Q 1: On supplicating in the Qunut (supplication recited while standing after bowing in the last unit of Prayer), the Imam says: "Glory be to You wherever You are". When he was asked about this supplication, he replied that it is uttered by the angels on praising their Lord. What is your opinion on this matter?

A: The supplication "Glory be to You wherever You are" is not mentioned in any authentic supplications or formulas of Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah) reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him). This supplication entails both a real meaning, which is "Glory be to You wherever You are with Your Knowledge" and a false meaning as adopted by those who believe in the Hulul (a Sufi term meaning indwelling). (Part No. 1; Page No. 53) Therefore, this supplication should be shunned, as it is known in Allah's Purified Shar` (Laws) that a Muslim should avoid the utterance of supplications that may entail both a real meaning and a false one as a protection of our religion. It is worth mentioning that in the Qur'an and the Prophetic Sunnah there are supplications and formulas of Dhikr that one can say without using fabricated ones. As reported from the Prophetic Sunnah, one can say, "Glory be to my Lord, the Exalted," "Glory be to my Lord, the Greatest," "Glory be to the King and the Holy," and other supplications mentioned in Qur'anic Ayahs (verses) and Prophetic Hadiths.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.