The Prayers of Mustafa ﷺ Course
We are including the following topics in this course: Inspiration for Prayer from the Life of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) The Prayers of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) for His Companions Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) Asking His Companions to Pray The Prayers of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) Things from Which Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) Sought Refuge
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Encouragement of Du’a from the Seerah of the Prophet of Allah ﷺ
Encouragement of du’a from the Holy Quran
Engaging in supplication and prayer to Allah Almighty is an extremely easy and excellent way to become His close servant and to attain His grace and blessings. Allah Himself has encouraged His servants to make du’a in the Holy Quran. Allah Almighty states: ادْعُوۡنِیۡۤ اَسْتَجِبْ لَکُمْ Translation: 'Supplicate to Me, I will accept (it).' And in another place, He says: اُجِیۡبُ دَعْوَۃَ الدَّاعِ اِذَا دَعَانِ ۙ فَلْیَسْتَجِیۡبُوۡا لِیۡ Translation: 'I answer the supplication of the supplicating one when he calls upon Me, so they should (also) obey Me.'
The Beloved Prophet ﷺ encouraging his ummah to engage in du’a
Similarly, the Beloved Prophet ﷺ not only exhorted his ummah to supplicate, but he himself made supplications on diverse occasions. His Seerah reveals that he would sometimes supplicate for his Companions, sometimes tell them to supplicate, and even, on occasion, ask his Companions to supplicate for him. Furthermore, his Seerah teaches us the manner and method of making supplication, including the proper etiquette. In short, this aspect of the Beloved Prophet's ﷺ Seerah is of paramount importance for achieving tranquility in our lives.
Course topics
Guidance on Du’a from the Seerah of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ: • The Beloved Prophet's ﷺ practice of supplicating for Companions • The Beloved Prophet's ﷺ practice of asking Companions to supplicate for him • The supplications of the Holy Prophet ﷺ. • What the Holy Prophet ﷺ sought refuge from
Course outcome
Upon completing this course, we will not only understand the importance of supplication (du’a), but also learn how to make du’a in the light of the Beloved Prophet's ﷺ Seerah, including the proper manner and etiquette. May Allah Almighty grant us the good fortune to complete this course and act upon its teachings. To enhance the interest of those taking the course, we have included various supplications made by the Beloved Prophet ﷺ on different occasions. Additionally, we have included Arabic supplications mentioned in the Hadith, along with their translations, so that we may receive the blessings of the words of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ and easily understand the meaning of these supplications by reading their translations.
Encouragement of Du’a from the Seerah of the Prophet of Allah ﷺ
The Holy Prophet ﷺ emphasized the importance and virtue of Du’a on various occasions and encouraged people to make Du’a. Here, we mention a few of the Beloved Prophet's ﷺ blessed Hadiths in which there is encouragement to make Du’a.
Hadith 01: Du’a is Worship
عَنِ النُّعْمَانِ بْنِ بَشِيْرٍ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللّٰهِ -ﷺ-: "الدُّعَاءُ هُوَ الْعِبَادَةُ" ثُمَّ قَرَأَ: وَقَالَ رَبُّكُمُ ادْعُوْنِيْ أَسْتَجِبْ لَكُمْ Narrated by Nu'man bin Basheer: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "Du’a is worship." Then he recited the verse: "And your Lord proclaimed, ‘Supplicate to Me, I will accept (it)’" (Mishkat al-Masabih, Hadith 2230)
Hadith 02: Du’a is the essence of worship
وَعَنْ أَنَسٍ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللّٰهِ -صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ-: "الدُّعَاءُ مُخُّ الْعِبَادَةِ Narrated by Sayyiduna Anas رضي الله عنه: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'Du’a is the marrow of worship.'" (Mishkat al-Masabih, Hadith 2231) Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan Naeemi علیہ الرحمہ explains this hadith as follows: "Meaning, du’a is the highest pillar of worship. Just as a bone without marrow or a husk without pulp has no value, similarly, worship devoid of du’a has no value. Allah Almighty loves to be asked, as the Beloved Prophet ﷺ said, 'Hajj is Arafah,' meaning staying at Arafah is the highest pillar of Hajj. Worship is the expression of one's utmost humility and Allah's utmost greatness. Both these qualities are present in du’a in the most excellent manner. In it, the servant acknowledges that 'I am nothing, and You are the All-Generous, the All-Sufficient, therefore I have come to Your door with outstretched hands.'"
Hadith 03: Status in front of the Lord
وَعَنْ أَبِيْ هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللّٰهِ -صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ-: لَيْسَ شَيْءٌ أَكْرَمَ عَلَى اللّٰهِ مِنَ الدُّعَاءِ Narrated by Abu Huraira, who said: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'Nothing is more valuable to Allah than Du’a.'" (Mishkat al-Masabih, Hadith 2232) Commentary by Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan Naeemi علیہ الرحمہ: "The Lord Himself says: "قُلْ مَا یَعْبَؤُابِکُمْ رَبِّیۡ لَوْلَا دُعَآؤُکُمْ" 'Say, "Say you (O Beloved), ‘You have no value before My Lord if you do not worship Him."' (Quran 25:77) It becomes clear that if we have any worth or status in front of Allah, it is due to the blessings of our supplications. All acts of worship are also included in supplication, as they are indirectly forms of Du’a.
Hadith 05: Pray to your Lord even for calamities that have not yet befallen you
وَعَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللّٰهِ -صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ-: إِنَّ الدُّعَاءَ يَنْفَعُ مِمَّا نَزَلَ وَمِمَّا لَمْ يَنْزِلْ، فَعَلَيْكُمْ عِبَادَ اللّٰهِ بِالدُّعَاءِ Narrated by Ibn Umar: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, "Indeed, du’a benefits both what has befallen and what has not befallen. So, O servants of Allah, adhere firmly to supplication." This means that supplication has two benefits: 1. By its blessing, a calamity that has already occurred can be averted. 2. An impending calamity can be prevented. Therefore, do not supplicate only when a calamity strikes, but supplicate at all times, for perhaps a calamity is approaching, and your supplication will prevent it. Supplicate in your present circumstances; do not wait for a calamity to strike before supplicating. Imam Ghazali علیہ الرحمہ states that just as a shield deflects the blow of a weapon, and water quenches thirst, meaning that the shield and water are their respective means, similarly, supplication deflects the blow of an impending calamity and extinguishes a raging fire. Both the means and the results are from Allah. Allah says: وَلْیَاۡخُذُوۡا حِذْرَهُمْ وَاَسْلِحَتَہُمْ "And it should be that they take precaution and keep their weapons with them." [Quran, 4:102] So, in this world, humans should equip themselves with the protection of supplications and the weapons of good deeds, or else calamities will overwhelm them.
Hadith 05: Pray to your Lord even for calamities that have not yet befallen you
وَعَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللّٰهِ -صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ-: إِنَّ الدُّعَاءَ يَنْفَعُ مِمَّا نَزَلَ وَمِمَّا لَمْ يَنْزِلْ، فَعَلَيْكُمْ عِبَادَ اللّٰهِ بِالدُّعَاءِ Narrated by Ibn Umar: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, "Indeed, du’a benefits both what has befallen and what has not befallen. So, O servants of Allah, adhere firmly to supplication." This means that supplication has two benefits: 1. By its blessing, a calamity that has already occurred can be averted. 2. An impending calamity can be prevented. Therefore, do not supplicate only when a calamity strikes, but supplicate at all times, for perhaps a calamity is approaching, and your supplication will prevent it. Supplicate in your present circumstances; do not wait for a calamity to strike before supplicating. Imam Ghazali علیہ الرحمہ states that just as a shield deflects the blow of a weapon, and water quenches thirst, meaning that the shield and water are their respective means, similarly, supplication deflects the blow of an impending calamity and extinguishes a raging fire. Both the means and the results are from Allah. Allah says: وَلْیَاۡخُذُوۡا حِذْرَهُمْ وَاَسْلِحَتَہُمْ "And it should be that they take precaution and keep their weapons with them." [Quran, 4:102] So, in this world, humans should equip themselves with the protection of supplications and the weapons of good deeds, or else calamities will overwhelm them.
Hadith 06: Allah's displeasure with the one who does not supplicate
وَعَنْ أَبِيْ هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللّٰهِ -صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ-: مَنْ لَمْ يَسْأَلِ اللّٰهَ يَغْضَبْ عَلَيْهِ Narrated by Sayyiduna Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, "Whoever does not ask Allah, He becomes angry with him." This means that whoever does not supplicate to Allah, out of arrogance, pride, and considering himself independent of Allah, deserves His wrath and curse.
Hadith 07: The doors of mercy are opened for the one who supplicates
عَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللّٰهِ -صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ-: "مَنْ فُتِحَ لَهٗ مِنْكُمْ بَابُ الدُّعَاءِ فُتِحَتْ لَهٗ أَبْوَابُ الرَّحْمَةِ Narrated by Sayyiduna ibn Umar: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, "Whoever among you has the door of du’a opened for him, the doors of mercy are opened for him." This means that whoever is granted the ability to supplicate at all times and in all circumstances, it is a sign that Allah Almighty has opened the doors of His mercy for him. It is also indicated that the inclination of the heart towards supplication and the finding of good words for supplication are from Allah's grace. When He intends to give something, He grants us the ability to ask for it.
Hadith 08: Supplicate to your Lord even in times of joy
عَنْ أَبِيْ هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللّٰهِ -صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ-: "مَنْ سَرَّهٗ أَنْ يَسْتَجِيْبَ اللّٰهُ لَهٗ عِنْدَ الشَّدَائِدِ فَلْيُكْثِرِ الدُّعَاءَ فِي الرَّخَاءِ Narrated by Sayyiduna Abu Huraira: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, "Whoever wishes that Allah answers his supplications during times of hardship, then let him increase his supplications during times of ease." The reason for this is clear: to supplicate only during times of hardship and to neglect one's Lord during times of ease is selfishness. To supplicate at all times is servitude. Allah dislikes selfishness and loves servitude. He Himself says: وَ اِذَاۤ اَنْعَمْنَا عَلَی الْاِنۡسَانِ اَعْرَضَ وَنَاٰ بِجَانِبِہٖ وَ اِذَا مَسَّہُ الشَّرُّ فَذُوۡ دُعَآءٍ عَرِیۡضٍ "And when We bestow favor upon man, he turns away and distances himself; and when evil touches him, then he is full of prolonged supplication." [Quran, 41:51] The fate of such a selfish person is that Allah says, "Let the hardship remain upon him so that he is compelled to come to My door."
Hadith 09: Supplication should be made with conviction and attentiveness. Do not supplicate with uncertainty or heedlessness
قَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللّٰهِ -صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ-: "اُدْعُوا اللّٰهَ وَأَنْتُمْ مُوْقِنُوْنَ بِالإِجَابَةِ، وَاعْلَمُوْا أَنَّ اللّٰهَ لَا يَسْتجِيْبُ دُعَاءً مِنْ قَلْبٍ غَافِلٍ لَاهٍ The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "Supplicate to Allah while being certain of acceptance, and know that Allah does not answer a supplication from a heedless and inattentive heart." This means that when you supplicate, believe firmly that Allah, in His mercy, will surely accept your prayer. This also subtly indicates that you should fulfill all the conditions and etiquettes of supplication, which will naturally instill confidence in your heart that your prayer will be accepted. Then, along with this, place your hope in His mercy, for Allah does not disappoint those who hope. Its name is Rajaa' as-Sa'ileen. (From Mirqat and Lam'aat) There are many conditions for the acceptance of supplication, of which the most important is the engagement of the heart. This is why it is specifically mentioned. It means that if, at the time of supplication, your heart is elsewhere, while your mouth elsewhere and hands are raised in supplication to Allah, and your thoughts are in the marketplace or elsewhere, then the supplication is not accepted. The acceptance of supplication depends on the condition that your hands, tongue, heart, and attention are all focused on one point: the court of Allah.
Hadith 10: Supplicate for your Muslim brother as well
عَنْ عَبْدِ اللّٰهِ بْنِ عَمْرٍو قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللّٰهِ -صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ-: إِنَّ أَسْرَعَ الدُّعَاءِ إِجَابَةً دَعْوَةُ غَائِبٍ لِغَائِبٍ Narrated by Sayyiduna 'Abdullah bin 'Amro: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "The quickest prayer to be answered is the supplication of an absent person for another absent person." This means that when a Muslim makes a supplication for another Muslim in his absence, it is quickly accepted. The reason for this is clear: this person is both a well-wisher and sincere towards his Muslim brother. When praying in someone's presence, there is a possibility of showing off, flattery, or hypocrisy. We have mentioned here only a few of the Hadiths of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ in which he encouraged supplication and motivated his followers to supplicate in various ways. This helps us understand the importance of supplication and how heedless we are of this significant act of worship. We go to various people, imams, and spiritual leaders, asking them to supplicate for us. Although this practice is not bad and there is no religious objection to it, in fact, going to righteous people and asking them to supplicate is proven from the Hadith, and it is not forbidden at all. You can continue this practice, but you should also make it a habit to supplicate to Allah directly, with heartfelt attention, humility, and earnestness. Now, in the next stage of our course, we will learn that the Beloved Prophet ﷺ himself used to supplicate for his Companions.
The Beloved Prophet's ﷺ practice of supplicating for others
The Quranic Verse regarding Du'a-e-Mustafa
Allah Almighty has commanded the Noble Messenger ﷺ in the Holy Quran to supplicate for his companions, as his supplications bring tranquility to them. Therefore, it was the blessed habit of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ to especially bless those who spent their wealth in the path of Allah with prayers, and generally, he would supplicate for his companions. Allah Almighty states in verse 103 of Surah At-Tawbah in the Holy Quran: وَصَلِّ عَلَیۡہِمْ ؕ اِنَّ صَلٰوتَکَ سَکَنٌ لَّہُمْ Translation: "and supplicate for their well-being; indeed, your supplication is the contentment of their hearts." Now, we will mention some incidents from Hadith and Seerah in which the Beloved Prophet ﷺ made supplications for various individuals, and this also encourages us to make supplications for our brothers, relatives, and friends, as we learned in the previous stage of this course in the last Hadith that the supplication made for someone absent is quickly accepted.
A Supplication Encompassing the Four Caliphs in a Single Hadith
A beautiful Hadith in which the Holy Prophet ﷺ mentioned the four Rightly Guided Caliphs and blessed them with supplications. This Hadith is mentioned by Imam Tirmidhi and also narrated by the author of Mishkat. قَالَ رَسُولُ اللّٰهِ ﷺ: رَحِمَ اللّٰهُ أَبَا بَكْرٍ زَوَّجَنِي ابْنَتَهٗ وَحَمَلَنِي إِلٰى دَارِ الْهِجْرَةِ وَصَحِبَنِي فِي الْغَارِ وَأَعْتَقَ بِلَالًا مِنْ مَالِهِ. رَحِمَ اللّٰهُ عُمَرَ يَقُولُ الْحَقَّ وَإِنْ كَانَ مُرًّا تَرَكَهُ الحَقُّ وَمَا لَهٗ مِنْ صَدِيقٍ. رَحِمَ اللّٰهُ عُثْمَانَ تَسْتَحْيِيهِ الْمَلَائِكَةُ رَحِمَ اللّٰهُ عَلِيًّا اللّٰهُمَّ أَدِرِ الْحَقَّ مَعَهٗ حَيْثُ دَارَ The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'May Allah have mercy on Abu Bakr, he gave me his daughter in marriage, accompanied me to the place of Hijrah, remained with me in the cave, and freed Bilal from his wealth. May Allah have mercy on Umar, he speaks the truth even if it is bitter, the truth has made him such that he has no friend. May Allah have mercy on Uthman, whom the angels feel shy from. May Allah have mercy on Ali, O Allah, turn the truth with him wherever he turns.' We will not delve into the details of these supplications or the explanations of the Hadith, as our purpose here is only to compile the supplications of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ.
Du’a for Sayyiduna Abdul Rahman bin Auf رضي الله عنه
The Beloved Prophet ﷺ supplicated for blessings in the wealth of Sayyiduna Abdul Rahman bin Auf رضي الله عنه and also for ease in his reckoning. This du’a is mentioned by the author of 'Ar-Riyadh an-Nadrah.' عن أنس رضي الله عنه قال: سمعت رسول الله ﷺ يقول لعبد الرحمن بن عوف:بارك الله في مالك, وخفف عليك حسابك يوم القيامة Narrated by Sayyiduna Anas رضي الله عنه: I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ saying to Abdul Rahman bin Auf: 'May Allah bless your wealth, and ease your reckoning on the Day of Judgment.'
Supplicating for Sayyiduna Saad bin Abi Waqas رضي الله عنه
Sayyiduna Saad bin Abi Waqas رضي الله عنه, whose arrow never missed its target, the Holy Prophet ﷺ supplicated for his strength in archery and also supplicated to the Lord for him to be among those whose prayers are answered. عَنْ سَعْدِ بْنِ أَبِي وَقَّاصٍ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللّٰهِ ﷺقَالَ يَوْمَئِذٍ يَعْنِي يَوْمَ أُحُدٍ: «اللّٰهُمَّ اشْدُدْ رَمْيَتَهٗ وَأَجِبْ دَعْوَتَهٗ "It is narrated from Sayyiduna Saad bin Abi Waqas رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said on that day, that is, the day of Uhud: 'O Allah, strengthen his archery and accept his supplication.'"
Du’a for Sayyiduna Anas's رضي الله عنه wealth and children
Sayyidatuna Umm Sulaim رضي الله عنها brought Sayyiduna Anas رضي الله عنه to the Beloved Prophet ﷺ and said, 'O Messenger of Allah, this is Anas, your servant. Please make a du'a for him.' The Beloved Prophet ﷺ made the following du’a for him: اللهُمَّ أَكْثِرْ مَالَهُ وَوَلَدَهُ، وَبَارِكْ لَهُ فِيمَا أَعْطَيْتَهُ Translation: 'O Allah, increase his wealth and his children, and bless him in what You give him.'
Du’a for Sayyiduna Jarir رضي الله عنه
Sayyiduna Jarir رضي الله عنه had difficulty staying firmly seated on a horse. When Sayyiduna Jarir رضي الله عنه mentioned this to the Beloved Prophet ﷺ, the Beloved Prophet ﷺ made a supplication for him. Sayyiduna Jarir رضي الله عنه himself narrates that after the Beloved Prophet's ﷺ supplication, he never fell off a horse again. Imam Bukhari علیہ الرحمہ has mentioned this supplication in Sahih Bukhari, in the Book of Al-Maghazi. The Beloved Prophet ﷺ made the following supplication: 'He (the Holy Prophet ﷺ) hit his hand on my chest and said: فَضَرَبَ يَدَهُ عَلَى صَدْرِي حَتَّى رَأَيْتُ أَثَرَ يَدِهِ فِي صَدْرِي، وَقَالَ: *اللَّهُمَّ ثَبِّتْهُ، وَاجْعَلْهُ هَادِيًا مَهْدِيًّا» قَالَ: فَمَا وَقَعْتُ عَنْ فَرَسٍ بَعْدُ O Allah, make him steadfast, and make him a guide and rightly guided. He (Jarir) said: 'And after that, I never fell off a horse.'
Du’a for Sayyiduna Urwah رضي الله عنه
Sayyiduna Urwah رضي الله عنه narrates that on one occasion, the Beloved Prophet ﷺ gave him a dinar and asked him to buy a sheep with it. Sayyiduna Urwah رضي الله عنه bought two sheep with that one dinar, sold one of the sheep for one dinar, and returned to the Beloved Prophet ﷺ with the remaining sheep and the dinar. At that moment, the Holy Prophet ﷺ made a supplication for Sayyiduna Urwah رضي الله عنه. Imam Bukhari mentioned this in the Book of Al-Manaqib: فَدَعَا لَهُ بِالْبَرَكَةِ فِي بَيْعِهِ Which means, the Beloved Prophet ﷺ supplicated for Sayyiduna Urwah رضي الله عنه for blessings in his trading. After this supplication, even if Sayyiduna Urwah رضي الله عنه bought dirt, he would profit from it.
Du’a for the faith of Sayyiduna Abu Huraira's رضي الله عنه mother
Sayyiduna Abu Huraira's رضي الله عنه mother had not yet embraced Islam. Sayyiduna Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه requested the Beloved Prophet ﷺ to supplicate for his mother's conversion. The Beloved Prophet ﷺ immediately made the supplication: اللهُمَّ اهْدِ أُمَّ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ Translation: 'O Allah, guide the mother of Abu Huraira.' Sayyiduna Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه immediately stood up and happily returned home. Upon reaching home, he found his mother performing ghusl. She opened the door and recited the Shahada in front of Sayyiduna Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه. Sayyiduna Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه was overjoyed that the Beloved Prophet's ﷺ supplication for his mother had been accepted. He then returned to the Beloved Prophet ﷺ and conveyed the good news. It is also narrated that he was crying with joy at that moment. Sayyiduna Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه reached the Beloved Prophet ﷺ, relayed the news, and made another request for supplication. He asked, 'O Messenger of Allah ﷺ, supplicate for me and my mother that He makes us beloved among the believers.' The Beloved Prophet ﷺ supplicated: اللهُمَّ حَبِّبْ عُبَيْدَكَ هَذَا - يَعْنِي أَبَا هُرَيْرَةَ - وَأُمَّهُ إِلَى عِبَادِكَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ، وَحَبِّبْ إِلَيْهِمِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ Translation: 'O Allah, make this servant of Yours (meaning Abu Huraira) and his mother beloved to Your believing servants, and make the believers beloved to them.' Sayyiduna Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه said that after this supplication, any believer who saw him or heard about him would love him. (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2491).
The Beloved Prophet's ﷺ practice of asking others to supplicate for him
The Beloved Prophet ﷺ asked to supplicate for him
For the education of the Ummah, the Prophet of Mercy ﷺ instructed his companions to supplicate for themselves and also for him. He ﷺ also directed his companions to seek supplications from others. This highlights that it's important to make du’a oneself and also to seek du’a from Allah’s righteous servants. Here, we will mention two hadiths with brief explanations. In one hadith, the Holy Prophet ﷺ himself asked for dua for himself, and in the other hadith, he instructed his companions to seek dua from a specific person.
The Beloved Prophet ﷺ asked to supplicate for himself
عَنْ عُمَرَ بْنِ الْخَطَّابِ قَالَ : اِسْتَاْذَنْتُ النَّبِيَّ ﷺ فِي الْعُمْرَةِ فَاَذِنَ لِيْ وَقَالَ : لَا تَنْسَنَا يَا اُخَيَّ مِنْ دُعَائِكَ فَقَالَ : كَلِمَةً مَا يَسُرُّنِيْ اَنَّ لِيْ بِهَا الدُّنْيَا.وَفِیْ رِوَایَۃٍ قَالَ : اَشْرِكْنَا يَا اُخَيَّ فِي دُعَائِكَ. Narrated by Sayyiduna Umar bin Al-Khattab رضي الله عنه: I asked permission from the Beloved Prophet ﷺ to perform Umrah. He gave me permission and said, 'O my brother, do not forget me in your supplication.' `Sayyiduna Umar رضي الله عنه says, ' This blessed saying of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ made me so happy that if I were given the whole world in exchange, it wouldn't bring me as much joy. ' In another narration, he said, 'O my brother, include us in your supplication.'" Allama Mulla Ali Qari علیہ الرحمہ said: 'The Beloved Prophet's ﷺ order for supplication from Sayyiduna Umar رضي الله عنه was intended to express humility and submission in the position of servitude. Through this action, he encouraged the Ummah to seek supplications from the righteous servants of Allah and reminded them that the one making supplication should not only pray for themselves but also include their relatives and loved ones in their prayers, especially those offered in places of acceptance. This also highlights the status and greatness of Sayyiduna Umar رضي الله عنه.'
The Beloved Prophet ﷺ directed his companions to seek supplications
عَنْ عُمَرَ بْنِ الْخَطَّابِ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللّٰهِ ﷺ قَالَ: " إِنَّ رَجُلًا يَأْتِيكُمْ مِنَ الْيَمَنِ يُقَالُ لَهٗ: أُوَيْسٌ لَا يَدَعُ بِالْيَمَنِ غَيْرَ أُمٍّ لَهٗ قَدْ كَانَ بِهٖ بَيَاضٌ فَدَعَا اللّٰهَ فَأَذْهَبَهٗ إِلَّا مَوْضِعَ الدِّينَارِ أَوِ الدِّرْهَمِ فَمَنْ لَقِيَهٗ مِنْكُمْ فَلْيَسْتَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ * *وَفِي رِوَايَةٍ قَالَ: سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللّٰهِ ﷺ يَقُولُ: " إِنَّ خَيْرَ التَّابِعِينَ رَجُلٌ يُقَالُ لَهٗ: أُوَيْسٌ، وَلَهٗ والدةٌ وَكَانَ بِهٖ بَيَاضٌ فَمُرُوهُ فَلْيَسْتَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ رَوَاهُ مُسْلِمٌ Translation: It is narrated from Umar ibn Khattab رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "A man will come to you from Yemen, called Uwais. He leaves no one in Yemen except his mother. He had a white spot (leprosy), and he supplicated to Allah, and Allah removed it, except for a spot the size of a dinar or a dirham. So whoever among you meets him, let him ask him to seek forgiveness for you." And in another narration, he said: "I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say: 'Indeed, the best of the Tabi'in is a man called Uwais. He has a mother, and he had a white spot (leprosy). So request him to seek forgiveness for you.'" (Reported by Muslim) Explanation: Sayyiduna Uwais Qarni was to come for Hajj during the time of Sayyiduna Umar. That is why the Holy Prophet ﷺ informed Sayyiduna Umar about him. However, he said that whoever among you companions finds Uwais, let him ask him to pray for him. It is clear from this that a superior person can also ask an inferior righteous person to pray for him. The companions are far superior to Sayyiduna Uwais, but they were ordered to ask Sayyiduna Uwais to pray for them. From these two narrations, it is clear that asking someone else to pray for you or going to a righteous person to ask for prayer is a way of acting upon the Hadith. It also shows the importance of prayer. Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan Naeemi علیہ الرحمہ wrote that Sayyiduna Umar Farooq Azam رضی اللہ عنہ used to ask the pilgrim caravans about Uwais Qarni during his caliphate. Once, when he found out about him, he and Sayyiduna Ali رضی اللہ عنہ went to search for him and, according to the command of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ, asked him to pray for their forgiveness. This was the way the companions obeyed the Messenger and their zeal. The caliph of the time, but how humble, Sayyiduna Ali, the son-in-law of the Messenger, the Lion of Allah, but it did not occur to them that they were superior to him. They were given glad tidings of Paradise by the tongue of the Messenger. Just do what the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said. May Allah grant us their sincerity.
What the Holy Prophet ﷺ sought refuge from
The things from which the Beloved Prophet ﷺ sought refuge
According to a study, the supplications of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ in which he sought refuge from various things numbered 34, while another study suggests 53, and some research differs from these. The fundamental reason for this difference in numbers is that the narrators' words vary. For example, some narrations use the words قھر رجال, and others use غلبۃ رجال. Both have the same meaning; some have counted them as one, and others have counted them separately. Similarly, one narration uses the words غلبۃ الدین, and another uses مغرم. Both mean debt; here, we mention these things and seek refuge in Allah from them, asking Allah to grant us His protection from all of them. (Seeking refuge means that we wish to avoid these things and pray to Allah to protect us from them).
The 64 things from which the Beloved Prophet ﷺ sought refuge
• العَجْزِ Incapacity • والكَسَلِ Laziness • والجُبْنِ Cowardice • والهَرَمِ Senility • والقَسْوَةِ Hardheartedness • والغَفْلَةِ Negligence • والعَيْلَةِ Destitution • والذِّلَّةِ Humiliation • والمَسْكَنَةِ Poverty • والفقر Poverty • والكُفْرِ Disbelief • والفُسُوق Wickedness • والشِّقاقِ Discord • والنِّفاقِ Hypocrisy • والسُّمْعَة Doing deeds for fame • والرِّياءِ Show-off • الصمم Deafness • والبُكَم Dumbness • والجُنُون Insanity • والجُذامِ Leprosy • والبَرَص Vitiligo • وَسَيِّىءِ الأَسْقام All kinds of evil diseases • وَالْحُزْنِ Grief • والبُخْلِ Miserliness • غلبة الدَين The burden of debt • غلبة الرجال The oppression of men • وَالمَأْثَمِ Sin • وَالمَغْرَمِ Debt • وَمِنْ فِتْنَةِ القَبْر The trial of the grave • وَعَذَابِ القَبْرِ The punishment of the grave • وَمِنْ فِتْنَةِ النَّارِ The trial of the Fire • وَعَذَابِ النَّارِ The punishment of the Fire • فِتْنَةِ الغِنَى The trial of wealth • فِتْنَةِ المَسِيحِ الدَّجَّالِ The trial of the False Messiah • الهَمِّ Anxiety • مِنْ عِلْمٍ لَا يَنْفَعُ Knowledge that does not benefit • وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لَا يَخْشَعُ A heart that is not humble • وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لَا تَشْبَعُ A soul that is never satisfied • وَمِنْ دَعْوَةٍ لَا يُسْتَجَابُ لَهَا A supplication that is not answered • مِنْ فِتْنَةِ المَحْيَا وَالمَمَاتِ The trials of life and death • زوال نعمتك The passing away of Your favors • وتحول عافيتك The change of Your well-being • وفجاءة نقمتك The suddenness of Your wrath • وجميع سخطك All Your displeasure • مُنْكَرَاتِ الأَخْلَاقِ Evil manners • مُنْكَرَاتِ الأَعْمَالِ Evil deeds • مُنْكَرَاتِ الأَهْوَاءِ Evil desires • جهد البلاء The severity of trials • ودرك الشقاء The overtaking of misery • وسوء القضاء Evil decree • وشماتة الأعداء The gloating of enemies • شَرِّ سَمْعِي The evil of my hearing • شَرِّ بَصَرِي The evil of my sight • شَرِّ لِسَانِي The evil of my tongue • شَرِّ قَلْبِي The evil of my heart • شَرِّ مَنِيِّي The evil of my semen • الْهَدْمِ Falling from a high place • مِنَ التَّرَدِّي Being buried under debris • مِنَ الْغَرَقِ Drowning • وَالْحَرِيقِ Burning • أَنْ يَتَخَبَّطَنِي الشَّيْطَانُ عِنْدَ الْمَوْتِ Being deranged by Satan at the time of death • اَنْ أَمُوتَ فِي سَبِيلِكَ مُدْبِرًا Fleeing from Your path • أَنْ أَمُوتَ لَدِيغًا Dying from a sting • وَغَلَبَةِ الْعَدُوِّ The enemy's victory.
Hadith Number 1
عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ، قَالَ: كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ يَقُولُ فِي دُعَائِهِ: اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَالْجُبْنِ وَالْهَرَمِ، وَالْقَسْوَةِ وَالْغَفْلَةِ، وَالْعَيْلَةِ وَالذِّلَّةِ وَالْمَسْكَنَةِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْفَقْرِ، وَالْكُفْرِ، وَالْفُسُوقِ، وَالشِّقَاقِ، وَالنِّفَاقِ، وَالسُّمْعَةِ، وَالرِّيَاءِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الصَّمَمِ، وَالْبَكَمِ، وَالْجُنُونِ، وَالْجُذَامِ، وَالْبَرَصِ، وَسَيِّئِ الْأَسْقَامِ Narrated by Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik رضي الله عنه: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to say in his supplication: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from inability and sloth, from cowardice and decrepitude, from hard-heartedness and negligence, from helplessness, abasement, and wretchedness. And I seek refuge in You from poverty, disbelief, wickedness, dissension, hypocrisy, showing off, and dissimulation. And I seek refuge in You from deafness, muteness, insanity, leprosy, vitiligo, and all severe illnesses.'
Hadith Number 2
حَدَّثَنَا عَمْرُو بْنُ أَبِي عَمْرٍو , أَنَّهُ سَمِعَ أَنَسَ بْنَ مَالِكٍ، يَقُولُ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ لِأَبِي طَلْحَةَ:" الْتَمِسْ لِي غُلَامًا مِنْ غِلْمَانِكُمْ يَخْدُمُنِي"، فَخَرَجَ بِي أَبُو طَلْحَةَ يَرْدُفُنِي وَرَاءَهُ , فَكُنْتُ أَخْدُمُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ كُلَّمَا نَزَلَ فَكُنْتُ أَسْمَعُهُ يُكْثِرُ أَنْ يَقُولَ:" اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَرَمِ وَالْحُزْنِ، وَالْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَالْبُخْلِ وَالْجُبْنِ، وَضَلَعِ الدَّيْنِ وَغَلَبَةِ الرِّجَالِ Narrated by Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik رضي الله عنه saying: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said to Sayyiduna Abu Talha رضي الله عنه, 'Find me a boy from among your boys to serve me.' So Abu Talha رضي الله عنه took me out, seating me behind him on his mount. I used to serve the Messenger of Allah ﷺ whenever he stopped (for a rest). I used to hear him frequently say: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from decrepitude, grief, inability, sloth, miserliness, cowardice, the burden of debt, and the overpowering of men.'
Hadith Number 3
عَنْ عَائِشَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا: أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ ﷺ كَانَ يَقُولُ: «اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الكَسَلِ وَالهَرَمِ، وَالمَأْثَمِ وَالمَغْرَمِ، وَمِنْ فِتْنَةِ القَبْرِ، وَعَذَابِ القَبْرِ، وَمِنْ فِتْنَةِ النَّارِ وَعَذَابِ النَّارِ، وَمِنْ شَرِّ فِتْنَةِ الغِنَى، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ فِتْنَةِ الفَقْرِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ فِتْنَةِ المَسِيحِ الدَّجَّالِ Narrated by Sayyidatuna Aisha رضی اللہ عنہا: The Beloved Prophet ﷺ used to say: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from laziness and decrepitude, from sin and debt, from the trial of the grave and the punishment of the grave, from the trial of the Fire and the punishment of the Fire, and from the evil of the trial of wealth. 1 And I seek refuge in You from the trial of poverty, and I seek refuge in You from the trial of the False Messiah (Dajjal).'
Hadith Number 4
حَدَّثَنَا مُسْلِمُ بْنُ أَبِي بَكْرَةَ، قَالَ: سَمِعَنِي أَبِي، وَأَنَا أَقُولُ: «اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الهَمِّ وَالكَسَلِ وَعَذَابِ القَبْرِ» . قَالَ: يَا بُنَيَّ مِمَّنْ سَمِعْتَ هَذَا؟ قُلْتُ: سَمِعْتُكَ تَقُولُهُنَّ، قَالَ: الزَمْهُنَّ، فَإِنِّي سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ﷺ يَقُولُهُنَّ. Narrated by Sayyiduna Muslim bin Abi Bakra رضي الله عنه: My father heard me saying, 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from grief, laziness, and the punishment of the grave.' He said, 'O my son, from whom did you hear this?' I said, 'I heard you saying it.' He said, 'Adhere to them, for I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ saying them.'
Hadith Number 5
عَنْ زَيْدِ بْنِ أَرْقَمَ، قَالَ: لَا أَقُولُ لَكُمْ إِلَّا كَمَا كَانَ رَسُولُ اللهِ ﷺ يَقُولُ: كَانَ يَقُولُ: «اللهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْعَجْزِ، وَالْكَسَلِ، وَالْجُبْنِ، وَالْبُخْلِ، وَالْهَرَمِ، وَعَذَابِ، الْقَبْرِ اللهُمَّ آتِ نَفْسِي تَقْوَاهَا، وَزَكِّهَا أَنْتَ خَيْرُ مَنْ زَكَّاهَا، أَنْتَ وَلِيُّهَا وَمَوْلَاهَا، اللهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لَا يَنْفَعُ، وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لَا يَخْشَعُ، وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لَا تَشْبَعُ، وَمِنْ دَعْوَةٍ لَا يُسْتَجَابُ لَهَا Narrated by Sayyiduna Zaid bin Arqam رضي الله عنه: I will not say to you except what the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to say. He used to supplicate: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from inability, sloth, cowardice, miserliness, decrepitude, and the punishment of the grave. O Allah, grant my soul its righteousness and purify it, for You are the best of those who purify it. You are its Guardian and Master. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit, from a heart that does not humble itself, from a soul that is never satisfied, and from a supplication that is not answered.'
Hadith Number 6
حَدَّثَنَا المُعْتَمِرُ، قَالَ: سَمِعْتُ أَبِي، قَالَ: سَمِعْتُ أَنَسَ بْنَ مَالِكٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ، يَقُولُ: كَانَ نَبِيُّ اللَّهِ ﷺ يَقُولُ: «اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ العَجْزِ وَالكَسَلِ، وَالجُبْنِ وَالبُخْلِ وَالهَرَمِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عَذَابِ القَبْرِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ فِتْنَةِ المَحْيَا وَالمَمَاتِ Narrated by Al-Mu'tamir رحمہ اللہ: I heard my father say, and he narrated from Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik رضي الله عنه, who said: The Prophet of Allah ﷺ used to say: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from inability and sloth, from cowardice and miserliness, and from decrepitude. And I seek refuge in You from the punishment of the grave, and I seek refuge in You from the trials of life and death.'
Hadith Number 7
عَنْ عَبْدِ اللهِ بْنِ عُمَرَ، قَالَ: كَانَ مِنْ دُعَاءِ رَسُولِ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «اللهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ زَوَالِ نِعْمَتِكَ، وَتَحَوُّلِ عَافِيَتِكَ، وَفُجَاءَةِ نِقْمَتِكَ، وَجَمِيعِ سَخَطِكَ Narrated by Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar رضي الله عنه: Among the supplications of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the decline of Your blessings, the change of Your granted well-being, the sudden onset of Your punishment, and all of Your displeasure.'
Hadith Number 8
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ: «تَعَوَّذُوا بِاللَّهِ مِنْ جَهْدِ البَلاَءِ، وَدَرَكِ الشَّقَاءِ، وَسُوءِ القَضَاءِ، وَشَمَاتَةِ الأَعْدَاءِ Narrated by Sayyiduna Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه: The Holy Prophet ﷺ said, 'Seek refuge in Allah from the hardship of trials, the attainment of misery, bad decisions, and the gloating of enemies.'
Hadith Number 9
عَنْ شُتَيْرِ بْنِ شَكَلٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ - فِي حَدِيثِ أَبِي أَحْمَدَ شَكَلِ بْنِ حُمَيْدٍ -، قَالَ: قُلْتُ: يَا رَسُولَ، عَلِّمْنِي دُعَاءً، قَالَ: " قُلْ: اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ سَمْعِي، وَمِنْ شَرِّ بَصَرِي، وَمِنْ شَرِّ لِسَانِي، وَمِنْ شَرِّ قَلْبِي، وَمِنْ شَرِّ مَنِيِّي Narrated Shutayr bin Shakl, from his father – in the Hadith of Abu Ahmad Shakl bin Humayd – who said: I said, 'O Messenger of Allah, teach me a du’a.' He ﷺ said, 'Say: O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil of my hearing, from the evil of my sight, from the evil of my tongue, from the evil of my heart, and from the evil of my desires.'
Hadith Number 10
عَنْ أَبِي الْأَسْوَدِ السُّلَمِيِّ، هَكَذَا قَالَ: كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَقُولُ: «اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَدْمِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ التَّرَدِّي، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْغَرَقِ، وَالْحَرِيقِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ أَنْ يَتَخَبَّطَنِي الشَّيْطَانُ عِنْدَ الْمَوْتِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ أَنْ أَمُوتَ فِي سَبِيلِكَ مُدْبِرًا، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ أَنْ أَمُوتَ لَدِيغًا Narrated Abu al-Aswad Sulami رحمہ اللہ, as he said: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to say: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from destruction, and I seek refuge in You from falling, and I seek refuge in You from drowning and burning. And I seek refuge in You from Satan disrupting my state at the time of death, and I seek refuge in You from dying while turning my back in Your path, and I seek refuge in You from dying from a sting of a snake.'
Hadith Number 11
عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَمْرِو بْنِ الْعَاصِ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ﷺ كَانَ يَدْعُو بِهَؤُلَاءِ الْكَلِمَاتِ: «اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ غَلَبَةِ الدَّيْنِ، وَغَلَبَةِ الْعَدُوِّ، وَشَمَاتَةِ الْأَعْدَاءِ Narrated by Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Amro bin Al-Aas رضي الله عنه: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to supplicate with these words: 'O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the burden of debt, the overpowering of the enemy, and the gloating of enemies.' (Nasa'i 5475)
The Holy Prophet's ﷺ practice of supplicating for his Ummah
The Beloved Prophet ﷺ was commanded to supplicate for his Ummah
Allah Almighty made the Beloved Prophet ﷺ tender-hearted, wishing good for the believers, and compassionate and merciful for all the worlds. Describing the tenderness of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ, Allah Almighty says: فَبِمَا رَحْمَةٍ مِّنَ اللّٰهِ لِنْتَ لَهُمْۚ-وَ لَوْ كُنْتَ فَظًّا غَلِیْظَ الْقَلْبِ لَا نْفَضُّوْا مِنْ حَوْلِكَ۪- فَاعْفُ عَنْهُمْ وَ اسْتَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ "So, what a great mercy it is from Allah that, O Beloved, you became soft-hearted towards them. And if you had been harsh and hard-hearted, they would have therefore certainly been anxious in your surrounding; so forgive them, and intercede for them." 1 (Surah Al-Imran, 3:159) Read the translation of this verse again. Allah Almighty made the Beloved Prophet ﷺ tender-hearted and also commanded him to keep forgiving and praying. In another instance, while commanding the Beloved Prophet ﷺ to pray for the Ummah, He said that the beloved's prayer gives peace to their hearts, which we heard in the previous stage of this course. Similarly, in the Holy Quran, Allah Almighty also mentioned this attribute of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ that he desires good for the believers. Describing this attribute of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ, Allah Almighty says: حَرِیْصٌ عَلَیْكُمْ بِالْمُؤْمِنِیْنَ "he immensely desires your well-being; utmost kind, merciful for the Muslims." (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:128) The effect of this compassion and mercy created in the heart of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ was that not only the righteous and pious people were in his sight, but also the sinners were looked upon with kindness so that they would not be deprived of mercy and forgiveness and they too would receive a share of mercy along with the obedient ones. Therefore, once he ﷺ said: "I was given the choice between intercession and admitting half of my Ummah into Paradise (that either I could have half of my Ummah forgiven or I could have the option of intercession). I chose intercession. O my servants! Do you think this is only for the pious? No, it is for those stained with the filth of sins and errors." (Ibn Majah) The entire Ummah is dear to the Beloved Prophet ﷺ, even if they are sinners. That is why he chose intercession so that they could also be forgiven. If he had gotten half of the Ummah forgiven, where would the other half go? Therefore, he ﷺ did not like to leave them helpless. Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه narrates that the Beloved Prophet ﷺ said: "My example and the example of my Ummah is like that of a person who lit a fire, and moths and insects started falling into it. I am holding you by your waists and pulling you back, and you are slipping away and falling into it." (Muslim Sharif) The Holy Prophet ﷺ loved his Ummah so much that according to narrations, when he was born, he immediately prostrated and prayed for the Ummah in that prostration. During his blessed life, while worshiping in caves, he still prayed for the Ummah in the court of Allah Almighty. When the apparent passing of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ occurred, a companion saw his blessed lips moving, and when they listened, even then there were prayers for the Ummah on his lips. The series of prayers does not end here. The field of Mahshar will be set up, everyone will be worried about themselves, there will be a state of chaos, and even then our Beloved Prophet ﷺ will be praying for the Ummah in the court of Allah. Here, we are mentioning the prayers made by the Beloved Prophet ﷺ for his Ummah in the light of a few narrations so that we can realize how much our Beloved Prophet ﷺ loved us (i.e., the Ummah) so that we too, by truly loving the Beloved Prophet ﷺ, become those who act on his Sunnah and become obedient to him. May Allah grant us such obedience and following of the Sunnah. (Ameen)
The Beloved Prophet ﷺ supplicated for his Ummah immediately after his birth
When the embodiment of mercy and compassion (the Holy Prophet ﷺ) was born, he prostrated before the Divine Presence and said, رب ھب لی امتی (O Allah! Forgive my Ummah). (Fatawa Razviyya, Volume 30)
Three granted supplications, all for the Ummah
In Sahih Muslim, it is narrated by Sayyiduna Ubayy bin Ka'b رضي الله عنه that the Holy Prophet ﷺ said, "Allah Almighty granted me three requests. I made two of them in this world: اَللّٰہُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِاُمَّتِیْ اَللّٰہُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِاُمَّتِیْ "O Allah, forgive my Ummah, O Allah, forgive my Ummah." وَاَخَّرْتُ الثَّالِثَۃَ لِیَوْمٍ یَرْغَبُ اِلَیَّ الْخَلْقُ کُلُّہُمْ حَتّٰی اِبْرَاہِیمُ "And I have reserved the third request for a day when all of creation will turn to me in need, even Prophet Ibrahim علیہ السلام." (Muslim, Hadith 273) Imam Ahmad Raza Khan علیہ الرحمہ states, "O sinful members of the Ummah! Have you not seen the perfect compassion and mercy of your Master and Protector (peace be upon him) towards you? He received three requests from the Divine Court, to ask for whatever he wished. He did not reserve any of these requests for his own noble self. All were used for your benefit. Two requests were made in this world, also for your sake. The third was reserved for the Hereafter, for your greatest need, when no one but that kind, compassionate, and merciful Master will be of any help. By Allah, the Almighty! I swear by the One who made him merciful to you! No mother is ever as merciful to her beloved, only son as he is to a single member of his Ummah." (Fatawa Razawiya, Volume 29)
Supplication for the Ummah in the Court of Allah
Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Amro bin Aas رضي الله عنه narrated: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ recited the saying of Sayyiduna Ibrahim علیہ السلام from the Holy Quran: رَبِّ اِنَّهُنَّ اَضْلَلْنَ كَثِیْرًا مِّنَ النَّاسِۚ-فَمَنْ تَبِعَنِیْ فَاِنَّهٗ مِنِّیْۚ-وَ مَنْ عَصَانِیْ فَاِنَّكَ غَفُوْرٌ رَّحِیْمٌ"(ابراہیم:۳۶) "O my Lord, the idols have undoubtedly led many people astray, whosoever therefore sided with me is mine. And whoever disobeyed me; so, You are indeed Most Forgiving, Ever Merciful." (Ibrahim:36) And he recited the verse containing the saying of Sayyiduna Isa علیہ السلام: اِنْ تُعَذِّبْهُمْ فَاِنَّهُمْ عِبَادُكَۚ-وَ اِنْ تَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ فَاِنَّكَ اَنْتَ الْعَزِیْزُ الْحَكِیْمُ"(المائدہ:۱۱۸) "If you punish them; so, they are Your bondsmen, and if you forgive them; so, only You are indeed the Overpowering, the Wise.” (Al-Ma'idah:118) Upon this, the Beloved Prophet ﷺ was overcome with weeping, and he raised his blessed hands and prayed, "O Allah, my Ummah, my Ummah." Allah Almighty said to Sayyiduna Jibraeel علیہ السلام "O Jibraeel, go to My beloved ﷺ and ask him, though your Lord knows best, what is causing him to weep." Sayyiduna Jibraeel علیہ السلام went to the Beloved Prophet ﷺ and asked him, and the Messenger of Allah ﷺ informed him of his plea. Allah Almighty said to Sayyiduna Jibraeel, "Go to My beloved ﷺ and tell him, اِنَّا سَنُرْضِیْکَ فِیْ اُمَّتِکَ وَلَا نَسُوْ ئُکَ 'Indeed, We will satisfy you with [regard to] your nation, and We will not grieve you.' (Muslim, Book of Faith)
Supplication for the nation even after being placed in the blessed grave
Sayyiduna Qutham رضي الله عنه was the last person to come out of the blessed grave after placing the Beloved Prophet ﷺ in his sacred resting place. He narrates, 'I am the last person who saw the radiant face of the Leader of both worlds ﷺ in his blessed grave.' I saw the blessed lips of the Sultan of Madinah ﷺ moving in the blessed grave. I placed my ears close to the blessed mouth of Allah's Beloved Prophet ﷺ and heard him saying, رَبِّ اُمّتیْ رَبِّ اُمّتیْ (O Lord, my nation, my nation)." (Madarij-un-Nubuwwah)
Supplication for the nation in the blessed grave until the Day of Judgment
The Holy Prophet ﷺ said: 'When I pass away, I will continue to call out in my grave: یَا رَبِّ اُمّتیْ اُمّتیْ (O Lord, my nation, my nation) until the second trumpet is blown.'" (Kanz-ul-Ummal)
Praying for the Ummah even in the field of gathering (on the Day of Judgment)
وَعَنْ أَنَسٍ أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ -ﷺ- قَالَ: "يُحْبَسُ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ حَتَّى يُهَمُّوا بِذَلِكَ فَيَقُولُونَ: لَوِ اسْتَشْفَعْنَا إِلَى رَبِّنَا فَيُرِيحَنَا مِنْ مَكَانِنَا، فَيَأْتُونَ آدَمَ، فَيَقُولُونَ: أَنْتَ آدَمُ أَبُو النَّاسِ، خَلَقَكَ اللَّهُ بِيَدِهِ، وَأَسْكَنَكَ جَنَّتَهُ، وَأَسْجَدَ لَكَ مَلَائِكَتَهُ، وَعَلَّمَكَ أَسْمَاءَ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ، اشْفَعْ لَنَا عِنْدَ رَبِّكَ حَتَّى يُرِيحَنَا مِنْ مَكَانِنَا هَذَا، فَيَقُولُ: لَسْتُ هُنَاكُمْ،وَيَذْكُرُ خَطِيئَتَهُ الَّتِي أَصَابَ؛ أَكْلَهُ مِنَ الشَّجَرَةِ وَقَدْ نُهِيَ عَنْهَا، وَلَكِنِ ائْتُوا نُوحًا أَوَّلَ نَبِيٍّ بَعَثَهُ اللَّهُ إِلَى أَهْلِ الأَرْضِ، فَيَأْتُونَ نُوحًا فَيَقُولُ: لَسْتُ هُنَاكُمْ، وَيَذْكُرُ خَطِيئَتَهُ الَّتِي أَصَابَ؛سُؤَالَهُ رَبَّهُ بِغَيْرِ عِلْمِ، وَلَكِنِ ائْتُوا إِبْرَاهِيمَ خَلِيلَ الرَّحْمَنِ". قَالَ: "فَيَأْتُونَ إِبْرَاهِيمَ فَيَقُولُ: إِنِّي لَسْتُ هُنَاكُمْ، وَيَذْكُرُ ثَلَاثَ كَذِبَاتٍ كَذَبَهُنَّ، وَلَكِنِ ائْتُوا مُوسَى عَبْدًا آتَاهُ اللَّهُ التَّوْرَاةَ وَكَلَّمَهُ وَقَرَّبَهُ نَجِيًّا". قَالَ: "فَيَأْتُونَ مُوسَى فَيَقُولُ: إِنِّي لَسْتُ هُنَاكُمْ، وَيَذْكُرُ خَطِيئَتَهُ الَّتِي أَصَابَ؛ قَتْلَهُ النَّفْسَ، وَلَكِنِ ائْتُوا عِيسَى عَبْدَ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولَهُ وَرُوحَ اللَّهِ وَكَلِمَتَهُ"، قَالَ: "فَيَأْتُونَ عِيسَى فَيَقُولُ: لَسْتُ هُنَاكُمْ، وَلَكِنِ ائْتُوا مُحَمَّدًاعَبْدًا غَفَرَ اللَّهُ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ وَمَا تَأَخَّرَ" قَالَ: "فَيَأْتُونِّي،فَأَسْتَأْذِنُ عَلَى رَبِّي فِي دَارِهِ، فَيُؤْذَنُ لِي عَلَيْهِ، فَإِذَا رَأَيْتُهُ وَقَعْتُ سَاجِدًا، فَيَدَعُنِي مَا شَاءَ اللَّهُ أَنْ يَدَعَنِي فَيَقُولُ: ارْفَعْ مُحَمَّدُ، وَقُلْ تُسْمَعْ، وَاشْفَعْ تُشَفَّعْ، وَسَلْ تُعْطَهْ". قَالَ: "فَأَرْفَعُ رَأْسِي فَأُثنِي عَلَى رَبِّي بِثَنَاءٍ وَتَحْمِيدٍ يُعَلِّمُنِيهِ، ثُمَّ أَشْفَعُ، فَيَحُدُّ لِي حَدًّا،فَأَخْرُجُ فَأُخْرِجُهُمْ مِنَ النَّارِ وَأُدْخِلُهُمُ الْجَنَّةَ، ثُمَّ أَعُودُ الثَّانِيَةَ فَأَسْتَأْذِنُ عَلَى رَبِّي فِي دَارِهِ، فَيُؤْذَنُ لِي عَلَيْهِ فَإِذَا رَأَيْتُهُ وَقَعْتُ سَاجِدًا، فَيَدَعُنِي مَا شَاءَ اللَّهُ أَنْ يَدَعَنِي ثُمَّ يَقُولُ: ارْفَعْ مُحَمَّدُ، وَقُلْ تُسْمَعْ، وَاشْفَعْ تُشَفَّعْ، وَسَلْ تُعْطَهْ". قَالَ: "فَأَرْفَعُ رَأْسِي فَأُثْنِي عَلَى رَبِّي بِثَنَاءٍ وَتَحْمِيدٍ يُعَلِّمُنِيهِ، ثُمَّ أَشْفَعُ فَيَحُدُّ لِي حَدًّا، فَأَخْرُجُ فَأُخْرِجُهُمْ مِنَ النَّارِ وَأُدْخِلُهُمُ الْجَنَّةَ،ثُمَّ أَعُودُ الثَّالِثَةَ فَأَسْتَأْذِنُ عَلَى رَبِّي فِي دَارِهِ، فَيُؤْذَنُ لِي عَلَيْهِ، فَإِذَا رَأَيْتُهُ وَقَعْتُ سَاجِدًا، فَيَدَعُنِي مَا شَاءَ اللَّهُ أَنْ يَدَعَنِي ثُمَّ يَقُولُ: ارْفَعْ مُحَمَّدُ، وَقُلْ تُسْمَعْ، وَاشْفَعْ تُشَفَّعْ، وَسَلْ تُعْطَهْ". قَالَ: "فَأَرْفَعُ رَأْسِي فَأُثْنِي عَلَى رَبِّي بِثَنَاءٍ وَتَحْمِيدٍ يُعَلِّمُنِيهِ، ثُمَّ أَشْفَعُ فَيَحُدُّ لِي حَدًّا، فَأَخْرُجُ فَأُخْرِجُهُمْ مِنَ النَّارِ وَأُدْخِلُهُمُ الْجَنَّةَ، حَتَّى مَا يَبْقَى فِي النَّارِ إِلَّا مَنْ قَدْ حَبَسَهُ الْقُرْآنُ" أَيْ: وَجَبَ عَلَيْهِ الْخُلُودُ، ثُمَّ تَلَا هَذِه الآيَةَ: {عَسَى أَنْ يَبْعَثَكَ رَبُّكَ مَقَامًا مَحْمُودًا}قَالَ: "وَهَذَا الْمقَامُ الْمَحْمُودُ الَّذِي وَعَدَهَ نبَيَّكُمْ". مُتَّفَقٌ عَلَيْهِ Narrated Sayyiduna Anas رضي الله عنه that the Beloved Prophet ﷺ said: 'The believers will be detained on the Day of Resurrection until they become very distressed. They will say, "If only we could seek intercession with our Lord so that He might relieve us from this place." So they will come to Sayyiduna Adam علیہ السلام and say, "You are the father of mankind. Allah created you with His own hand, settled you in His Paradise, made His angels prostrate before you, and taught you the names of everything. Intercede for us with your Lord so that He may relieve us from this place." He will say, "I am not the one for that," and he will mention his sin of eating from the tree, although he had been forbidden from it. "But go to Sayyiduna Nuh علیہ السلام, the first Prophet whom Allah sent to the disbelievers of the earth." So they will come to Sayyiduna Nuh علیہ السلام, and he will say, "I am not the one for that," and he will mention his sin of asking his Lord about that of which he had no knowledge. "But go to Sayyiduna Ibrahim علیہ السلام, the friend of the Most Merciful." He said, "So they will come to Sayyiduna Ibrahim علیہ السلام, and he will say, "I am not the one for that," and he will mention the three lies he told. "But go to Sayyiduna Musa علیہ السلام, a servant to whom Allah gave the Torah, spoke to him, and brought him near for private counsel." He said, "So they will come to Sayyiduna Musa علیہ السلام, and he will say, "I am not the one for that," and he will mention his sin of killing a soul. "But go to Sayyiduna Isa علیہ السلام, the servant of Allah, His Messenger, His Spirit, and His Word." He said, "So they will come to Sayyiduna Isa علیہ السلام, and he will say, "I am not the one for that, but go to Sayyiduna Muhammad ﷺ, a servant whose past and future sins Allah has forgiven." He said, "So they will come to me, and I will ask permission from my Lord to enter His abode. Permission will be granted to me, and when I see Him, I will fall prostrate. He will leave me as long as He wills, then He will say, "Raise your head, O Muhammad! Speak, and you will be heard. Intercede, and your intercession will be accepted. Ask, and you will be given." He said, "So I will raise my head and praise my Lord with praises and glorifications that He will teach me. Then I will intercede, and He will set a limit for me. So I will go out and bring them out of the Fire and admit them into Paradise. Then I will return a second time and ask permission from my Lord to enter His abode. Permission will be granted to me, and when I see Him, I will fall prostrate. He will leave me as long as He wills, then He will say, "Raise your head, O Muhammad! Speak, and you will be heard. Intercede, and your intercession will be accepted. Ask, and you will be given." He said, "So I will raise my head and praise my Lord with praises and glorifications that He will teach me. Then I will intercede, and He will set a limit for me. So I will go out and bring them out of the Fire and admit them into Paradise. Then I will return a third time and ask permission from my Lord to enter His abode. Permission will be granted to me, and when I see Him, I will fall prostrate. He will leave me as long as He wills, then He will say, "Raise your head, O Muhammad! Speak, and you will be heard. Intercede, and your intercession will be accepted. Ask, and you will be given." He said, "So I will raise my head and praise my Lord with praises and glorifications that He will teach me. Then I will intercede, and He will set a limit for me. So I will go out and bring them out of the Fire and admit them into Paradise, until there will remain in the Fire only those whom the Qur'an has detained," meaning those for whom eternal stay has been decreed. Then he recited this verse: 'It is near that your Lord may make you stand on a station where everyone may praise you.' [17:79] He said, 'This is the Maqam Mahmud that your Prophet was promised.'" (Muslim, Bukhari) The Beloved Prophet ﷺ loved his Ummah so much that from his blessed arrival in this world until his apparent passing, he always remembered his Ummah. On the Day of Judgment as well, his concern will be for his Ummah—interceding for the sinners, helping them cross the Sirat Bridge, and serving them the cups of Kawthar. He will always be mindful of this. Indeed, even if a follower were to remember the Beloved Messenger ﷺ throughout his entire life and keep saying “Ya Rasul Allah,” it would still not fulfill the right of being called a follower of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ even once. May Allah grant us the true love of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ.