174 / Transmitted Supplications on Various Topics

We shall now discuss several transmitted supplications for various occasions and indicate some of their meanings. They demonstrate the perfection of the Prophet’s guidance—peace and blessings be upon him—the great significance of his supplications, and the way they encompass every avenue of goodness in all aspects of life.

It is from the Sunnah for someone who puts on a new garment to say: “O Allah, all praise belongs to You. You have clothed me with it. I ask You for its good and the good for which it was made, and I seek refuge in You from its evil and the evil for which it was made.” This is based on the hadith narrated by Abū Dāwūd, al-Tirmidhī, and others from Abū Sa‘īd al-Khudrī—may Allah be pleased with him—who said: “Whenever the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—acquired a new garment, he would refer to it by its specific name—whether a turban, a shirt, or a cloak—and then say: ‘O Allah, all praise belongs to You. You have clothed me with it. I ask You for its good and the good for which it was made, and I seek refuge in You from its evil and the evil for which it was made.’”1.

The words “acquired a new garment” mean that he put on a new garment.

As for the words, “I ask You for its good and the good for which it was made,” among its greatest benefits are that it covers a person’s nakedness, conceals his private parts, lends beauty to his bearing, and improves his appearance.

As for the words, “I seek refuge in You from its evil and the evil for which it was made,” among its gravest evils is that it may be worn in a spirit of vaingloriousness, arrogance, and superiority over others. Whoever does not adorn his inner self will derive no benefit whatsoever from his outward adornment: “O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and as adornment. But the clothing of righteousness—that is best. That is among the signs of Allah, so that they may take heed.” 2.