There is a significant and authentic narration in al-Kāfī that sheds light on the interpretation of the Quranic verse:
Imam al-Bāqir (a) said,
It is supplication, and the best of worship is supplication.
According to this narration, reported from various reliable sources, Allah Almighty emphasizes the importance of supplication. He states that those who disregard or arrogantly neglect an act of worship, particularly supplication, will face severe consequences in the Hereafter.
In this same narration, the Imam (a) delves into the nature of Prophet Ibrāhīm's character, highlighting his patience and reliance on supplication in times of distress. This insight into Ibrāhīm's conduct emphasizes the profound spiritual significance of supplication as a means of seeking assistance and guidance from the Divine.
In another narration, Imam al-Bāqir (a) is asked, “What is the best form of worship?” The Imam responded,
There is nothing more favorable to Allah than to be asked and be requested from. Surely, no one is more detested by Allah Almighty than one who is too proud to worship Him or ask Him from His bounties.54
The depth of these narrations extends beyond the mere act of supplication; they emphasize the intimate relationship between the supplicant and the Divine. It is not merely about making requests but about recognizing one's reliance on Allah and acknowledging His boundless mercy and provision.
In essence, these narrations serve as a reminder of the profound significance of supplication in the life of a believer.
They urge believers to cultivate a habit of consistent and sincere supplication, recognizing it as a fundamental aspect of worship and a means of strengthening their connection with the Divine.
What are the essential conditions for supplication to be considered valid?
The conditions of validity for supplication are threefold.
1.Complete focus: The supplicant must direct their heart sincerely towards Allah.
2.Having good expectations of Allah: The supplicant should have firm belief in Allah’s response to their supplication, trusting that He will answer their prayer.
3.Manifesting emotional impact: The supplicant should be visibly moved, even to the point of tears, during their supplication.
Indeed, crying during supplication is not only permissible but also highly recommended. When a person turns to their Lord and seeks His assistance, shedding tears is considered commendable. If one cannot cry, they should strive to stir their emotions to encourage tears.
It is crucial to note that the intention behind crying is not to display it to others for the sake of ostentation. Rather, it is about compelling oneself to genuinely express emotions.
These three elements, as gleaned from the narrations, are pivotal. When a supplicant prays sincerely, with good intentions, and with complete focus and reliance on Allah, coupled with tears or emotional expression and humble supplication, then Allah will undoubtedly answer their prayer.
But why might Allah not answer a supplication?
If there are matters known to Allah that necessitate a delay in granting the request for the betterment of the supplicant, then that is another matter. However, in ordinary circumstances, Allah will surely respond to the supplication, as indicated by the narrations and evidence.
What if Allah does not answer the supplication?
Even if we assume that Allah does not immediately respond to the supplication, does it mean that the supplicant should cease turning to Him, pleading, and asking for help?
No, the narrations emphasize the importance of persistence and repetition in supplication. It is essential to persistently beseech Allah, repeating the supplication once and twice, as emphasized in the teachings.
Al-Kafʿamī narrates the following supplication:
O’ He who is not distracted by one sound over another. O’ He who is not perplexed by the multitude of questioners.
O’ He who is not bothered by the insistence of the insistent! Grant me the coolness of Your forgiveness Your pardon, and the sweetness of Your mercy.55 According to some narrations, Allah loves His servants to turn to Him, beseech Him, and demonstrate their need and reliance upon Him. Therefore, all of this is required from the servant!
So, in such challenging circumstances as those we live in, we should not abandon supplication. We must pray and turn to Allah, asking Him to relieve us of our distress, and we should persist in our supplications.
There is another noteworthy narration from al-Kāfī, with a reliable chain of transmission, where Imam al-Ṣādiq (a) advised:
O’ Muyassir, supplicate and do not say, ‘The matter is already decided and finished.’ Indeed, with Allah, there is a rank that can only be attained by asking. If a servant seals his lips and does not ask, he will not receive anything.
So, ask, and you shall be given. O’ Muyassir, surely when
a door is knocked, it will soon be answered!56 The Imam is warning against a state of despair due to the lack of perceivable response. As we mentioned earlier, what is required is certainty in the response. To say that anything is “decided and finished” implies certainty in the non-response or despair of response.
This narration is authentic. If we have certainty in this narration, then ask, and you will be given.
Therefore, we must increase in supplication, persistence, and beseeching, without growing weary, and without saying that the matter has already been decided and finished. Do not despair of the response! We ask Allah for guidance and for our supplications to be answered.