his father, who said:

“The Prophet (ﷺ) heard a man supplicating, and he was saying: ‘O Allah, indeed, I ask you by my testifying that You are Allah, there is none worthy of worship except You, the One, As-Samad, the one who does not beget, nor was begotten, and there is none who is like Him (Allāhumma innī as’aluka bi annī ashhadu annaka antallāh, lā ilāha illā ant, al-aḥaduṣ-ṣamad, alladhī lam yalid wa lam yūlad, wa lam yakun lahu kufuwan aḥad).” He said: “So he said: ‘By the One in Whose Hand is my soul, he has asked Allah by His Greatest Name, the one which if He is called upon by it, He responds, and when He is asked by it, He gives.’”(One of the narrators) Zaid said: “So I mentioned it to Zuhair bin Mu`awiyah years after that, and he said: Abu Ishaq reported to me from Malik bin Mighwal.’” Zaid said: “Then I mentioned it to Sufyan, so he reported it to me from Malik.”

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا جَعْفَرُ بْنُ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِمْرَانَ الثَّعْلَبِيُّ الْكُوفِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا زَيْدُ بْنُ حُبَابٍ، عَنْ مَالِكِ بْنِ مِغْوَلٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ بُرَيْدَةَ الأَسْلَمِيِّ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، قَالَ سَمِعَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم رَجُلاً يَدْعُو وَهُوَ يَقُولُ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ بِأَنِّي أَشْهَدُ أَنَّكَ أَنْتَ اللَّهُ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ الأَحَدُ الصَّمَدُ الَّذِي لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ وَلَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ ‏.‏ قَالَ فَقَالَ ‏ "‏ وَالَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ لَقَدْ سَأَلَ اللَّهَ بِاسْمِهِ الأَعْظَمِ الَّذِي إِذَا دُعِيَ بِهِ أَجَابَ وَإِذَا سُئِلَ بِهِ أَعْطَى ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ زَيْدٌ فَذَكَرْتُهُ لِزُهَيْرِ بْنِ مُعَاوِيَةَ بَعْدَ ذَلِكَ بِسِنِينَ فَقَالَ حَدَّثَنِي أَبُو إِسْحَاقَ عَنْ مَالِكِ بْنِ مِغْوَلٍ ‏.‏ قَالَ زَيْدٌ ثُمَّ ذَكَرْتُهُ لِسُفْيَانَ الثَّوْرِيِّ فَحَدَّثَنِي عَنْ مَالِكٍ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى هَذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ غَرِيبٌ ‏.‏ وَرَوَى شَرِيكٌ هَذَا الْحَدِيثَ عَنْ أَبِي إِسْحَاقَ عَنِ ابْنِ بُرَيْدَةَ عَنْ أَبِيهِ وَإِنَّمَا أَخَذَهُ أَبُو إِسْحَاقَ الْهَمْدَانِيُّ عَنْ مَالِكِ بْنِ مِغْوَلٍ وَإِنَّمَا دَلَّسَهُ ‏.‏ وَرَوَى شَرِيكٌ هَذَا الْحَدِيثَ عَنْ أَبِي إِسْحَاقَ ‏.‏

Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)

The hadith is a powerful and meaningful narration that highlights the significance of supplicating to Allah using His Greatest Name, which is a name so special that when invoked, Allah responds to the supplicant’s call and grants their request. This hadith serves as a reminder of the importance of using specific qualities and attributes of Allah when making du'a (supplication), and it has both a direct connection to the Quran and practical relevance in Islamic worship.

Explanation of the Hadith:

In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) heard a man making a supplication to Allah, asking by mentioning several of Allah's most exalted names and attributes:

"Allah, there is none worthy of worship except You": This affirms the belief in the oneness of Allah (Tawhid), which is the foundational concept in Islam and emphasized throughout the Quran, such as in Surah Al-Ikhlas (112:1-4): "Say, 'He is Allah, [Who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.'"

"The One, As-Samad": "As-Samad" (The Eternal, The Satisfier of Needs) is one of the names of Allah mentioned in Surah Al-Ikhlas (112:2), signifying that Allah is the One who is self-sufficient and to Whom all creatures turn for their needs. It highlights Allah’s eternal nature and the fact that He does not rely on anyone.

"The one who does not beget, nor was begotten": This emphasizes the divine uniqueness of Allah, underscoring that He has no parents nor children, which refutes any human-like characteristics. This point again corresponds with Surah Al-Ikhlas (112:3), which rejects the idea of Allah having any offspring or parentage.

"There is none who is like Him": This phrase reflects Allah’s transcendence and incomparability, which is central to Islamic theology. It mirrors what is stated in the Quran in Surah Ash-Shura (42:11), which says: "Nothing is like Him, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing."

Context and Connection to the Quran:

The supplication made by the man in this hadith is a profound reflection of the Quranic message found in Surah Al-Ikhlas, which emphasizes the absolute oneness of Allah, His independence, and His eternal, incomparable nature. By using these qualities in his supplication, the man acknowledges Allah's greatness, sovereignty, and absolute uniqueness.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) affirms that when someone calls upon Allah using these specific attributes—particularly mentioning Allah's "Greatest Name" (Ism al-Azam)—it is a powerful supplication that leads to a guaranteed response from Allah. This shows how important it is to approach Allah with sincerity and knowledge of His names and attributes, as the supplicant in this hadith does.

The "Greatest Name" of Allah:

The reference to the "Greatest Name" (Ism al-Azam) in this hadith points to a special way of calling upon Allah that guarantees a response. Scholars have interpreted this phrase to mean that certain names of Allah, when invoked with sincerity, have a profound effect in fulfilling the supplicant’s needs. While there are different opinions among scholars about which exact name is the "Greatest Name," this hadith suggests that the qualities of Allah mentioned—His Oneness, Self-sufficiency, and Incomparability—are among the most powerful names to call upon.

Practical Implication:

• The significance of Tawhid: This hadith reinforces the importance of affirming the oneness of Allah in every act of worship and supplication. It serves as a reminder that only Allah can answer prayers and fulfill our needs.
• Using Allah’s attributes in du'a: The hadith also teaches us to invoke Allah’s specific names and attributes, particularly those related to His greatness and majesty, when making du'a. Doing so increases the likelihood that our supplications will be answered.
• The connection with the Quran: The attributes mentioned in this supplication are directly reflected in the Quran, particularly in Surah Al-Ikhlas, which encapsulates the essence of Allah's nature. This shows that the hadith is in perfect alignment with the Quranic teachings.

Conclusion:

The hadith highlights the power of calling upon Allah using His exalted names and attributes, as these are among the most effective ways of ensuring that our supplications are answered. It serves as a reminder of Allah's perfection, His independence from His creation, and His unmatched sovereignty. By invoking Allah's "Greatest Name," believers are encouraged to deepen their understanding of Allah's qualities, which in turn enhances their worship and connection with Him.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our reference page: Supplications attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more prophetic Supplications attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Please refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet ﷺ of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given below and ChatGPT has been consulted for the explanation. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

Photo | Source of Supplication

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Prophetic (ﷺ) supplication when visiting the sick

One of the biggest mercy of Allah is the good health, for good health is essential for living a fulfilling and productive life. It affects nearly every aspect of our daily existence, from our physical well-being to our mental and emotional states. In essence, maintaining good health isn’t just about avoiding sickness—it's about thriving and being able to live your life to its fullest potential!

But there are times when due to many reasons and factors, one falls sick, sometimes very sick. While we seek medical assistance and medication, the recovery from the ailment we are suffering from rests in the hands of Allah. In Surah Ash-Shu'ara (26:80), it is said: “And when I am ill, it is He who heals me.” This verse speaks about the dependence on Allah for healing during illness. It reminds believers that Allah is the ultimate source of all cures and that healing is under His control.

Therefore, when we fall sick, we must supplicate to Allah for our good health and recovery from our ailment. Prophet  Muhammad ﷺ has taught us one such supplication to be made when visiting a sick and if the sick has not reached the brink of death, this supplication would definitely help him recovery from his ailment by the will of Allah.

This Hadith is mentioned Jami` at-Tirmidhi Book 28: Chapters on Medicine / كتاب الطب عن رسول اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم / Chapter 32: What Is Said When Visiting The Sick / as Hadith number # 2083 (Source of Supplication):

Ibn 'Abbas narrated that the Prophet (S.A.W) said:

"There is no Muslim worshiper who visits one who is ill - other than at the time of death - and he says seven times: As'alullah Al-'Azeem Rabbal 'Arshil 'Azeem an yashfik ('I ask Allah the Magnificent, Lord of the Magnificent Throne to cure you') except when he will be cured."

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْمُثَنَّى، قال حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ جَعْفَرٍ، قال حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، عَنْ يَزِيدَ أَبِي خَالِدٍ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ الْمِنْهَالَ بْنَ عَمْرٍو، يُحَدِّثُ عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ جُبَيْرٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَنَّهُ قَالَ ‏ "‏ مَا مِنْ عَبْدٍ مُسْلِمٍ يَعُودُ مَرِيضًا لَمْ يَحْضُرْ أَجَلُهُ فَيَقُولُ سَبْعَ مَرَّاتٍ أَسْأَلُ اللَّهَ الْعَظِيمَ رَبَّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ أَنْ يَشْفِيَكَ إِلاَّ عُوفِيَ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى هَذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ غَرِيبٌ لاَ نَعْرِفُهُ إِلاَّ مِنْ حَدِيثِ الْمِنْهَالِ بْنِ عَمْرٍو ‏.‏

Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)

The hadith aligns with the Quranic principles of seeking healing from Allah, recognizing His supreme power, and relying on Him through supplication. By invoking Allah's names and titles, such as "Al-'Azeem" (the Magnificent) and "Rabbal 'Arshil 'Azeem" (Lord of the Magnificent Throne), the believer is acknowledging Allah's infinite majesty and seeking His mercy for the cure of the ill. The Quran encourages believers to turn to Allah in times of need, and this hadith provides a specific, powerful means of doing so when visiting a sick person.

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ assures that if this supplication is said seven times during the visit (except in the case of death), the ill person will be cured by Allah's will.  To understand the significance of this hadith in the light of the Quran, and for that matter any supplication, we should look at a few key themes:

How Supplications work

• Healing is from Allah alone: The Quran emphasizes that ultimate healing and relief from ailments come from Allah alone. For example, in Surah Ash-Shu'ara (26:80), Allah says: "And when I am ill, it is He who cures me." This verse highlights that although human doctors and treatments can play a role, the true source of healing is Allah. This aligns with the supplication in the hadith, where the believer calls upon Allah, the "Magnificent," to cure the patient.

• The Power and Majesty of Allah: The phrase "Rabbal 'Arshil 'Azeem" (Lord of the Magnificent Throne) in the supplication reflects the immense power and authority of Allah. The Quran often describes Allah as the Lord of the Throne (Ar-Rahman 11:7, Al-Mulk 67:16), indicating His supreme control over all of creation. The supplication in the hadith is invoking Allah's vast majesty, seeking His mercy and power to cure the ill person.

• Importance of Du'a (Supplication): In Islam, supplication is a powerful means of seeking help from Allah. The Quran encourages believers to make du'a with sincerity, trust, and devotion. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:186), Allah says: "And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me." This verse shows that Allah is close to His believers and listens to their prayers. The hadith reinforces this by providing a specific supplication to say, which, when recited with faith, brings about Allah's intervention.

Supplications taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

• Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was a source of mercy and many a supplications about healing for the believers. His teachings, supplications, and actions were all ways for the ummah to seek guidance, mercy, and healing from Allah. This hadith reflects the prophetic role in teaching the Muslims how to approach Allah for healing, reminding them to place their trust in Allah’s power.
• It may be noted here that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was not a healer himself. He instead taught people supplications as taught to him by Allah so that believers could communicate their grievance directly to Allah in His own language for recovery from one's ailment.

A Symbol of Mercy and Compassion:

• Visiting the sick and offering prayers for their healing is a way to show mercy and compassion toward fellow believers. 
• The Quran emphasizes the importance of supporting and caring for one another, particularly in times of difficulty. In Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2), Allah says: "...and cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression." Offering a prayer for someone who is ill is a good example of such cooperation in righteousness.

Let us never forget to turn to Allah in our difficult times, and even in good times, seeking Divine mercy for our well being and good health. This must be done with conviction and complete faith in Allah for Allah help those who trust Him and depend on Him in good and bad times.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our reference page: Supplications attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more prophetic Supplications attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Please refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet ﷺ of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given below. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More