How Our Prophet (PBUH) Used to Pray After Prayers
Remembering Allah through dhikr, reciting well-known supplications, and seeking forgiveness are practices of our Noble Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). These prayers and dhikrs are generally performed after the obligatory prayers, such as those in the morning and afternoon, or after completing the final sunnah prayers of the noon and evening (Maghrib) prayers. Seeking forgiveness (Istighfar) compensates for shortcomings in prayer, while supplication is an important act of worship to attain reward and blessings.
The Secrecy of Supplications Made After Prayer
Supplications and dhikrs after prayers are typically performed privately. However, the Imam may recite and supplicate aloud for the benefit of the congregation. The Imam turns towards the congregation at the end of prayer, facing his left side toward the qibla (direction of prayer). This is related to the narration of Hadith from Sayyidina Semure (RA), concerning the Imam turning his face towards the congregation. Similarly, Sayyidina Bara Ibn ‘Azib (RA) attempted to ensure that the Prophet (PBUH) turned towards him so he could be on the Prophet’s (PBUH) right side while praying.
Dua and Dhikr Performed After Prayer
The main prayers and dhikrs that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) performed after prayers are as follows:
- Three Times Seeking Forgiveness: Reciting “Estağfirullah” three times or reciting the following supplication:
“estağfirullahe’l- azîme’llezî lâ ilâhe illâ hüv, el-hayye’l- kayyûme ve etûbü ileyh.”
Meaning: “I seek forgiveness from Allah, the Most Exalted, who has no deity except Him, the Living, the Self-Sustaining. And I repent to Him.” This hadith is narrated by Sayyidina Suhayb (RA).
Then reciting:
“Allâhümme eınnî alâ zikrike ve şükrike ve husni ıbâdetike.”
Meaning: “O Allah! Grant me assistance in remembering You, thanking You, and performing excellent worship.” The Prophet (PBUH) advised Sayyidina Muaz Ibn Jabal (RA) to recite this supplication after every prayer or at the end of each prayer. - Reciting Ayatul Kursi and Surah Ikhlas: According to a hadith narrated from Sayyidina Abu Umama (RA), whoever recites Ayatul Kursi and Surah Ikhlas after an obligatory prayer will not be prevented from entering Paradise.
- Making Tasbihs: To glorify Allah after prayers:
- 33 times “subhanAllah” (I declare that Allah is free from imperfection)
- 33 times “alhamdulillah” (All praise belongs to Allah)
- And 33 times “Allahuakbar” (Allah is the greatest)
And then reciting the following remembrance (Tazkiyah): “Lâ ilâhe illâ’llahü vahdehû lâ şerîke leh, lehü’l-mülkü ve lehü’l-hamdü wa hüve alâ külli şey’in kadîr” (There is no god but Allah, alone, without any partners. His is the dominion, and to Him belongs all praise, and He is over all things capable.)
- Making Dua (Supplication): The praying person and the Imam make supplications for worldly and hereafter goodness for themselves and their Muslim brothers and sisters. The most virtuous of supplications are those that come with the Sunnah of our Prophet (PBUH). This is one of the supplications narrated by Sayyidina Sa’d Ibn Abi Waqqas (RA): “Allâhümme innî eûzü bike min al- buhli wa eûzü bike min en uredde ilâ erzeli’l- umuri…” (O Allah! I seek refuge in You from stinginess, and I seek refuge in You from returning to the worst of affairs…)
Adab of Dua (Supplication)
In supplication, hands are raised to shoulder height. If this is not possible, they can be raised as much as possible. It is more appropriate for the hands to be open naturally in supplication.
It is recommended to begin supplication with praise of Allah and blessings upon the Prophet (PBUH), and to end it with “al-Hamdu lillâh.” For Allah Almighty has said: