Responding to Quranic Verses in Prayer: A Fiqh Guide to Supplications

Have you ever felt deeply moved when listening to the imam recite verses concerning Paradise, or fearful when hearing verses about the torment of Hell? Within the Islamic tradition, the Qur’an is not merely a unidirectional recitation. There exists a beautiful adab (etiquette) wherein we are taught to engage directly with the Divine Word as it is being recited, both during ṣalāh (ritual prayer) and outside of it.

This interaction does not merely enliven the ṣalāh, but also serves as evidence that our hearts are truly present and comprehending what is being recited by the tongue. Let us explore how to respond to various types of verses of the Qur’ān, based on the guidance found in classical texts which are references for numerous scholars.

Legal Basis in the Book Asna al-Matalib

Before discussing this further, it is beneficial to examine the original source directly. Shaykh al-Islam Zakariyyā al-Anṣārī in his treatise Asna al-Matalib(Volume 1, Page 156) elucidates this ruling with great clarity. The following is a quotation from the original text:

فَرْعٌ: (فَإِنْ قَرَأَ) فِي الصَّلَاةِ (آيَةَ رَحْمَةٍ) كَقَوْلِهِ تَعَالَى {وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ} (سَأَلَهَا) كَأَنْ يَقُولَ رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَارْحَمْنِي وَأَنْتَ خَيْرُ الرَّاحِمِينَ (أَوْ) آيَةَ (عَذَابٍ) كَقَوْلِهِ {وَلَكِنْ حَقَّتْ كَلِمَةُ الْعَذَابِ عَلَى الْكَافِرِينَ} (اسْتَعَاذَ) مِنْهُ كَأَنْ يَقُولَ رَبِّ إنِّي أَعُوذُ بِك مِنْ الْعَذَابِ (أَوْ) آيَةَ (تَسْبِيحٍ) كَقَوْلِهِ {فَسَبِّحْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الْعَظِيمِ} (سَبِّحْ) كَأَنْ يَقُولَ سُبْحَانَ رَبِّي الْعَظِيمِ (، أَوْ) آيَةَ (مَثَلٍ) كَقَوْلِهِ {ضَرَبَ اللَّهُ مَثَلا عَبْدًا مَمْلُوكًا} (تَفَكَّرَ) فِيهَا (أَوْ) قَرَأَ (كَآخِرِ) أَيْ مِثْلَ آخِرِ {وَالتِّينِ} قَالَ بَلَى وَأَنَا عَلَى ذَلِكَ مِنْ الشَّاهِدِينَ، وَكَقَوْلِهِ) أَيْ أَوْ قَرَأَ مِثْلَ قَوْله تَعَالَى {فَبِأَيِّ حَدِيثٍ بَعْدَهُ يُؤْمِنُونَ} قَالَ (آمَنَّا بِاَللَّهِ) وَكَآخِرِ، وَكَقَوْلِهِ مِنْ زِيَادَتِهِ. (وَكَذَا) يَفْعَلُ (الْمَأْمُومُ) ذَلِكَ لِقِرَاءَةِ إمَامِهِ كَمَا يَفْعَلُهُ لِقِرَاءَةِ نَفْسِهِ (وَ) كَذَا (غَيْرُ الْمُصَلِّي) يَفْعَلُهُ لِقِرَاءَةِ نَفْسِهِ وَقِرَاءَةِ غَيْرِهِ¹

This text serves as a foundation for our understanding that responding to verses of the Qur’an is not merely a customary practice, but rather a component of the Sunnah with strong support within the discipline of fiqh.

Various Types of Verses and How to Respond to Them

In the Qur’an, the themes of verses are exceedingly diverse. Each theme invites a distinct response—both internal and verbal—to maintain our connection with Allah. The following is a detailed exposition:

1. Upon Hearing Verses of Divine Grace

Verses of grace are those containing glad tidings, promises of Paradise, forgiveness, or the mercy of Allah. An example is Surah Al-Anfal, verse 70, which states that Allah is Most Forgiving and Most Merciful.

When reciting or hearing a verse such as this, it is recommended to supplicate for that blessing. You may utter softly:

• “Allahumma inni as’aluka al-jannah” (O Allah, indeed I ask You for Paradise).
• “Rabbighfir li warhamni” (My Lord, forgive me and have mercy upon me).

2. When Encountering Verses of Divine Punishment or Torment

Verses of divine retribution typically contain threats directed towards disbelievers, depictions of the Hellfire, or punishments for sinful acts. Upon recitation of such verses, a sense of reverential fear should arise in the heart.

The recommended response is to seek refuge (isti’adzah). You can say:

• “Allahumma inni a’udzubika min an-nar” (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the Fire).
• “Allahumma ajirni min ‘adzabik” (O Allah, protect me from Your punishment).

3. Upon Encountering Verses of Tasbih

There are numerous verses that command us to glorify the Name of Allah, such as in Surah Al-Waqi’ah or Al-A’la. When you recite a verse containing the command to perform tasbih, do not simply pass it by. Immediately respond with an utterance of tasbih such as:

• “Subḥāna rabbiyal-‘aẓīm or “Subḥānallāh”.

4. Responding to Parables (Matsal)

The Qur’an frequently employs parables (amtsal) to elucidate abstract concepts in a manner comprehensible to humankind. Upon encountering verses of parable, one is enjoined not to simply pass over them, but rather to pause for reflection and contemplation (tadabbur). The objective is to allow the lessons embedded within the parable to permeate the soul.

Specific Responses for Particular Surah Endings

In addition to the general categories mentioned above, there are certain verses or the concluding portions of chapters for which specific supplications are prescribed by scholars based on transmitted narrations (ḥadīth).

• The Conclusion of Surat al-Tin: Upon reaching the verse “Alaysa Allahu bi-ahkami l-hakimin” (Is not Allah the Most Just of Judges?), it is recommended to respond: “Bala, wa ana ‘ala dhalika minasy syahidin” (Yes, and I am among those who bear witness to that).
• The Conclusion of Surah Al-Mursalat or Al-A’raf: When reciting the verse “Fabi-ayyi haditsin ba’dahu yu’minun” (So in what hadith after this do they believe?), we respond: “Amanna billah” (We believe in Allah).
• The Conclusion of Surat Al-Qiyamah: When reciting “Alaisa dzalika biqadirin ‘ala ay yuhyiyal mauta” (Is not He who created [this] capable of giving life to the dead?), the response is: “Bala” (Yes/Indeed).

A Guide for Those Praying in Congregation and Those Not Praying

Perhaps the question arises, “What if I am a follower in prayer and the imam recites that verse?

According to the text Asna al-Mathalib, the follower (ma’mum) is still recommended to respond to the recitation of the Imam. This does not invalidate the prayer (ṣalāh) as long as the utterances expressed are supplications (du’ā’), remembrance of Allah (dhikr), or glorification (tasbīḥ) that are intrinsically related to the verses being recited. However, ensure that your voice is not loud so as to disturb other worshippers beside you. Recite softly (sirr) is sufficient.

The same applies to those not currently performing ṣalāh. If one is seated listening to a recitation of the murattal or hearing another person recite the Qur’an, it is highly recommended to also respond along with the recitation. This is an excellent method for cultivating tadabbur (focused attention) and the presence of the heart when engaging with the Qur’an.

Table of Summarized Responses to Verses

To aid memorization, the following is a practical guide table for you:

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Responding to Verses of the Qur’an

The prayer (ṣalāh) of high quality is that in which there occurs a spiritual communion between the servant and his Creator. By accustoming oneself to respond to the verses of the Qur’an, one no longer merely performs physical movements, but is truly engaged in dialogue with Allah SWT. May this guidance assist you in attaining a higher degree of khushu.

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