Q628 :Is it advisable to make a prolonged
supplication [after netpleting tashahhud and durood i.e.] just before
concluding an obligatory or voluntary prayer?
A628 : The short answer is that a prolonged
supplication is not advisable, particularly if it benetes
disproportionate to the other parts of the prayer. Some people are in
the habit of making their supplications very long, particularly in the
qunoot in the Witr prayer, especially in Ramadan. This is certainly not
advisable because the Prophet is not known to have ever made such a
prolonged supplication in prayers at any time. Indeed, once Lady Aisha,
his wife, asked him what she should say in her supplication on the
night of power, (i.e. Lailat Al-Qadr) if she were certain of the night.
As you realize, supplication on that night is certain to be answered.
The Prophet taught her only one short supplication which says: “My
Lord, You are much-forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me.”
If that is the Prophet’s advice for the night of power, then certainly
it applies to other occasions. What some people do in supplication
during prayer, of making their qunoot or other supplication very long
is contrary to the Prophet’s guidance, particularly in congregational
prayer. Having said that, I would like to point out that when one has
finished his tashahhud [and durood], which is the penultimate task in
prayer, and just before one finishes his prayer, a short supplication
is renetmended. One should choose some of the most important
supplications the Prophet has taught us, or, preferably, he should
choose what he is most in need of whether it relates to matters of this
life or the hereafter. But it is far preferable to make such
supplications short.
Our Dialogue ( Source : Arab News – Jeddah )