Support IslamQA

Please contribute generously in order to ensure the continuity of our website InshaAllah.

Reciting verses of the Qur'aan a specific number of times and with a specific intention

13-10-1997

Question 485

Assalam o Alaikum
I want to ask that , Is it right if somebody recite some Quranic aya for a specific purpose like for example If I read the one of the name of Allah for 99 times and after I make a Dua that May Allah fulfill my that wish. And its just begging from Allah with no shirk.
Please answer me
Jazakallah

Answer

Praise be to Allah.

Allaah has said (interpretation of the meaning):

Unto Allaah belong the beautiful names. Pray to (and ask of) Him using them.

As part of the prayer to Allaah using His names, we call on him by saying, O Merciful, have mercy on me; O Forgiver, forgive my sins; O Provider, provide for me, etc.

However, to read a specific verse a certain number of times (whether 99 times or whatever else) without any valid documented evidence is a bidaah (an unacceptable act of innovation in religious practices) that is not permissible. Such acts invent a way to worship Allaah which was not revealed or taught by Islam. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

Whoever innovates in our religion a new act (of worship) then his act is rejected" (Sahih al-Bukhari, Fath al-Baari No. 2697.)

The best guidance is that of the Prophet . There is no allowance for innovation in the religion of Allaah. Is it possible for us to discover new things in our religion that the Prophet didnt know? Indeed, it is incumbent upon us to read the Koran in the way the Prophet read it, we need to pray in the way he prayed, and glorify Allaahs name in the way the Prophet has been validly reported to have done.

Only Allaah is the one who provides success, and He is the one who guides to the right path.

Innovations in Religion and Worship
Show on Islam Q&A website.