The Prophet (ﷺ) entered the Masjid and there was a man who had performed Salat and was supplicating. He was saying in his supplication: “O Allah, none has the right to be worshipped but Allah, You are the One Who gives blessings, Originator of the heavens and the earth, Possessor of glory and generosity (Allāhumma lā ilāha illā ant, al-Mannān, Badī`us-samāwāti wal-arḍ, Dhal-Jalāli wal Ikrām).” So the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Do you know what he has supplicated Allah with? He has supplicated to Allah by His Greatest Name, the one which if He Is called upon by it, He responds, and when He is asked by it, He gives.”
The Excellence of This Supplication
This narration from Jami' at-Tirmidhi (Hadith 3544) reveals a profound spiritual treasure. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) identified a specific formula of praise as containing Allah's Greatest Name (Al-Ism al-A'ẓam), through which supplications are assuredly answered. This highlights the immense power of invoking Allah with His perfect attributes.
Scholarly Commentary on the Attributes
Al-Mannān (The Bestower of Favors): This name signifies the One who continually grants blessings without being asked, emphasizing Allah's spontaneous and abundant grace upon His creation.
Badī`us-samāwāti wal-arḍ (Originator of the Heavens and Earth): This attribute points to Allah's absolute creativity, bringing creation into existence without any prior example, demonstrating His limitless power and wisdom.
Dhal-Jalāli wal Ikrām (Possessor of Glory and Generosity): This combines Allah's magnificent sovereignty (Jalāl) with His boundless generosity (Ikrām), indicating that His majesty does not prevent His benevolence toward His servants.
Practical Implementation
The scholars advise that this supplication should be memorized and recited in one's prayers, especially during prostration and at the conclusion of prayers, as these are times when supplications are most likely to be accepted. One should call upon Allah with conviction and presence of heart, fully aware of the meanings of these majestic names.
Spiritual Benefits
Using this supplication strengthens one's connection with Allah, increases faith in His attributes, and serves as a means to attain answered prayers. It teaches believers the importance of praising Allah properly before making requests, following the divine etiquette of supplication taught by the Prophet (ﷺ).