Section: The Etiquette of Supplication

Imām al-Nawawī states in al-Adhkār: The chosen view upheld by the jurists, the ḥadīth scholars, and the vast majority of scholars from every group, early and late, is that making duʿāʾ is recommended. The Exalted says, “Your Lord has proclaimed, ‘Call upon Me, and I will answer you’” (Q 40:60).

1. Foremost among its etiquettes—and the most emphatic—is to avoid the unlawful in one’s food, clothing, and drink. Involvement in sin blocks the response, unless Allah graciously favors His servant; and He is the Possessor of tremendous bounty.

2. Another is sincerity to Allah. This is the greatest prerequisite for an answered prayer, for acceptance revolves entirely around sincerity. The Almighty says, “being sincere to Him in religion” (Q 7:29). Whoever calls upon his Lord without sincerity deserves to be left unanswered—except if Allah shows him favor, for He is the Lord of boundless grace.

3. Performing wuḍūʾ (ritual ablution).

4. Facing the qiblah, for it is the direction toward which all worshippers—men and women alike—turn when drawing near to Allah, Exalted is He.

5. Extolling Allah, mighty and majestic.

6. Sending blessings upon His Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him.

7. Spreading the hands and lifting them to shoulder level.

8. Observing decorum, humility, destitution, and submissiveness. This station is most deserving of such qualities, for the One being invoked is the Lord of the worlds, the Creator of all, the Provider of every creature. Such humility invites a response, for when the servant humbles and submits himself, He shows him mercy.