one’s voice, and they detest anyone who raises his voice in their presence. To Allah belongs the highest description. Since He hears supplication offered in secret, proper courtesy before Him requires that one lower one’s voice when supplicating.

Third, it more fully expresses the humility and submissiveness that are the spirit, essence, and purpose of supplication. A humble, submissive person asks as a destitute, lowly person would: his heart is broken, his limbs subdued, and his voice hushed. His lowliness, stillness, and humble pleading may become so profound that his tongue almost falters and will not obey him in speech. His heart continues to ask, seek, and implore, while his tongue remains silent out of intense humility. Such a state simply cannot accompany raising one’s voice in supplication.

Fourth, it is more conducive to sincerity.

Fifth, it more fully gathers the heart in humility during supplication, whereas raising the voice scatters its attention. The more a person lowers his voice, the more completely he directs his resolve and purpose solely towards the One upon whom he calls, glory be to Him.

Sixth—and this is a particularly subtle and beautiful point—it indicates the supplicant’s nearness to the One who is Near; his petition is not the call of someone far away to another who is far away. Hence Allah praised His servant Zechariah, saying, mighty and majestic is He:

“When he called upon his Lord with a quiet plea.”