In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Quranic Supplications (1) (In the Light of Hadith)

In this era of decline within the Muslim Ummah, many individuals no longer consider it necessary to even know the sources and foundations of their religious practices and supplications. They seldom examine whether the actions they perform or the litanies they recite are actually established from the Book and the Sunnah, or whether innovations have entered into them — innovations that may be religiously impermissible and lead a person into sin.

In some cases, certain supplications even contain words and expressions that lead toward bid‘ah (religious innovation) and at times even shirk (associating partners with Allah). To encourage their recitation, baseless stories and fabricated narratives have been circulated. Despite this, many people continue to recite them eagerly, expecting reward and merit.

Whereas the supplications mentioned in the Noble Quran and the adhkar taught by the Prophet ﷺ are entirely sufficient, leaving no need to turn elsewhere. Moreover, love for the Messenger of Allah ﷺ is a condition of faith, and the demand of that love is that all supplications be made in the very manner and wording taught by him ﷺ. With this objective, these authentic supplications are being compiled and presented.

Supplication for Good in This World and the Hereafter

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

Transliteration: Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina azaban-naar.

“Our Lord, grant us goodness in this world and goodness in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”
(Al-Baqarah - 201)

Anas رضي الله عنه narrates that the Prophet ﷺ would most frequently supplicate with this comprehensive supplication.
(Sahih Bukhari)

Supplication for Righteous Offspring

رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِن لَّدُنكَ ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً ۖ إِنَّكَ سَمِيعُ الدُّعَاءِ
(Aal Imran - 38)

Transliteration: Rabbi hab li mil-ladunka zurriyyatan tayyibatan innaka sami‘ud-du‘a.

“My Lord, grant me from Yourself a pure and righteous offspring. Indeed, You are the Hearer of supplication.”

This was the supplication of Zakariyya عليه السلام in his old age when he prayed for a child. Allah accepted his prayer and granted him Yahya عليه السلام, a son endowed with noble qualities. For those without children, this supplication is especially beneficial, and for those with children, it is likewise beneficial for the righteousness and success of their offspring.

Supplication for a Good Outcome in Affairs

وَمَا تَوْفِيقِي إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ ۚ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَإِلَيْهِ أُنِيبُ
(Hud - 88)

Transliteration: Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah, alaihi tawakkaltu wa ilaihi uneeb.

“My success is only through Allah. Upon Him I rely, and to Him I turn in repentance.”

After adopting the necessary worldly means for any task, this supplication should be made for a good and blessed outcome.

Supplication in Times of Grief and Distress

إِنَّمَا أَشْكُو بَثِّي وَحُزْنِي إِلَى اللَّهِ
(Yusuf - 86)

Transliteration: Innama ashku baththi wa huzni ilallah.

“I only complain of my anguish and sorrow to Allah.”

This was the supplication of Ya‘qub عليه السلام. In times of grief and distress, these words should be recited frequently.