Q. We have heard that it is permissible to address supplication when we are in the position of prostration in prayer, i.e. sujood. If so, is there any particular prayer to say, and can we say such supplication? May we also ask about the verse that describes a person who devours usury as one that reels here and there as if possessed by Satan. Does this mean that the jinn can possess human beings?
Sameena, Jubail
A. Yes, it is not only permissible, but also recommended to address supplication, or dua’, to God in prostration, after the glorification we normally say. In fact, the Prophet says that in prostration a believer is at his closest position to God. Hence, it is a time when supplication may be addressed and answered. Moreover, the Prophet describes supplication as “the essence of worship”, because when we address our prayers to God, we acknowledge His power and our weakness and submission.
In fact, there are several positions in prayer when supplication is recommended. One of these is when we stand up after having bowed down, i.e. rukoo’. As we are standing up we say: sami’ Allahu liman hamidah, which means, “May God respond to everyone who praises Him.” We follow this with praises of God. Thus, we put ourselves in a position of having prayers answered. Therefore, This is a good time to supplicate. Likewise, after reading the last tashahhud, just before finishing our prayers, we may say whatever prayer or supplication we want, whether related to matters of this world or to the life to come.
There are numerous Hadiths reporting what the Prophet used to say of glorification and supplication in these positions. These include what is best for us in this life and in the life to come. These are the best that we could say, because we will be doing a Sunnah, and the Prophet has included everything in his supplication. We may add, particularly before ending our prayer, anything we wish to pray for. Some scholars suggest that it is better to limit ourselves to what the Prophet used to say in his supplication, and not pray for worldly matters. Their argument is based mainly on the Hadith in which the Prophet defines prayer as: remembrance and glorification of God, and reading the Qur’an. But supplication is part of God’s remembrance.
There is nothing in the Qur’an or the Hadith to suggest that a human being could be possessed by a jinnee. In fact our world is totally removed from that of the jinn. They have their own concerns, and we have ours. As for the verse you mention, it draws on an image known to man. It does not speak of an actual situation that happens in our life. The statement may be translated as follows: “Those who gorge themselves on usury cannot rise up except as he may rise up whom Satan has confounded with his touch.” (2: 275) We have nothing in this verse that suggests a power given to the jinn to possess human beings. Those who are sometimes described as being possessed, because of their abnormal behavior, are normally suffering from a mental disease, and many mental diseases can be treated and cured.
On prayer
Q. When we have prayed the obligatory prayer with the Imam, or alone, is it necessary to change place in order to offer the Sunnah, or voluntary prayer?
M. Khan
A. No, this is not necessary. One may offer the voluntary prayer in the same place where he offered the obligatory one. However, the Imam should not stay in his place after the obligatory prayer is over. Since some people want to leave, a change of places creates gaps which allow people to move.
