76 — Circumstances in Which a Muslim’s Supplication Is Answered

A number of the virtuous times when supplication is more likely to be accepted than at other times have already been mentioned. A Muslim may call upon Allah, Glorious and Exalted, at any time, during any hour of the night or day, hoping that Allah will accept his supplication. Nevertheless, there are certain virtuous times that the Lawgiver has singled out for added merit, when acceptance is more likely and a response more readily granted. A Muslim should therefore seek to supplicate at such times, including the last third of the night, the special hour on Friday, and the other times mentioned previously.

Just as there are virtuous times when a Muslim should seek to supplicate, there are also virtuous spiritual states in which his closeness to Allah, attentiveness to Him, reverence, humility, and submissiveness increase. At such times, he should supplicate abundantly and entreat Allah with great earnestness.

One such state occurs during prayer, when the servant stands before Allah in reverence and humility, humbling himself and turning to Him in repentance—especially while prostrating. In prostration, the servant is close to his Lord; therefore, in this state, he should frequently call upon Allah, ask of Him, and commune with Him, because of his profound closeness to Allah, Glorious and Exalted. Muslim relates in his Sahih, from Abū Hurayrah—may Allah be pleased with him—that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: “The closest a servant is to his Lord is while he is prostrating, so supplicate abundantly.” 1.