while these people prescribe specific observances, particular forms, and fixed times for their litanies. All of this is undoubtedly innovation in religion, a departure from the path of the master of the prophets and messengers, and the replacement of his way with what the shaykhs of misguidance and leaders of falsehood have introduced. It amounts to legislating in religion what Allah has not authorized. Allah Most High says: “Or do they have partners who have ordained for them a religion that Allah has not authorized?” 1 Yet despite this, you find them venerating these litanies, exalting their status and worth, and preferring them to the sound litanies and established supplications transmitted from the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace—the best of creation and the most perfect of them in remembering and supplicating his Lord, Glorified is He.

Qādī Iyād, may Allah have mercy on him, said: “Allah permitted His servants to call upon Him and taught His creation how to supplicate in His Book. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, likewise taught his community how to supplicate. His supplications combined three things: knowledge of Allah’s oneness, mastery of the language, and sincere concern for the community. No one, therefore, should turn away from his supplications, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. Yet Satan has schemed against people in this regard and brought forth wicked men who invent supplications for them, thereby distracting them from following the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.”2

Imam al-Qurtubī, may Allah have mercy on him, said in his commentary, The Compendium of Quranic Rulings: “A person must therefore use the supplications found in Allah’s Book and the authentic Sunnah and leave aside all others. He must not say, ‘I choose such-and-such,’ for Allah chose for His Prophet and His devoted servants and taught them how to supplicate.” Thus ends his statement.3