78 — Warning against Innovated Supplications

Supplication is a great act of obedience and a sublime act of worship. In this, as with every act of worship, a Muslim must adhere to the guidance of the noble Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, abide by his sunnah, follow his way, and tread his path. Indeed, the best, most perfect, and most upright guidance is the guidance of Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. Whenever he addressed the people on Friday, he would say: “To proceed: The truest speech is the Book of Allah, and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. The worst matters are those newly introduced; every newly introduced matter is an innovation, every innovation is misguidance, and every misguidance is in the Fire.”1 Therefore, every Muslim must be exceedingly wary of newly introduced matters in religion and must adhere, in every religious affair, to the guidance of the master of the prophets and messengers.

The Prophet’s guidance concerning supplication is perfect and entirely free of deficiency. He, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, left no good or benefit relating to supplication unexplained, but clarified it in the fullest, most perfect, and most comprehensive manner. Such was his way—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him—in every aspect of the religion. He did not die until Allah had revealed: “Today I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and chosen Islam as your religion.”2 Anyone who reflects upon his guidance concerning supplication will find it perfect, comprehensive, all-embracing, and free of deficiency. He explained to the Muslim community the supplications associated with particular times, places, and circumstances, and clarified both unrestricted and restricted supplication. There has already been