are hostile to us. Do not afflict us in our religion; do not make this world our greatest concern or the limit of our knowledge; and do not give authority over us to anyone who will show us no mercy.”1 These, then, are four categories of supplication based on whom the supplication is for.

It is recommended for a Muslim to supplicate for anyone who has done him a kindness, especially by saying, “May Allah reward you with goodness,” for this is the fullest expression of supplication. It is authentically reported in al-Musnad from Ibn Umar—may Allah be pleased with him and his father—that the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—said: “Whoever does you a kindness, repay him. If you cannot find anything with which to repay him, then supplicate for him until you consider that you have repaid him.”2 Al-Tirmidhī also narrated from Usāma ibn Zayd—may Allah be pleased with him and his father—that the Messenger of Allah—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—said: “If someone receives a kindness and says to the one who did it, ‘May Allah reward you with goodness,’ he has praised him in the fullest manner.”3 All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all worlds.