Abraham and upon the family of Abraham. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious.’”

We have discussed this at length elsewhere, explaining that the linguistic meaning of prayer is supplication and that prescribed prayer consists entirely of supplication. Supplication means directing oneself toward the one invoked, sometimes for his own sake and sometimes to ask something of him. This is like someone calling upon another, seeking him out and approaching him, sometimes for his own sake and sometimes for something he wishes to obtain from him. Prayer encompasses both kinds: worshipping Allah and praising Him, and making requests of Him.

The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, mentioned both kinds in the hadith recorded in Sahīh Muslim, narrated by Abū Hurayrah from the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, who said:

“Allah, glorified and exalted be He, says: ‘I have divided the prayer between Myself and My servant: half is for Me and half is for My servant, and My servant shall have what he asks for.’ When the servant says, ‘All praise is for Allah, Lord of all worlds’ {2}, Allah says: ‘My servant has praised Me.’ When he says, ‘The Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful’ {3}, Allah says: ‘My servant has extolled Me.’ When the servant says, ‘Master of the Day of Judgment’ {4}, Allah says: ‘My servant has glorified Me’—or He says: ‘My servant has entrusted his affairs to Me.’ When the servant says, ‘You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help’ {5}, Allah says: ‘This verse is divided into two halves between Myself and My servant, and My servant shall have what he asks for.’ When the servant says, ‘Guide us to the path