Ruling on Seeking Refuge from Punishment During Prayer When Reading Warning Verses
Learn the Islamic ruling on seeking refuge from punishment when reciting verses containing warnings during prayer, and the authentic supplications of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in prayer.
Ruling on Seeking Refuge from Punishment When Reading Warning Verses During Prayer
Many worshippers ask about the ruling on seeking refuge from punishment when reciting a verse containing a warning during prayer, and whether it is permissible for a person praying to pause when reaching verses about punishment and ask Allah for protection, just as they ask Allah for His mercy when reaching verses of mercy. The Egyptian Dar Al-Ifta explained that this practice is recommended because it reflects contemplation of the Quran and interaction with its meanings during prayer.
Ruling on Seeking Refuge from Punishment During Prayer
Dar Al-Ifta clarified that it is recommended for the worshipper, when reciting a verse that mentions punishment or a warning, to seek refuge in Allah from the Fire and punishment. Likewise: When reaching a verse about Allah’s mercy, the worshipper may ask Allah for His فضل and mercy. When reaching a verse containing glorification of Allah, the worshipper may glorify Allah. Seeking protection from punishment when passing through warning verses is considered a recommended act because it was reported from Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Evidence for Seeking Refuge When Reading Verses of Punishment
Dar Al-Ifta based this ruling on the narration of Hudhayfah ibn Al-Yaman رضي الله عنه, who prayed with the Prophet ﷺ during the night. He described the Prophet’s prayer and said that whenever the Prophet ﷺ passed by: A verse containing glorification of Allah, he glorified Him. A verse containing a request, he asked Allah. A verse containing seeking refuge, he sought refuge in Allah. This demonstrates that Muslims may interact with Quranic verses during prayer by making appropriate supplications according to their meanings.
Supplications of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ During Prayer
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to make many supplications during prayer because prayer is one of the greatest moments of closeness to Allah.
Opening Supplication in Prayer
After the opening takbir and before reciting Al-Fatihah, the Prophet ﷺ would say various opening supplications, including: “Allahumma ba‘id bayni wa bayna khatayaya kama ba‘adta bayna al-mashriqi wal-maghrib. Allahumma naqqini min al-khataya kama yunaqqa ath-thawb al-abyad min ad-danas. Allahumma aghsil khatayaya bil-ma’i wath-thalji wal-barad.” Meaning: “O Allah, distance me from my sins as You have distanced the east from the west. O Allah, purify me from my sins as a white garment is purified from impurities. O Allah, wash away my sins with water, snow, and hail.” Another authentic opening supplication is: “Glory be to You, O Allah, and praise is Yours. Blessed is Your Name, exalted is Your Majesty, and there is no god but You.”
What Did the Prophet ﷺ Say During Bowing (Ruku‘)?
During bowing, the Prophet ﷺ would make supplications including: “O Allah, to You I have bowed, in You I believe, and to You I have submitted. My hearing, my sight, my mind, my bones, and my nerves humble themselves before You.” He also said: “Glory be to You, O Allah, our Lord, and praise is Yours. O Allah, forgive me.”
Supplication After Rising From Bowing
When rising from bowing, the Prophet ﷺ would say: “O Allah, our Lord, to You belongs all praise, filling the heavens, filling the earth, filling what is between them, and filling whatever else You will.”
Supplication of the Prophet ﷺ During Prostration
Prostration is one of the greatest places for making supplication. The Prophet ﷺ said: “The closest a servant is to his Lord is while he is prostrating, so increase your supplications.” Among the supplications he used during prostration: “Glory be to You, O Allah, our Lord, and praise is Yours. O Allah, forgive me.” He also said: “O Allah, to You I have prostrated, in You I believe, and to You I have submitted. My face has prostrated to the One who created it, shaped it, and gave it hearing and sight. Blessed is Allah, the Best of creators.”
Supplication Between the Two Prostrations
It was narrated from Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنهما that the Prophet ﷺ used to say between the two prostrations: “O Allah, forgive me, have mercy on me, strengthen me, guide me, and provide for me.” This is a comprehensive supplication that includes forgiveness, mercy, guidance, and provision.
Supplications Before Ending Prayer After Tashahhud
Before saying salam, the Prophet ﷺ would make several important supplications, including: “O Allah, I have greatly wronged myself, and no one forgives sins except You. Grant me forgiveness from You and have mercy upon me. Indeed, You are the Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.” He also said: “O Allah, forgive me for what I have done before and what I have done later, what I have concealed and what I have made public, and what You know better than I do.” Among the greatest supplications before ending prayer: “O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the punishment of Hell, from the punishment of the grave, from the trials of life and death, and from the evil trial of the False Messiah (Al-Masih Ad-Dajjal).”
The Importance of Reflecting on the Quran During Prayer
Responding to Quranic verses during prayer is a sign of humility and presence of heart. A Muslim does not only recite the Quran with the tongue but also reflects on its meanings: Verses of mercy encourage hope in Allah’s grace. Verses of warning encourage fear of punishment and seeking Allah’s protection. Prayer is not merely a set of movements and words; it is a connection between the servant and their Lord, where faith grows through reflection and sincerity.
Is it permissible to seek refuge from punishment during prayer?
Yes, it is recommended to seek refuge in Allah when passing through verses mentioning punishment or warnings.
What should a person say when reading a verse about Allah’s mercy?
The worshipper may ask Allah for His mercy and فضل.
Did Prophet Muhammad ﷺ make supplications while reciting Quran during prayer?
Yes, it was reported that he glorified Allah at verses of glorification, asked at verses containing requests, and sought refuge at verses of protection.
What is the best place for supplication during prayer?
Prostration is among the best places for supplication, as well as before ending the prayer after tashahhud.
Does making supplication during prayer increase humility?
Yes, reflecting on Quranic meanings and making appropriate supplications helps increase concentration and humility in prayer.
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