The Prophet’s Supplication for His Ummah
Our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) exhibited profound compassion and concern for his community. He was deeply invested in their salvation and in guiding them toward the path of righteousness. Allah (SWT) states in the Holy Qur’an: “Indeed, there has come to you a Messenger from among yourselves. Grievous to him is what you suffer; he is deeply concerned for you; and to the believers, he is kind and merciful.”
When referring to the phrase “deeply concerned for you,” it signifies that the Prophet genuinely desired goodness for his followers and earnestly endeavored to deliver it to them. He diligently sought to guide them to faith, detesting their succumbing to evil. His compassion for the believers surpassed that of their own parents. A reflection of this care is found in the numerous supplications he made on their behalf, some of which are outlined below:
The Prophet’s Supplication in Every Prayer
Demonstrating his care for his followers, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would remember them in every prayer. A narration from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reveals this: “When I observed the openness in the Prophet’s demeanor, I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, pray for me.’ He responded, ‘O Allah, forgive Aisha for her past and future sins, those she has concealed and those she has openly declared.’ Aisha laughed so much that her head fell into her lap due to her amusement. The Prophet then asked her, ‘Are you pleased with my supplication?’ She replied, ‘What reason would I have to not be pleased with your supplication?’ He continued, ‘By Allah, that is my supplication for my Ummah in every prayer.’”
Additionally, there is a narration that highlights the Prophet’s utmost concern for his Ummah: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) recited Allah’s words regarding Ibrahim: ‘My Lord, indeed they have led astray many among the people, so whoever follows me—indeed, he is of me.’ And the words of Jesus (peace be upon him): ‘If You punish them, indeed, they are Your servants; and if You forgive them, indeed, it is You who is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.’ The Prophet then raised his hands and said, ‘O Allah, my Ummah, my Ummah,’ and he wept. Allah (SWT) then said to Gabriel, ‘Go to Muhammad and ask him what makes him weep.’ Gabriel (peace be upon him) asked him, and the Prophet revealed what he had expressed. Allah then said, ‘O Gabriel, go to Muhammad and tell him: Indeed, We will please you concerning your Ummah and will not harm you.’”
The Prophet’s Supplication and Its Responses
Khabab ibn al-Aratt (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) prolonged his prayer one day. People remarked, ‘O Messenger of Allah, you prayed a prayer unlike any other.’ He replied, ‘Indeed, it is a prayer of desire and dread. I asked Allah for three things, and He granted me two while withholding one: I asked Him not to destroy my Ummah with a drought, and He granted me that; I asked Him not to give authority over them to an enemy from outside of them, and He granted me that; I asked Him not to cause some of them to harm others, and He withheld that.’”
This narration indicates that the Prophet prayed for his community to ensure that their lineage would continue, unlike the lineages of certain previous nations such as Aad and Thamud, which disappeared completely. This characteristic underlines the protection and continuity of this Ummah, with Allah’s permission.
The Prophet’s Supplication on the Day of Judgment
Every Prophet (peace be upon them) was granted a supplication that would be accepted for their followers. However, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) informed us that he had reserved his supplication for intercession on the Day of Resurrection. He stated, “Every Prophet has a supplication that is answered, and I wish, if Allah wills, to reserve my supplication as intercession for my Ummah on the Day of Judgment.” This conveys that every Prophet received a response to their supplication, whereas the Prophet Muhammad has deferred the response of his supplication for the time when intercession is most needed.