on his right, so that this differs from circumambulating the House. He should place his hand on it without kissing it, then supplicate. If he wishes to descend beneath the Rock, he may do so, but he should strive earnestly in supplication, form his intention beforehand, and repent to Allah Most High. This should be done beneath the Rock, for supplication in that place is answered, if Allah Most High wills.”

Zayd ibn Aslam related that Solomon son of David, peace be upon them both, held the key to the Rock of Jerusalem and would entrust it to no one. One day he rose to open its door, but found himself unable to do so. He sought the help of the jinn, but they too were unable; then he sought the help of humans, but they likewise could not open it. He sat down dejected and sorrowful, thinking that his Lord had become displeased with him. While he was in this state, an elderly man approached, leaning on a staff. He was advanced in years and had been one of the companions of David, peace be upon him.

He said, “O Prophet of Allah, I see that you are sorrowful.”

Solomon replied, “I went to this door to open it, but could not. I sought the help of humans, but it would not open. Then I sought the help of the jinn, but it would not open.”

The old man said, “Shall I teach you words that your father David used to say whenever he was distressed, whereupon Allah Most High would relieve his distress?”

He replied, “Yes.”

The old man said, “Say: ‘O Allah, by Your light I have been guided, and through Your bounty I seek help. Through You I reach the morning and the evening. My sins lie before You. I seek Your forgiveness and repent to You, O Most Compassionate, O Bestower of blessings.’”

When he said these words,