Seventh: Invented supplications entail imitation of the People of the Book, who devised supplications contrary to what their messengers brought. They also imitate them in their melodies, rhythms, swaying movements, and other such practices.

Eighth: A person who habitually recites invented supplications—especially those compiled into litanies and prescribed recitations—is generally ignorant of their meanings. His attention becomes fixed on their wording and on reciting them in succession without reflection, even though supplication requires presence of heart and sincerity in making one’s requests. Moreover, many of these supplications are merely strings of words whose meaning is obscure and whose import is unclear. A person who uses such supplications is neither truly making a request nor supplicating; he is merely repeating someone else’s words. Furthermore, he chooses that particular supplication over others because of its composer and his admiration for him. This involves venerating the person who compiled these supplications and elevating him above his proper station, for the supplicant believes that his supplications possess a special efficacy not found in others; otherwise, he would not persist in reciting them night and day. Indeed, some explicitly assert that their shaykh’s litany is the best, most complete, and most perfect of all litanies.

This makes clear the extent of the harm these invented supplications inflict upon Muslims and the grave danger they pose to them. Every Muslim must therefore beware of them, keep away from them, and shun them, confining himself to the supplications authentically transmitted from the noble Messenger ﷺ, for they are soundest in expression and the surest path to guidance.

We ask Allah, the Most Generous, to grant us steadfast adherence to his sunnah, observance of his guidance, following in his footsteps, and commitment to his way. He is indeed All-Hearing and Responsive.