Prerequisites of Supplication in the Quran and Narrations, and Their Role in Acceptance, with Modeling from the Supplications of Prophets and Imams

Abstract

Communication and dialogue between humans and God occur through prayer and supplication. This connection is available to anyone who knows God and desires it. Just as God's communication with humans takes the form of revelation and inspiration, this type of connection is specific to God's prophets and his chosen saints. The divine prophets and their successors - particularly the successors of the Final Prophet (PBUH), the infallible Imams - are select individuals. One of the most distinguishing characteristics of prophets and Imams is that their supplications are always answered. Therefore, this research has sought to collect data from electronic and library sources regarding the supplication patterns of prophets and Imams, using analytical and descriptive methods, to demonstrate which elements contribute to the acceptance of prayers. This enables worshippers to prepare these elements before engaging in supplication. The findings of this research indicate that elements of time, place, the worshipper's state, and specific actions play key roles in prayer acceptance. Regarding time: specific months, nights, days, hours and moments are important. Regarding place: mosques, the shrines of prophets and Imams, and being near parents' graves matter. Concerning the worshipper's state: crying, repentance from sin, prostration, tenderness of heart and attentiveness are significant. As for actions: giving charity, purification, facing the Qiblah, saying "Bismillah," specific invocations, reciting one hundred Quranic verses, seeking forgiveness, praising God, sending blessings upon the Prophet, and praying for others are among the most important primary and secondary elements involved in prayer acceptance.