Q: A Muslim says after the Adhan: "O Allah! Lord of this most perfect Call (to Prayer) and of the Prayer that is to be established, grant our Master Muhammad Al-Wasilah (the most superior degree in Paradise) and a rank of distinction, and resurrect him to the lauded position that You promised him. Indeed, You do not fail in Your promise.” Is saying: "Indeed, You do not fail in Your promise" a Bid`ah (innovation in religion)?

A: The basic rule in saying Adhkar (invocations and remembrances said at certain times on a regular basis) and other acts of worship is to abide by what was reported with regard to its wording and manners in the Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). Al-Bukhari and others reported that Al-Bara' Ibn `Azib (may Allah be pleased with him) said that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Whenever you intend to go to bed, perform Wudu' (ablution) as is done for Salah (prayer); and then lie down on your right side, and say: 'O Allah! I have submitted myself to You. I have turned my face to You, entrusted my affairs to You and relied completely on You out of desire for and fear of You (expecting Your reward and fearing Your punishment). There is no refuge and no deliverer from (hardship) except You. I affirm my faith in Your Book which You have revealed, and in Your Prophet whom You have sent].' If you die during the night, you will die in the true religion. Let these be your last words at night.' (Part No. 6; Page No. 88) While I was memorizing it, I said: '...And in Your Messenger whom You have sent.' The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'No, but say: '...And in Your Prophet whom You have sent).'" The Prophet (peace be upon him) criticized Al-Bara' Ibn `Azib for placing the word "Messenger" instead of the word "Prophet" in Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) that is said before one sleeps. The sentence: You do not fail Your promise was not mentioned in any of the six books of Hadith in the Du`a' (supplication) performed for asking Al-Wasilah (the most superior degree in Paradise) for the Prophet (peace be upon him). However, Al-Bayhaqy reported it in his Sunan from the narration of `Aly ibn `Iyad. He said that Shu`ayb ibn Abu Hamzah reported from Muhammad ibn Al-Munkadir from Jabir ibn `Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) and then narrated the aforementioned Hadith and mentioned this sentence: You do not fail in Your promise before its end. Therefore, this sentence is not extra to the Du`a' of asking for Al-Wasilah after the Adhan. This is because it was authentically reported in the narration reported by Al-Bayhaqy on the authority of Jabir. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.