❖ Hadith Reference
Narrated by Abū Bakr al-Ṣiddīq (رضي الله عنه):He said: “O Messenger of Allah! Teach me a supplication that I may invoke in my prayer.”
The Prophet ﷺ replied:
"اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِي ظُلْمًا كَثِيرًا وَلَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنتَ، فَاغْفِرْ لِي مَغْفِرَةً مِنْ عِندِكَ، وَارْحَمْنِي، إِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ"
“O Allah! I have wronged myself greatly, and none can forgive sins but You. So forgive me with a forgiveness from Yourself and have mercy on me. Verily, You are the Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
(Muttafaqun ‘alayh – Bukhārī: 834, 6326, 7387, 7388; Muslim: 2705)
✿ Key Lessons & Benefits
① Maintaining Order in Supplications within PrayerOne must maintain the correct sequence in supplication during Salah — beginning with the glorification and praise of Allah, followed by sending blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ, and then presenting one’s own personal supplications.
② Reciting the Tashahhud and Sending Peace Upon the Prophet ﷺ is Obligatory
Reciting the Tashahhud (testimony) is a required component of the prayer. Sending peace and blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ after Tashahhud is also obligatory. Neglecting it invalidates the prayer.
③ Adhering to Prescribed Forms of Salutations (Durūd)
One should recite the authentic, prescribed versions of Durūd (salutations). Using invented forms or phrases with incorrect meanings is not permissible.
④ Seeking Refuge from Key Evils
The Prophet ﷺ taught us to seek refuge from four things:
- Punishment of Hell
- Punishment of the Grave
- Trials of life and death
- The tribulation of the Dajjāl
Additionally, seeking protection from sins and debt is also established in authentic traditions.
Committing sins equates to oppressing one’s own soul. A believer must acknowledge this and affirm that only Allah can forgive sins. This reflects true servitude and repentance.
⑥ Seeking Knowledge and Supplication from Scholars or Elders
It is permissible to ask one's mentor or teacher for supplications or advice, just as Abū Bakr (رضي الله عنه) asked the Prophet ﷺ. Visiting friends, scholars, or companions for beneficial discussion and learning is also encouraged.
⑦ Measured and Thoughtful Responses Reflect a Wise Teacher
Rushing to answer is not always beneficial. A wise teacher responds carefully and considers the question. This hadith also affirms that it is allowed to ask one’s mentor probing questions for deeper understanding.
Note:
This content is derived from "Ḍiyā’ al-Islām fī Sharḥ al-Ilmām bi-Aḥādīth al-Aḥkām" by Shaykh Taqī al-Dīn Abī al-Fatḥ, translated by Mawlānā Maḥmūd Aḥmad Ghaznfar.
