58 — Among the Virtues of Supplication

The discussion continues with the evidence for the virtue of supplication found in the Sunnah of the noble Messenger—peace and blessings be upon him. We have already encountered some of these hadiths, including his statement: “Nothing is more esteemed by Allah, Mighty and Majestic, than supplication.”1 This demonstrates the excellence of supplication and its lofty standing before Allah. Supplication is worship—indeed, it is the very essence and spirit of worship. Worship is the purpose for which creation was created and brought into being, and the form of worship most esteemed by Allah is supplication, as explained above.

Another report concerning the virtue of supplication in the Sunnah was narrated by Imām Ahmad, al-Tirmidhī, Ibn Mājah, and others, with a good chain of transmission, from Abū Hurayrah—may Allah be pleased with him—who said that the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—said: “Whoever does not call upon Allah, Glorified is He, incurs His anger.” 2 This demonstrates Allah’s love for supplication and His love for the servant who calls upon Him. Thus, He becomes angry with His servant when he abandons supplication. There is no doubt that this is “evidence that a servant’s supplication to his Lord is among the most important duties and greatest obligations;