Reciting prayers and supplications is one of the major rituals in the holy month of Ramadan. God mentions supplications of prophets and pious people in the Quran that Mufasirs (Quran interpreters) have referred to in different belief-related issues.
Texts of very exciting supplications have also reached us from the teachers of Islam, supplications that contain lofty spiritual concepts and portray beautiful aspects of mankind’s spiritual relation with God.
The Supplication of Abu Hamza al-Thumali is one of them. It is attributed to Imam Sajjad (AS), the great-grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the fourth Shia Imam, also known as Zayn al-Abidin.
It depicts a relation full of love between mankind and God. The supplication on the one hand refers to man’s suffering and his needs and on the other hand highlights God’s compassion and His omnipotence. This dual depiction presents a spiritual world-view that is thrilling.
“All praise be to Allah alone for other than Whom I do not hope,” we read in part of the supplication, which signifies the highest level of hope and religiosity.
In another part of the supplication the Infallible Imam says, “O Allah, … Your sayings are always true and Your promise is always valid”.
We also read in another part, “Whenever I think of my sins, O my Master, I panic, but when I think of Your generosity, I feel desirous (for Your pardon).”
Reading these supplications in the blessed days of Ramadan and trying to focus on their text would boost man’s spiritual relation with God and strengthen him in the face of everyday failures and disappointments.
