Understanding The Prophet's Life
From Issue: 836 [Read full issue]
Supplication
If a supplication is made for someone in their presence, it convinces them of one's sincerity and love. It is aimed at seeking Allah's mercy, hence, this supplication is a practical step towards this end. Apart from seeking Allah's forgiveness and fulfilment of one's needs one should also supplicate for dear ones. One of the recommended supplication mentioned in many ahadith is: "O Lord! Increase mutual love in our hearts and help us attain self-development."
If a supplication is made with pointed reference to someone having one in their thoughts, it is likely to have a greater effect. It is the obligation that a Muslim owes to a fellow Muslim, whereby he supplicates for the other's forgiveness and for improving mutual relations. Such supplication also fosters relations. The Prophet's advice is: "When you visit a sick brother, ask him to supplicate for you as well. For his supplication is more likely to be accepted." When Umar Ibn al-Khattab was departing for Hajj, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said something to him. According to Umar the Prophet's words were more valuable to him than anything else in the world. The Prophet said to him: "O my brother remember me in your prayers."
Compiled From:
"Inter Personal Relations" - Khurram Murad, pp. 47, 48