65 — Warning against Newly Invented Supplications

The importance of adhering to the Sunnah in supplication and the necessity of following the Prophet’s guidance in this regard have already been discussed. Supplication is an act of worship, and worship is founded upon revealed prescription and adherence, not personal desire and innovation. It has also been noted that the Sunnah provides a full and sufficient explanation of supplication and everything related to it, leaving nothing to be added, including its various forms, conditions, proper manners, appropriate times, and all other relevant matters.

It is therefore incumbent upon every Muslim, in this important matter, to strive to discover the Prophet’s guidance concerning supplication and to be especially diligent in learning his way, so that he may follow in his footsteps, proceed according to his path, and adhere to his practice—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him.

A Muslim may not adopt regularly recurring supplications, or supplications designated for particular times or particular forms, except those established in the Sunnah of the noble Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. As for occasional supplications prompted by circumstances that may arise, a Muslim may ask Allah for whatever he wishes, provided it does not conflict with the sacred law.

For this reason, Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyya, may Allah have mercy on him, said: “Remembrances and supplications are among the best acts of worship, and worship is founded upon adherence. No one may institute any of them beyond what the Sunnah prescribes and make it a regular practice that people consistently observe. Indeed, this is to introduce into the religion an innovation that Allah has not authorized. This differs from what a person may occasionally supplicate without making it a Sunnah.”1 End quote.