Devotion to service of the Lord is rewarded

God answers the prayers of those who are devoutly obedient to Him and rewards those who stand for prayer, the sermon will tell mosque-goers on Friday.

The Quran reads: “And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger (Prophet Mohammed) and fears Allah and is conscious of Him – it is those who are the attainers.” (AnNoor: 52)

Being devoutly obedient to God is described as qunut in the Quran. The qunut are described as having high status with Allah. This status can be achieved by following God’s teachings and standing for prayer for long hours at night.

The Almighty says “those who say, ‘Our Lord, indeed we have believed, so forgive us our sins and protect us from the punishment of the Fire’, the patient, the true, the obedient, those who spend [in the way of Allah], and those who seek forgiveness before dawn”. (Al Imran: 16-17)

Prophet Ibrahim is described as being a comprehensive leader, devoutly obedient to God and believed that Allah is the only God.

After the example of Prophet Mohammed, Muslims should lengthen their standing during prayer, supplicate to God and ask Him to grant them mercy and blessings.

The Prophet, referring to those who pray alone at night, said: “The best of prayer is that in which the duration of devoted standing is longer.”

Prophet Mohammed was said to have taught Al Hasan Ibn Ali, his grandson, the supplication of qunut.

He said: “The Messenger of Allah taught me some phrases to recite in qunut of witr prayer: ‘Oh Allah, guide me amongst those whom You have guided, grant me soundness amongst those You’ve granted soundness to, protect me amongst those You have protected, bless me in what You have bestowed upon me, and save me from the evil of what You have decreed. For, indeed, You decree in truth, and none can decree over You; none can disgrace those who You support, and none can honour those who You oppose. O Lord, You are the Blessed, and the Exalted.”