Question
Is it permissible to change the grammatical form in Quranic or Sunnah prayers?
For example:
(يَا حَيُّ يَا قَيُّومُ بِرَحْمَتِكَ أَسْتَغِيثُ) to (نَسْتَغِيثُ)?
(A questioner)
Answer
الحمد لله، والصلاة والسلام علىٰ رسول الله، أما بعد!
In principle, it is better to recite the prayers mentioned in the Quran and Hadith in the exact words (forms) as they were revealed.
However, based on two evidences, sometimes it is permissible to change the form, i.e., to use the plural form instead of the singular:
1️⃣ In the case of the Imam
If there is an Imam, he should not pray only for himself in the Qunoot prayer or any other prayer but should include his followers in the prayer as well. As the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:
“لَا يَؤُمُّ رَجُلٌ قَوْمًا فَيَخُصُّ نَفْسَهُ بِالدُّعَاءِ دُونَهُمْ ، فَإِنْ فَعَلَ فَقَدْ خَانَهُمْ “
“No person should pray for himself alone during the prayer for the people, and if he does so, he has committed betrayal.”
2️⃣ Regarding the prayer in Tashahhud
The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said regarding the prayer at the time of Tashahhud:
“ثم ليتخير من الدعاء أَعْجَبَهُ إِلَيْهِ فَلْيَدْعُ بِهِ”
“Then whatever supplication is liked, one should ask for it.”
Further Explanation
When any supplication in Arabic can be made at the time of Tashahhud, then the second supplication in Dua Qunoot is also permissible with greater preference.
During Tashahhud, the form “السلام عليك أيها النبي” was changed by Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) and some other companions (may Allah be pleased with them all) to “السلام على النبي”.
Conclusion
It is established that changing the wording of a prescribed supplication is permissible when necessary.
ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
