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Types of Supplication and Taking the Means
Supplication is divided into:
| Supplication of Worship: It is an indirect supplication; such as prayer, fasting, and hajj. Directing it to other than Allah is Major Shirk | Supplication for a need: It is a direct supplication such as saying: ‘forgive me’, ‘have mercy on me’, etc Its ruling requires explanation. It is divided into two categories. |
Supplication for a Need Is of Two Types:
| That which only Allah is able to grant. Directing it to other than Allah is Major Shirk | That which humans are capable of. It is permissible with four conditions: One must believe that the one who is being asked is only a means; cannot bring about benefit or repel harm himself.The one being asked is capable. This disqualifies the one who is not capable.The one being asked is able to be reached through one of the means of communication. This disqualifies the one who cannot be contacted.The one who is being asked is alive which it disqualifies the dead. |
As for if he believes the one being called upon has a hidden control in the universe and has the ability to bring about benefit or repel harm; then this is shirk.
Note:
We study the ruling on certain actions. As for the ruling on the one who does those actions then that needs the establishing of the proof upon the individual and clarifying their doubts.
The scholars are the ones who can correctly determine if a person is a believer or a disbeliever.
People are divided into three types with respect to their beliefs regarding the means:
| Some believe that only what Allah has made a means can be used as a means; legislated or perceptible means. This is correct. Legislated Means: Such as Ruqyah (Qur'an and Sunnah). This is permissible since it is a means which Allah has legislated in order to remove illnesses.Perceptible Means: Medication; Allah has made it a means for the healing. | Others believe in means which Allah has not made a means. This is Minor Shirk. | The third group believes that the means itself has an effect; brings about benefit or repels harm. This is Major Shirk. |
The hadeeth “Du'a (suplication) is the core of worship” is weak. However, the authentic hadeeth is “Du'a (suplication) is worship”.
How is Du’a worship?
The verse «Your Lord has said 'ask Me I will respond to you. Those who arrogantly do not worship me, will enter the fire in humiliation» explains this point. His saying «worship Me» shows that Du'a is worship.
