Among other important actions that are recommended to be performed during the month of Ramadan, prayer and supplication to the Lord of the Universe is crucial. The month of Ramadan is a valuable opportunity and a blessed occasion in which the servant draws closer to his Lord through various acts of worship, and supplication is at the forefront of these acts. This is because the places and times when prayers are answered are numerous in this month; therefore, Muslims should engage in abundant prayer during this time.
The Lord of the Universe encourages His servants to pray and promises those who pray that He will answer them, as He states: “وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِي عَنِّي فَإِنِّي قَرِيبٌ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ الدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ فَلْيَسْتَجِيبُوا لِي وَلْيُؤْمِنُوا بِي لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْشُدُونَ” Translation: “And when My servants ask you about Me, [say] that I am near. I answer the call of the supplicant when he calls Me. So let them call to Me and believe in Me, that they may be guided.”
The Best Times for Answering Prayers
Certain times have special virtues for prayer, and during these moments, prayer is answered more readily. Among these times are:
1. Between one call (Azan) to prayer and the next.
2. After the obligatory prayers.
3. In the last third of the night.
4. On Friday, from the time the Imam ascends the pulpit until the end of the prayer, and also in the last hours of this day.
5. On the Night of Qadr.
6. When it rains.
7. The Day of Arafah.
8. In the month of Ramadan.
9. During times of jihad.
10. After finishing the Quran.
11. When breaking the fast, etc.
We should consider these times as beneficial opportunities. During these moments, we should seek refuge in Allah, calling out to Him, whispering to Him, and asking for the good of this world and the Hereafter. We must also avoid praying with the tongue alone, without the presence of the heart, for without heartfelt sincerity and complete certainty, prayers may not be accepted. The Messenger of Allah, (PBUH), said: “Know that Allah does not answer the prayer that is heedless and inattentive.”
The prayer of a fasting person is answered day and night, and it is particularly close to being answered at the time of breaking the fast. The Prophet, (PBUH), said: “There are three groups whose prayers are not rejected: the fasting person until the time of breaking the fast, the just imam, and the person who has been oppressed.” He also stated, “Indeed, there is a prayer that is not rejected for the fasting person at the time of breaking the fast.”
Therefore, it is fitting for a fasting Muslim to view the time of breaking the fast as a blessing and to call upon his Lord, for perhaps a breeze of the mercy of Almighty Allah will envelop him and bring happiness in this world and the Hereafter.
The Virtues and Fruits of Prayer (Dua)
The virtues, fruits, and secrets of prayer are countless, including:
1. Prayer is obedience to Allah and acting on His command. Allah the Almighty says: “وَقَالَ رَبُّكُمُ ادْعُونِي أَسْتَجِبْ لَكُمْ” Translation: “And your Lord said: Call Me, I will answer you.”
2. Prayer is worship itself. The Messenger of Allah, (PBUH), said: “Prayer and supplication is worship.”
3. Prayer prevents arrogance. Allah the Almighty says: “إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَسْتَكْبِرُونَ عَنْ عِبَادَتِي سَيَدْخُلُونَ جَهَنَّمَ دَاخِرِينَ” Translation: “Indeed, those who are arrogant about My worship will enter Hell in disgrace.”
4. Prayer is the most precious act in the sight of Allah. The Messenger of Allah, (PBUH), said: “Nothing is more beloved to Allah than prayer.”
5. Prayer is a means of averting Allah’s wrath. The Prophet, (PBUH), said: “Whoever does not ask Allah, Allah will be angry with him.”
6. Prayer opens the chest, removes sorrow, and eases difficulties.
7. Prayer is a sign of trust in Allah, as true trust manifests itself particularly during prayer, when the supplicant seeks refuge in Allah and entrusts his affairs to Him alone.
8. Prayer signifies strength and intelligence. The Messenger of Allah, (PBUH), said: “The weakest of people is the one who is unable to supplicate, and the stingiest of people is the one who is stingy in greeting.”
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