لطفا منتظر باشید ...
SUPPLICATION
Supplication is one of the greatest
aspects of servitude and displays sincere submission to none other except Allah
the Creator Who fashioned us from nothing, gives us our daily bread and affords
us the chance to live this beautiful life, however short, but with promises of
an eternal abode.
It is an expression of one's recognition
of the Omniscient's Majesty and acknowledgement of the fact that He hears our
invocations and responds to them. Are there not moments in our life when only
divine grace has saved us or solved our anxieties? Allah's mercy is so
all-embracing that He even responds to the call of the disbelievers in their
hour of need if the invocation is sincerely directed.
"When My servants
question you about Me, surely I am very near; I answer the prayer of the
suppliant, whet, he calls Me; so respond to Me, and believe in Me; so that they
may be led aright."
HoIi'
Qur'an (2: 186)
Supplication is also a psychological state
arising from one's inner depths. It is the feeling of being in need of the
Almighty. A feeling which educates one to have true faith in Allah, to love
Him, to rid oneself of self-conceit and agogance, and to accept the principle
of brotherhood and equality among all people. The elated feeling makes the
suppliant realize that all are equal in their need of the Creator, and it is
only He Who is above all needs and wants,and to Whom all creatures turn. Did
not Allah give us the wonderful thing called intellect and made the human race
the most excellent form of life on this Planet?
Invoking Allah the Exalted for help,
seeking forgiveness for our errors and thanking the Almighty for His bounties
is especially encouraged during blessed Ramodhan,
so as to deepen our love and
gratitude to Him. A sincere supplication serves as a wonderful tonic for our
fasting body and soul. It purifies our souls, enlivens our hearts, awakens our
conscience and reforms our out~rd behaviour which all help to contribute towards
a progressive and peaceful society.
The Prophet's sermon which we quoted at
the beginning is a clear pointer in this regard:
( 20 )
"...
Do repent to Allah for your sins, and
supplicate with your hands raised at the times of prayer, as these are the best
of times, during which theAlmighty looks at His servants with mercy, (He)
Answers if they supplicate, Responds if they call, Grants W they ask and
Accepts jf they entreat..." *
Likewise, the miserable is the one who is
deprived of divine grace in this month, as is evident from Imam Au's narration:
"Pray and seek
forgiveness more frequently in the month of Ramadhta'. Prayer wards off
misfortune, and forgi veness cleanses you of your sins." *
Amir-ul-Momineen's gem of an advice has been
sincerely followed by the righteous in every age and era. Is there any better
example for Muslims than Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) and his noble progeny?
ImamJa'far as-Sadiq(a.s.)advises Muslims
to remember Allah and His bounties more in Ramadhan by reciting frequently Tahlil (La ilalia Ilallah - There is no god but Allah), Takbir (Allahu Akbar - Allah is Great), Tahmid (Al-Hamdu Lilah - Praise be to
Allah) and Tasbih (Subhan Allah - Glory be to Allah).
Thus, as is clear, reciting the Qur'an, understanding
its wisdom and supplicating to Allah does have a subliming effect on our souls
and conscience. Divine grace not only inspires us towards good and creativity
but also guards us against sin, error and all things perserve in this short
life span.
For the benefit of dear readers, we have
selected some supplications at the end of this booklet. Those looking for more
details can refer to authentic books of prayer such as "Sahifa SaJjadia"
which is a compilation of supplications from Zain-l-Abideen (a.s.) the
fourth Imam.
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* F? ophet's Sermon, Llvun Akhbar ar-Rid/ia.
* Wasa'il ash-Shia, al-Hur al-Amili.
