the beloved or unable to do so. If he is unable, he suffers the painful torment of sorrow, anxiety and distress. If he is able, he suffers the painful torment of fearing separation, striving to win the beloved’s affection and seeking ways to secure his approval. If death befalls him or he becomes poor, his torment is multiplied. If his beloved turns to someone else, either replacing him or sharing his affections, his torment intensifies. This kind of attachment brings suffering that does not occur in infatuation with prostitutes, nor does anything comparable occur in lawful relationships. Even if some suffering occurs within a lawful relationship, it is lighter than its counterpart, and that becomes a cause of further sins.

When a person offers this supplication, including both himself specifically and the Muslims generally, he receives the greatest share of its benefit. How could it be otherwise, when the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“No one recites the last two verses of Sūrat al-Baqarah in a night without their sufficing him.”

And how could they fail to suffice him, when he has received, of what he prayed for, only what the other believers who did not recite them received? For the person who offers this supplication receives a share of its benefit particular to him, as with other supplications.

This is further clarified by the fact that the Companions had this supplication answered only when they committed themselves to unconditional obedience to Allah, saying:

“We hear and we obey.”

Then this supplication was revealed; they offered it, and it was answered. Thus, during the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, they lived according to the upright, accommodating religion