one is prescribed in its proper place. While standing, after the opening supplication, one recites the Quran. During bowing and prostration, one is forbidden to recite the Quran and is commanded to glorify Allah and remember Him. At the end of the prayer, one is commanded to supplicate, just as the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, used to supplicate at the end of the prayer and instruct others to do so. Supplication during prostration is good and prescribed. It is also permissible to supplicate while standing and bowing, although recitation and remembrance are generally superior. The point is that a servant’s asking his Lord in the prescribed manner is good and commanded.
Allah’s intimate friend and others did ask Him. Allah Most High relates his words:
“Our Lord, I have settled some of my descendants in an uncultivated valley near Your Sacred House, our Lord, so that they may establish prayer. So make hearts among the people incline toward them and provide them with fruits, so that they may be grateful.”
“Our Lord, You know what we conceal and what we reveal. Nothing on earth or in heaven is hidden from Allah.”
“Praise be to Allah, who has granted me Ishmael and Isaac in old age. Indeed, my Lord hears supplication.”
“My Lord, make me one who establishes prayer, and also some of my descendants. Our Lord, accept my supplication.”
“Our Lord, forgive me, my parents, and the believers on the Day when the reckoning takes place.”
Allah Most High also says:
“And when Abraham and Ishmael were raising the foundations of the House, they said, ‘Our Lord, accept this from us. Indeed, You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.’”
“Our Lord, make us both submissive to You, and from our descendants a nation submissive to You. Show us our rites and accept our repentance. Indeed, You are the Accepter of repentance, the Most Merciful.”
“Our Lord, send among them a messenger from themselves who will recite Your verses to them, teach them the Book and wisdom, and purify them. Indeed, You are the Almighty, the All-Wise.”
Likewise, a Muslim’s supplication for his brother is good and prescribed. It is established in the Sahīh, on the authority of Abū al-Dardā’, that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:
“No man supplicates