Ali Ibn Abi Talib - Volume 1 of 2

384 The oath of allegiance to Xli, his characteristics & his way of life
supplication. Allah (g) says: (And your Lord said: 'Invoke Me [i.e.
believe in My Oneness (Islamic Monotheism) and ask Me for
anything] I will respond to your [invocation]. Verily, those who
scorn My worship [i.e. do not invoke Me, and do not believe in My
Oneness, (Islamic Monotheism)] they will surely enter hell in
humiliation.')r (Qur'an 40: 60)
Amir al-Mu'mineen 'Aliibn Abi Tilib (&) kept close to the
Messenger of Allah (g:) and saw how he used to seek the help and
support of Allah (s). He (&) was eager to learn this worship from
the Messenger of Allah (g) and to ensure that his supplication was
offered in the manner that was enjoined by the Messenger of Allah
(&) and with which he was pleased. The Muslim should not give
precedence to any versions of supplications, glorification of Allah
(B) or prayers that were not narsated from the Prophet (g), no
matter how beautiful the wording or the meaning may appear. The
Messenger of Allah (&) is the best teacher and guide to the straight
path, and he knew best what is better and more perfect.
Some people falsely attribute fabricated, innovated
supplications and phrases of remembrance to Amir al-Mu'mineen
'Ali ibn Abi Tilib (&), but the one who loves him should follow his
way and his method.-~e taught us to follow the Prophet (g) in word
and deed. Amir al-Mu'mineen 'Ali ibn Abi Tilib (&) was a person
whose supplications were answered. It was narrated from Zadhin
Abu 'Umar that a man told 'Ali (&) something, and he remarked: "I
think you are lying to me." The man said: "No, I am not." 'Ali (&)
asked: "Shall I pray against you if you are lying?" The man said: "Go
ahead." So 'Ali (&)prayed (offered supplication), and shortly after
that, the man became blind.253 'Ali (&) used to say when he was
praised: "0 Allah, forgive me for what they do not know about me,
do not hold me accountable for what they say, and make me better
than what they think."'54