Must a Supplication Use Set Words, or Is Sincerity in One’s Own Words Enough?
Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Question
Can I ask Allah to protect me from the evil eye without reciting anything specific, just sincerely in my own words? And is sincere supplication in one’s own words enough in general, or must something particular be done? I know people who traveled for Umra to ask Allah for a spouse, and I believe that is good, but could they not have asked without going?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful and Compassionate.
You can ask Allah in your own words and your own language. Sincere supplication is enough, whether you seek protection from the evil eye or anything else.
Allah Most High says, “And when My servants ask you of Me, truly I am near; I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he calls on Me.” [Quran 2:186; Keller, The Quran Beheld] There is no set formula there, no named place, no condition beyond the calling.
The Evil Eye Is No Exception
The evil eye is real. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) told us to seek healing prayer (ruqya) against it. The words he taught are the safest and most complete, and it is good to use them. But you may also ask Allah in your own language, in any words that come to you. Allah hears every sincere request.
A Journey Changes the Traveler, Not Allah’s Answer
Your sharper question deserves Supplication is not tied to a place. Allah’s nearness does not depend on where you stand. A woman asking for a righteous husband from her kitchen is heard as if she were at the Kaaba.
Some situations are honored. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said that the supplication of the parent, the traveler, and the wronged person is answered. The traveler is mentioned. Imam Ghazali (Allah have mercy on him) explains that the heart’s need is the reality of supplication, and the tongue gives it form. The lesser pilgrimage (umra) does not make Allah more willing to answer. It helps the one asking to feel their need and turn to Allah with greater presence. This is the benefit of the journey, but it is not required for the answer.
Both the words taught by the Prophet and your own words have value
The words of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) teach us how to ask, and our own words express what is in our hearts. Use both. After each obligatory prayer, recite Surat al-Falaq and Surat al-Nas. Then remain seated and speak to Allah for a minute in your own language, about whatever you wish. Keep this practice for a month. You will find ease in speaking to Allah.
And Allah knows best.
Faraz Rabbani
Related Answers
One. How Can I Ensure That My Supplication Is Accepted? Ustadha Shazia Ahmad writes that every sincere supplication is answered in one of three ways.
Two. Can You Give Me a Supplication Which Will Protect Me From Evil Eye? Ustadh Tabraze Azam on the transmitted formulae for the evil eye, which is as far as the archive goes on that half.
Three. Is There Any Specific Supplication I Can Read to Find a Spouse? Ustadha Shazia Ahmad on looking for one particular supplication to find a spouse, which is close to her Umra example.
Four. Is It Permissible to Make a Special Dua Specifically for Myself? Shaykh Yusuf Weltch on supplicating for oneself, and when the motive matters.
النصوص · Source-Texts
[متفق عليه]
«أَمَرَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَنْ نَسْتَرْقِيَ مِنَ الْعَيْنِ»
[سنن الترمذي]
«ثَلَاثُ دَعَوَاتٍ مُسْتَجَابَاتٍ لَا شَكَّ فِيهِنَّ: دَعْوَةُ الْوَالِدِ وَدَعْوَةُ الْمُسَافِرِ وَدَعْوَةُ الْمَظْلُومِ»
Shaykh Faraz Rabbani is a recognized specialist scholar in the Islamic sciences, having studied under leading scholars from around the world. He is the Founder and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance.Shaykh Faraz stands as a distinguished figure in Islamic scholarship. His journey in seeking knowledge is marked by dedication and depth. He spent ten years studying under some of the most revered scholars of our times. His initial studies took place in Damascus. He then continued in Amman, Jordan. In Damascus, he was privileged to learn from the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas. Shaykh Adib al-Kallas was renowned as the foremost theologian of his time. Shaykh Faraz also studied under Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi in Damascus. Shaykh Hassan is recognized as one of the leading Hanafi jurists of our era. Upon completing his studies, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in 2007. His return marked a new chapter in his service to the community. He founded SeekersGuidance. The organization reflects his commitment to spreading Islamic knowledge. It aims to be reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible. This mission addresses both online and on-the-ground needs. Shaykh Faraz is also an accomplished author. His notable work includes “Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School.” This book, published by White Thread Press in 2004, is a significant contribution to Islamic literature. His influence extends beyond his immediate community. Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been recognized as one of the 500 most influential Muslims. This recognition comes from the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center. It underscores his impact on the global Islamic discourse. Shaykh Faraz Rabbani’s life and work embody a profound commitment to Islamic scholarship. His teachings continue to enlighten and guide seekers of knowledge worldwide.
