humbly and privately,” and because Allah mentioned a righteous servant whose deed He approved, saying: ‘When he called upon his Lord in a private supplication’1.”2

Ibn Jurayj—may Allah have mercy on him—said: “Raising one’s voice, calling out, and shouting in supplication are disliked; one is instructed instead to implore humbly and submissively.”3

Thus, keeping supplication private and not voicing it aloud is an indispensable etiquette. It yields benefits, virtues, and advantages too numerous to count. Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah—may Allah have mercy on him—mentioned numerous benefits of keeping supplication private, which demonstrate its importance and the many benefits and virtues that result from it.

The first is that it is a greater expression of faith, for the supplicant knows that Allah hears even a private supplication.

The second is that it displays greater propriety and reverence. Since He hears private supplication, proper etiquette before Him requires that one lower one’s voice when supplicating.

The third is that it is more conducive to humble imploring and submissiveness, which are the spirit, essence, and purpose of supplication. A humble and lowly person asks as a destitute and abased person would: his heart is broken, his limbs are subdued, and his voice is hushed.

The fourth is that it is more conducive to sincerity.

The fifth is that it is more effective in focusing the heart upon humble submission during supplication, for raising