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• 17 Ramadan 1447

The Representative of the Supreme Religious Authority in Europe Says: What should we do during the difficult timessuch as what is the Islamic World is facing today?

The answer is: resorting to Allah by supplication (du‘ā’), for it is the believer’s tool, refuge, and an open window to the mercy of the Heavens. Supplication is not merely words recited; it is an existential state reflecting the servant’s need for his Lord and his trust that the keys to relief rest solely with God. Let’s figure out that through the following points:
First:Supplication manifests the reality of servitude and monotheism. There is no refuge or escape from God except to Him, as He says: “Is He [not best] who responds to the desperate one when he calls upon Him and removes evil?”(Quran 27:62).
Desperation purifies intention and ensures sincerity in turning to God; therefore, supplication in times of distress is closer to acceptance.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) said: “Supplication is the believer’s tool, the pillar of religion, and the light of the heavens and the earth.”Just as a shield protects the body from harm, supplication protects the soul from breaking, granting it a spiritual strength that restores inner order.
Among the most eloquent narrations, Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said: “God would never open the door of supplication to a servant and close the door of response.”The opening of this door is divine care, indicating that the servant has entered the circle of nearness to God.
Second: Supplication is a source of inner tranquility in times of crises that shake emotions, provoke anxiety, and may drive one to despair or complaint. Supplication produces an inner transformation, moving a person from a sense of isolation to a feeling of divine companionship, from distress to hope.
God says: “Verily, in the remembrance of God do hearts find rest”(Quran 13:28), and supplication is among the purest forms of remembrance.
When a believer raises their hands in prayer, they place their concerns before God, lightening the psychological burden and restoring balance. Prophets, peace be upon them, turned to supplication in moments of intense trial. For example, Prophet Ayyub (peace be upon him) said: “Indeed, adversity has touched me, and You are the Most Merciful of the merciful”(Quran 21:83), and his prayer became the key to relief.
Third: Supplication can avert or change calamities. It is narrated: “Supplication can reverse decreed destiny, even if it has been firmly ordained.”This teaches the believer that they play a role in shaping their destiny through their connection with God. Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said: “Hold fast to supplication, for asking of God can avert calamities. If a decree has been passed, only its execution remains; but when God is called upon and asked, He may divert the calamity.”Supplication thus provides constant hope, preventing surrender to bitter realities. It is clear that praying during trials is not an escape from responsibility but an active spiritual practice that contributes to changing circumstances to the extent God wills.
Fourth: Supplication cultivates patience and acceptance of God’s decree. When a servant prays, they acknowledge God’s wisdom and justice while seeking relief with submission to His will.God says: “Call upon Me; I will respond to you”(Quran 40:60), establishing supplication as an act of worship. The Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) said: “Supplication is the essence of worship,”as it unites monotheism, humility, hope, and fear. One of the most powerful examples of combining supplication with patience is Imam Husayn ibn Ali (peace be upon him) on the day of Ashura. His prayer was not passive resignation, but the pinnacle of submission and steadfastness: “Patience with Your decree, O Lord, there is no deity but You.”This is the prayer of the gnostic who sees calamity as a path to God.
Fifth: Supplication strengthens social solidarity in times of public disasters, such as epidemics, wars, or civil strife. The effect of collective supplication becomes evident when believers gather in mosques or recite prescribed prayers together, fostering unity of purpose and reinforcing a spirit of brotherhood. Supplication thus extends beyond the individual to become a societal force, inspiring hope and preventing moral collapse. For this reason, the Imams (peace be upon them) encouraged their followers to pray for others in absentia, spreading mercy and consolation.
Sixth: Proper etiquette of supplication during trials includes:
a)Sincerity and mindfulness: Supplication must be heartfelt, not a mere verbal habit, as the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) said: “Ask God with sincere intentions and pure hearts.”
b)Beginning with praise of God and blessings(Salawat)on Muhammad and his holy progeny.
c)Acknowledging one’s faults and shortcomings, recognizing that trials may be reminders to return to God.
d)Perseverance and hope, as responses may be delayed by divine wisdom, yet God never rejects a sincere servant. God says: “And do not despair of the mercy of God”(Quran 39:53). Despair opposes the spirit of supplication, while hope sustains it.In times of calamity, supplication is not optional; it is a vital necessity that preserves a believer’s faith from breaking. It is the connection between earth and heaven, the window of hope in the darkest moments, through which one draws strength, finds tranquillity, receives divine mercy, and cultivates patience and acceptance.
Therefore, dear believers, as we approach the blessed nights of Qadr and face the challenges of life, let us make supplication our constant companion—not only in times of ease, but especially in times of hardship. God has said: “And when My servants ask you concerning Me—indeed I am near. I respond to the call of the supplicant when he calls upon Me”(Quran 2:186). He does not disappoint those who turn to Him, nor reject those who seek refuge in Him.
He is the Most Merciful of the merciful.“
O God, be for Your Wali, al-Hujjahibn al-Hasan (peace be upon him and his forefathers), at this hour and at every hour, a guardian, protector, leader, helper, guide, and watchful eye, until You settle him willingly upon Your earth and grant him long enjoyment upon it.”