A parallel example is the supplication that the Prophet—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him—would make when he rose to pray at night. Al-Bukhārī narrated it in his Sahīh from Ibn Abbās—may Allah be pleased with them both:

“O Allah, to You belongs all praise. You are the Light of the heavens and the earth and all who dwell in them. To You belongs all praise. You are the Sustainer of the heavens and the earth and all who dwell in them. To You belongs all praise. You are the Truth; Your promise is true; meeting You is true; Paradise is true; Hellfire is true; the prophets are true; the Hour is true; and Muhammad—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him—is true. O Allah, to You I have submitted; in You I have believed; upon You I have relied; to You I have turned in repentance; by Your aid I have contended; and to You I have appealed for judgment. So forgive my past and future sins, and what I have concealed and what I have disclosed. You are my God; there is no deity except You.”1

Thus, he sought nearness to Allah through praising and extolling Him and through his servitude to Him, and then asked Him for forgiveness.2 End quote.

Al-Hāfiz Ibn Hajar—may Allah have mercy on him—said in his commentary on this hadith: “This indicates that it is recommended to precede every request with praise, following the example of the Prophet—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him.”3

Another example is Joseph’s supplication: “My Lord, You have granted me a share of authority and taught me the interpretation of dreams. Originator of the heavens and the earth, You are my Protector in this world and the Hereafter. Cause me to die as a Muslim and join me with the righteous.”4

There is also Job’s supplication. Allah Most High said: “And remember Job, when he called upon his Lord: ‘Adversity has indeed afflicted me, and You are the Most Merciful of the merciful.’ So We answered him, removed the adversity that afflicted him, and restored his family to him, together with as many more—a mercy from Us and a reminder