“Whomsoever of you the door of supplication is opened for, the doors of mercy have been opened for him. And Allah is not asked for anything - meaning - more beloved to Him, than being asked for Al-`Āfiyah.” And the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The supplication benefits against that which strikes and that which does not strike, so hold fast, O worshippers of Allah, to supplication.”
Commentary on the Excellence of Supplication
This noble tradition from Jami' at-Tirmidhi (3548) illuminates the profound connection between human supplication and divine mercy. When Allah opens the door of du'a for a servant, He simultaneously opens the doors of His infinite mercy. This demonstrates that supplication is not merely a ritual but a means through which the believer accesses divine compassion and benevolence.
The Primacy of Seeking Al-`Āfiyah
The phrase "more beloved to Him than being asked for Al-`Āfiyah" refers to comprehensive well-being encompassing protection from afflictions, preservation of faith, good health, and safety from all harms. Scholars explain that Al-`Āfiyah represents the ultimate divine protection that encompasses both worldly and religious affairs.
Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy upon him) stated that Al-`Āfiyah includes protection from what one dislikes and attainment of what one loves. Therefore, when a believer sincerely seeks comprehensive well-being from Allah, they are essentially asking for the perfection of their religious and worldly conditions.
The Universal Efficacy of Supplication
The Prophet's instruction that "the supplication benefits against that which strikes and that which does not strike" reveals the comprehensive nature of du'a's effectiveness. It protects from impending calamities and alleviates existing tribulations. This teaching encourages persistent supplication regardless of circumstances.
Imam al-Ghazali (may Allah have mercy upon him) explained that supplication strengthens the heart, increases reliance upon Allah, and manifests the servant's need for their Lord. Even when the exact outcome is not immediately visible, the spiritual benefits and divine responses manifest in ways known only to Allah's wisdom.
Practical Implementation
The command to "hold fast to supplication" indicates the necessity of making du'a a constant practice in the believer's life. This includes supplicating during ease and hardship, in prosperity and adversity. The scholars emphasize that consistency in supplication demonstrates true reliance upon Allah and acknowledgment of human dependence upon the Divine.
Recommended times for supplication include during prostration, between the adhan and iqamah, during rainfall, and in the last third of the night. However, the believer should understand that Allah's response may come in the form of granting what was asked, averting a greater harm, or storing reward for the Hereafter.