Q 1: Our Imam (the one who leads congregational Prayer) who has memorized the whole Qur'an has a sweet voice which makes many people come to pray behind him. Yet we notice certain things he does during the Witr (Prayer with an odd number of units) after offering Tarawih (special supererogatory night Prayer in Ramadan) and wish to know the ruling on them. He intones the Du`a' (supplication) and says it in a way similar to what he does while reciting the Qur'an. In addition, most of his supplications rhyme and he prolongs the supplication for almost half an hour of more. When people drew his attention to this point, he said that he did so during the blessed last ten days of Ramadan and that some sick or afflicted people ask him specifically to prolong, hoping that (Part No. 6; Page No. 76

A: It is necessary for anyone making Du`a' to avoid rhyming and exceeding the proper limits in using rhyming words. While supplicating, a Muslim should observe Khushu` (the heart being submissively attuned to the act of worship) and humility and show their need to Allah, as this makes the supplication more likely to be heard and answered. Moreover, the person making Du`a' should not say it in a way similar to Qur'an by using the rules of Tajwid (reciting the Qur'an following the rules of recitation) and intoning. This was not confirmed from the Prophet (peace be upon him) nor from his Sahabah (Companions). Furthermore, the person making Du`a' should not prolong it in a way that may cause people harm, rather they should be moderate, concentrating on the most comprehensive supplications and disregarding anything else, as stated in the Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet).May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.