Supplication: Its Etiquettes and Conditions According to Allama al-Hilli (d. 726 AH) in His Work (inhaj al-Salah fi Ikhtisar al-Misbah)

Abstract

The significance of supplication (du‘a) in the life of a Muslim lies in its being a noble act of worship through which one attains reward, draws closer to the Lord, and witnesses the opening of closed doors. Supplication fulfills a believer’s hopes, wards off calamities and potential harm, repels divine decree, and removes the wrath of God. Indeed, God Almighty loves to hear the voice of His servant as he earnestly calls upon Him. Supplication brings tranquility to the heart, dispels grief, and is counted among the most essential steps toward reliance (tawakkul) on God; for when a believer supplicates to his Lord, he manifests his trust in Him, and the doors of goodness are opened before him. Thus, du‘a holds a lofty status both in this world and the hereafter.
In this study, we examine the importance of supplication according to the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) and its virtues, etiquettes, and conditions as presented by Allama al-Hilli in his work Minhaj al-Salah.