Introduction of the prayer:
This prayer is from Surah Ash-Shu’ara, verse: 83. This prayer refers to the Servant of Allah, Friend of Allah and the Messenger of Allah, Sayyidna Ibrahim (AS). Qur’an, here, narrates the story of Ibrahim (AS). Allah commanded His Messenger Muhammad ﷺ to recite this story to his Ummah so that they could follow this example of sincerity towards Allah, putting one’s trust in Him, worshipping Him Alone with no partner or associate. At the end of story Allah Kareem mentions the prayers of Sayyidna Ibrahim (AS). The above mentioned prayer is one of those prayers.
In this prayer Sayyidna Ibrahim (AS) supplicates Allah Kareem for two things. The first is knowledge and wisdom, the second is to join him with the righteous.
رَبِّ هَبْ لِى حُكْمًۭا (“My Lord! Grant me wisdom)
Here, the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) supplicated Allah Kareem for ‘Hukm’. Ibn `Abbas said, “This is knowledge.”(Tafsir Ibn Kathir). This prayer describes the importance of knowledge and wisdom. It is also noticeable that Sayyidna Ibrahim did not use the word of (علم). The word by which he supplicated is (حکم), means : Wisdom.
Here, we describe briefly the difference between knowledge and wisdom.
Knowledge refers to the understanding and awareness acquired through learning, study, or experience.It can be obtained through formal education, research, observation, or personal exploration. Knowledge can be limited. It may lead to wrong perspective or wrong decision. It maybe forgotten. It can be harmful.
Wisdom goes beyond knowledge. It is the ability to apply knowledge and experience in a manner that reflects deep understanding, insight, and good judgment. It can be for long term and the ability of decision making not only on facts but also on values. Wisdom is gathered from day-to-day experiences and is a state of being wise.
In short we can say: ” “Knowledge is knowing what to say. Wisdom is knowing when to say it.”
So, the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) called upon Allah Kareem for wisdom, which is more valuable.
وَأَلْحِقْنِى بِٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَ (and join me with the righteous)
means, `make me one of the righteous in this world and the Hereafter. This prayer is mentioned in various places reported from various people. For example we see in Surah A-Furqan; 74.
وَٱلَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَٰجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّـٰتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍۢ وَٱجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا
They are˺ those who pray, “Our Lord! Bless us with ˹pious˺ spouses and offspring who will be the joy of our hearts, and make us models for the righteous.”
Qur’an reports the prayer of Sayyidna Ibrahim (AS), who called upon Allah Kareem for a righteous child, in Surah As-Saffat: 100)
رَبِّ هَبْ لِى مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَ
My Lord! Bless me with righteous offspring.”
This is like the words the Prophet said three times when he was dying:
عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، قَالَتْ سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ عِنْدَ وَفَاتِهِ “ اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَارْحَمْنِي وَأَلْحِقْنِي بِالرَّفِيقِ الأَعْلَى ” .
Aishah said:
“I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying at his death: ‘O Allah, forgive me and have mercy on me, and join me with the Highest Company. (Jami’ At-Tirmidhi: 3496)
Virtues and benefits of the prayer:
Increasing knowledge and wisdom:
The recitation of this prayer will help Insha’Allah in increasing knowledge and wisdom.
Beneficial for students:
The recitation of this prayer is very beneficial for students in learning and memorising.
Beneficial for low memory or weak decision making power:
It is also beneficial for those who are facing with low memory or understanding or a weak decision making power.
End with righteous people:
It is the blessed practice of all prophets to pray for joining with righteous people in this world and Hereafter.
This short and beautiful prayer should be memorised and recited after every obligatory Salah.
