the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, would often say: “Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.” (1)
What matters is that a person should frequently engage in supplication and remembrance of Allah, in view of the Prophet’s saying, peace and blessings be upon him: “The best supplication is the supplication made on the Day of ‘Arafah, and the best words that I and the prophets before me have said are: There is no deity worthy of worship but Allah alone, without partner.” (2)
If someone were to say: The time is long, especially during the summer days, and a person may become weary. If he were to remain supplicating from the combined Dhuhr and ‘Asr prayers until sunset, he would become weary. Is it permissible for him to occupy himself with something permissible other than supplication and remembrance?
The answer is: Yes; indeed, it may even be required if it serves as a means of restoring one’s energy, for a person is human and is subject to weariness. Our Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Undertake of deeds only what you are able to sustain, for Allah does not grow weary until you grow weary.” (3) And when his Companions raised their voices in the takbīr, he said to them: “Be gentle with yourselves.” (4)
(1) Recorded by Muslim, in The Book of Dhikr and Supplication, chapter: The virtue of supplicating, “Allahumma atina fi al-dunya hasanah” (O Allah, grant us good in this world) ... (2690), on the authority of Anas, may Allah be pleased with him.
(2) Recorded by al-Tirmidhi, in The Book of Supplications, chapter: Supplication on the Day of Arafah (3585), on the authority of Abdullah ibn Amr, may Allah be pleased with him; and by Imam Ahmad (2/210), on the authority of Abdullah ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with him. Its wording is: “The supplication most frequently made by the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, on the Day of Arafah was: ‘La ilaha illa Allah ...’” Al-Tirmidhi said: “Hasan gharib through this route.” Malik also narrated it (1/421) as a mursal report from Talhah ibn Ubaydillah. Al-Albani authenticated its chain in al-Mishkat (2/797) and regarded it as supporting evidence for the marfu report. See also: al-Talkhis (1042).
(3) Recorded by al-Bukhari, in The Book of Faith, chapter: The religion most beloved to Allah is that which is most enduring (43); and by Muslim, in The Book of Prayer, chapter: The virtue of continual deeds (785 [221]), on the authority of Aishah, may Allah be pleased with her.
(4) Recorded by al-Bukhari, in The Book of Jihad and Military Expeditions, chapter: What is disliked concerning raising one’s voice in takbir (the saying of “Allahu Akbar”) (2992); and by Muslim, in The Book of Dhikr and Supplication, chapter: The recommendation to lower one’s voice in dhikr (remembrance of Allah) (2704), on the authority of Abu Musa, may Allah be pleased with him.