Have you ever felt as though all avenues of egress are firmly closed? Economic hardship pressing down, complex familial matters, or significant aspirations remaining unrealized despite maximal exertion of effort. It feels exhausting and constricting to the chest. As fallible human beings, it is natural to feel incapable of bearing such burdens alone.
However, do not let despair take over your heart. Within the rich heritage of Islam, the righteous scholars of the past (salaf) have passed down many “keys” to open the doors of Allah’s help. One of these golden keys, recorded in the legendary book Iḥyāʾ ʿUlūm al-Dīn by Abū Ḥāmid al-Ghazālī, is the prescribed method of performing the 12-rakʿah Ṣalāt al-Ḥājah.
Unlike the commonly known two-rakʿah ṣalāt al-ḥājah (supplicatory prayer), this practice involves a greater number of rakʿahs with specific recitation of sūrahs and duʿā’ of sujūd (prostration). Many students of Islamic knowledge and adherents of ṭarīqahs (Sufi orders) consider this a “final” recourse when facing significant adversity. Let us learn together the correct procedure in accordance with the established principles of the scholars.
Understanding the Ṣalāt al-Ḥājah According to Iḥyāʾ ʿUlūm al-Dīn
In the book Ihya’ Ulumiddin, volume 1, pages 206-207, Imam Al-Ghazali transmits a narration from Wuhaib bin al-Ward. He was a pious ascetic and God-fearing worshipper. Wuhaib stated that this salat (ritual prayer) is one of the supplications that will not be rejected (la yuraddu).
This prayer is intended for anyone experiencing hardship (dhaqa alaihil amru) in religious or worldly affairs. Therefore, this prayer can be practiced for various needs, ranging from settling debts, seeking guidance in finding a spouse, to requesting safety from oppression.
Procedure for Performing the 12-Rakʿah Ṣalāt al-Ḥājah
The performance of this salat consists of 12 rakʿah. To avoid undue hardship and in accordance with the customary practice of nocturnal sunnah prayers, it is performed with 6 salāms. This means you perform 2 rakʿah, then offer the salām. Then you stand again for the next 2 rakʿah, and so on, until you complete 12 rakʿah.
A crucial point to note is the recitation of the surah. As is customary in explanations within traditional Islamic texts (turāth) concerning the recitation of surahs in ṣalāt al-sunnah (such as in ṣalāt al-Ḍuḥā, which divides the recitation), the technicalities of the recitation are as follows:
1. Intention and Preparation
Take the wudu water with perfection. Wear clothing that is clean and pure. The optimal time for performance is at night when the atmosphere is tranquil.
Form the intention in the heart: “I intend to perform the voluntary prayer of hajah, two rak‘at, for the sake of Allah Ta‘ala.”
2. Recitation of Surahs
This is the crucial part. Imam Al-Ghazali mentions specific supplications (du’a) to be recited in each rak’ah after the recitation of Surat Al-Fatihah:
- Ayat al-Kursi: This recitation is a symbol of the absolute sovereignty of Allah.
- Surat Al-Ikhlas (Say, He is Allah, [the] One): A symbol of the purity of tawhid.
Continue this pattern consistently in each two-rakʿah prayer until you complete a total of 12 rakʿahs.
3. Why is This Pattern Important?
This pattern balances the supplication for protection and the acknowledgement of Allah’s power (through Ayat al-Kursi in the first rakʿah) with the purification of sincere tawhid (through al-Ikhlas in the second rakʿah). This is a very potent ruhiyah combination for accessing the Divine Presence.
4. Specific Prostration After the Final Taslim
Upon completing the twelfth rakʿah and reciting the final salām, do not hasten to rise. Perform sujūd (prostration outside of ṣalāh) with utmost humility. It is within this prostration that we recite the esoteric supplication taught in the text.
Reading the Supplication of Prostration in the Prayer of Need (Arabic, Latin, and Meaning)
When the forehead rests upon the prayer rug, recite the following adhkar and supplications of tawassul. You may recite them slowly. It is highly recommended to comprehend their meaning so that the heart may also “speak.”
Part 1: Praises (Tasbih)
This recitation contains an acknowledgement of the majesty of Allah that touches the heart:
Arabic:
سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي لَبِسَ الْعِزَّ وَقَالَ بِهِ , سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي تَعَطَّفَ بِالْمَجْدِ وَتَكَرَّمَ بِهِ , سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي أَحْصَى كُلَّ شَيْءٍ بِعِلْمِهِ , سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي لَا يَنْبَغِي التَّسْبِيحُ إِلَّا لَهُ , سُبْحَانَ ذِي الْمَنِّ وَالْفَضْلِ , سُبْحَانَ ذِي الْعِزِّ وَالْكَرَمِ , سُبْحَانَ ذِي الطَّوْلِ
Latin:
Subḥāna alladhī labisa al-‘izza wa qāla bihī,
subḥāna alladhī ta‘aṭṭafa bi al-majdi wa takarrama bihī,
subḥāna alladhī aḥṣā kulla shay’in bi ‘ilmihī,
subḥāna alladhī lā yanbaghī at-tasbīḥu illā lahū,
subḥāna dhī al-manni wa al-faḍli,
subḥāna dhī al-‘izzi wa al-karami,
subḥāna dhī aṭ-ṭawli.
Meaning:
Exalted is He who adorns Himself with majesty and speaks through it. Exalted is He who bears glory and is generous with it. Exalted is He who enumerates all things with His knowledge. Exalted is He to whom no tasbih is due except to Him. Exalted is the Possessor of bestowal and grace. Exalted is the Possessor of majesty and beneficence. Exalted is the Possessor of power.
Part 2: The Core Supplication (Tawassul)
After offering praise, proceed with supplicatory prayer (duʿāʾ) through intercession (tawassul) utilizing the Names (asmāʾ) of Allah and His sublime Attributes (ṣifāt).
Arabic:
أَسْأَلُكَ بِمَعَاقِدِ الْعِزِّ مِنْ عَرْشِكَ , وَمُنْتَهَى الرَّحْمَةِ مِنْ كِتَابِكَ , وَبِاسْمِكَ الْأَعْظَمِ , وَجَدِّكَ الْأَعْلَى , وَكَلِمَاتِكَ التَّامَّاتِ الْعَامَّاتِ الَّتِي لَا يُجَاوِزُهُنَّ بَرٌّ وَلَا فَاجِرٌ , أَنْ تُصَلِّيَ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ
Latin:
As’aluka bima‘āqidi al-‘izzi min ‘arshika,
wa muntahā ar-raḥmati min kitābika,
wa bismika al-a‘ẓami,
wa jaddika al-a‘lā,
wa kalimātika at-tāmmāti al-‘āmmāti allātī lā yujāwizuhunna barrun wa lā fājirun,
an tuṣalliya ‘alā Muḥammadin wa ‘alā āli Muḥammad.
Meaning:
I beseech You by the intermediation of the loci of glory upon Your ‘Arsh, and the apex of mercy from Your Book, by Your Most Great Name, Your most sublime sublimity, and Your perfect and comprehensive words, which neither the righteous nor the wicked can surpass; that You may bestow blessings upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad.
Section 3: Articulating Supplications
After reciting the ṣalawāt at the end of the supplication, mention your need silently in your heart with full conviction and hopeful expectation (rajā’). Ask Allah for a solution to the problem that is weighing upon you.
Practical Procedure Summary Table
To facilitate practical application, the following table summarizes its implementation:
| Stages | Execution Details | Recitations/Supplications |
| Total Rak’ahs | 12 Rak’ahs (Performed two Rak’ahs followed by taslim, two Rak’ahs followed by taslim, and so on) | Intention for the Prayer of Need (Salat al-Hajah) |
| First & Second Rak’ahs | In each Rak’ah | Ayat al-Kursi & Surah al-Ikhlas (after Surah al-Fatihah) |
| Final Prostration (Sujud) | Performed after the taslim of the twelfth Rak’ah is completed | Recite Tasbih & the Supplication of Intercession (Du’a al-Tawasul) (Text above) |
| Conclusion | Remaining in the prostration position | Specifically mention the desire/need |
Original Reference from the Book Iḥyāʾ ʿUlūm al-Dīn
Here is the original wording (Arabic text) written in the book as a reference for the validity of the practice:
الثامنة صلاة الحاجة ( ٧ ) فمن ضاق عليه الأمر ومسته حاجة في صلاح دينه ودنياه إلى أمر تعذر عليه فليصل هذه الصلاة فقد روي عن وهيب بن الورد أنه قال إن من الدعاء الذي لا يرد أن يصلي العبد ثنتي عشرة ركعة يقرأ في كل ركعة بأم الكتاب وآية الكرسي وقل هو الله أحد فإذا فرغ خر ساجدا ثم قال سبحان الذي لبس العز وقال به سبحان الذي تعطف بالمجد وتكرم به سبحان الذي أحصى كل شيء بعلمه سبحان الذي لا ينبغي التسبيح إلا له سبحان ذي المن والفضل سبحان ذي العز والكرم سبحان ذي الطول أسألك بمعاقد العز من عرشك ومنتهى الرحمة من كتابك وباسمك الأعظم وجدك الأعلى وكلماتك التامات العامات التي لا يجاوزهن بر ولا فاجر أن تصلي على محمد وعلى آل محمد ثم يسال حاجته التي لا معصية فيها فيجاب إن شاء الله عز وجل 1
Important Caution: Do Not Utilize for Evil
There is a stern warning from Wuhaib bin al-Ward at the conclusion of the narration. He stated: “Do not teach this supplication to the ignorant (sufaha’), for they will aid one another in disobedience to Allah.”
This supplication is considered mustajab (readily answered). Therefore, scholars are very cautious to ensure this supplication does not fall into the hands of those with malicious intent, such as to invoke destruction upon others unjustly or to request that which is prohibited. Ensure your intention is sincere and solely for good.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is it mandatory to perform this at midnight?
Absolute or need-based supererogatory prayers (ṣalāt sunnah muṭlaqah or ḥājah) can be performed at any time outside of prohibited periods (such as after Fajr until sunrise, or after ‘Asr). However, given their number of twelve rakʿahs and the high degree of presence of mind (khushūʿ) required, the night is the most recommended time for their performance.
I have not yet memorized the supplication for prostration; what is the solution?
Since this supplication is recited during prostration after the salām (outside of ṣalāt), you are permitted to place a note or book in front of your prayer rug and read from it.
Is it permissible to combine it with the Tahajjud prayer?
It is permissible to formulate the intention during Tahajjud prayer, as Tahajjud prayer can be combined with obligatory prayers or other supererogatory prayers such as Witr, provided it is performed after waking from sleep. Even if not specifically intended as Tahajjud, it is still considered valid as a prayer of need (Hajat) and Tahajjud, similar to the Tahiyatul Masjid prayer which is fulfilled when one immediately performs an obligatory or rawatib sunnah prayer upon entering the mosque.
How long does it typically take for a supplication to be answered?
Allah is the All-Knowing of the appointed time. Some supplications are answered immediately, others are delayed because Allah wishes to observe the sincerity of His servant, or are substituted with something more beneficial. The key is to have firm conviction (yaqīn) and not to despair.
Conclusion
This 12-rakʿah Ṣalāt al-Ḥājah according to the method of Imam al-Ghazālī is a beautiful spiritual means of drawing closer to Allah when one feels weak and helpless. By following the correct procedure—reciting Āyat al-Kursī in the initial rakʿah and Sūrat al-Ikhlāṣ in the second rakʿah—one performs the ādāb of supplication taught by the pious predecessors.
May Allah, through the virtue of this prayer, swiftly alleviate your difficulties, open doors of provision, and grant you the tranquility of the heart you seek. May you benefit from its practice.
References
- Abū Ḥāmid Muḥammad ibn Muḥammad al-Ghazālī, Iḥyāʾ ʿUlūm al-Dīn (Beirut: Dār al-Maʿrifah, n.d.), vol. 1, pp. 206–207. ↩︎
