Before salam: ten supplication themes

One established request admits substantial wrongdoing and asks Allah, who alone forgives sins, for forgiveness from Him and mercy. Others ask protection from Hell, the grave, the trials of life and death and the Dajjal; one also seeks protection from sin and burdensome debt.

Another asks forgiveness for earlier and later, private and public wrongs, excesses and sins Allah knows better than we do. A short request asks for help in remembrance, gratitude and excellent worship. Further requests seek protection from miserliness, cowardice, infirm old age, worldly trials and punishment in the grave, or simply ask for Paradise and refuge from the Fire.

A longer supplication entrusts the choice of life and death to Allah’s knowledge; asks reverence in private and public, truthful speech in anger and contentment, moderation in poverty and wealth, enduring blessing, uninterrupted delight, contentment after His decree, ease after death, joy in seeing Him and longing to meet Him without harmful trials; and asks to be adorned with faith and made rightly guided guides.

Other supplications invoke Allah through praise and His names: the Bestower, Originator of heaven and earth, Possessor of majesty and honor, Ever-Living and Sustainer; or through the testimony that He is the One, the Self-Sufficient, who neither begets nor is begotten and has no equal. Learn the exact texts and allowed use, rather than reciting this overview.