64 — The Importance of Following the Sunnah in Supplication

We have already mentioned a number of important guidelines and weighty conditions that a Muslim must observe in supplication. Foremost among them is that it be devoted sincerely to Allah alone, without any partner. Supplication is a form of worship and one of its constituent acts, and worship is the exclusive right of Allah Almighty, in which He has no partner. He alone is truly worthy of worship, and none besides Him is worthy of worship. Thus, the gravest violation in supplication is to direct it to other than Allah by giving another a share in it. Allah says:

“Who is further astray than one who invokes, besides Allah, those who will not respond to him until the Day of Resurrection and who are unaware of their invocation? And when mankind is gathered, they will become their enemies and will reject their worship.” 1

He also says:

“The places of worship belong to Allah, so do not invoke anyone along with Allah.” 2

There are many verses conveying this meaning, some of which have already been cited.

Just as supplication must be devoted sincerely to Allah Almighty in order to be accepted by Him, it must likewise conform to the guidance of the noble Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. These two matters—sincerity and adherence to the Messenger—are the conditions for the acceptance of every deed; no deed whatsoever is accepted without both. Al-Fudayl ibn Iyād, may Allah have mercy on him, said: “The religion of Allah is that which is most sincere and most correct. He was asked, ‘Abū Ali, what does it mean for a deed to be most sincere