Munajat (Intimate Supplication)

Munajat (Arabic: مناجاة) means "intimate conversation" or "confidential speech" and refers to a profound, personal address to Allah that goes beyond formal du'a. Munajat is characterized by an intense, poetic, and emotional tone, where the supplicant opens their heart completely to Allah.

The most famous munajat in Shia Islam are Imam Ali's 15 Munajat (al-Munajat al-Khamsa Ashar), covering themes such as: Munajat al-Ta'ibin (the penitent), Munajat al-Shakkin (the complainers), Munajat al-Khaiifin (the fearful), Munajat al-Rajin (the hopeful), Munajat al-Muftaqirin (the needy), Munajat al-Shaikirin (the grateful), and more. These are narrated in Bihar al-Anwar and are included in Mafatih al-Jinan.

Imam Ali (peace be upon him) was a master of munajat. In Nahj al-Balagha, we find some of his most profound addresses to Allah, including his famous nightly prayers, where he was heard saying: "O my God! I do not worship You out of fear of Your Fire or out of desire for Your Paradise, but because I found You worthy of worship, so I worship You." This statement represents the highest form of worship — worship from pure love.

Imam Sajjad (peace be upon him) continued this tradition in Sahifa al-Sajjadiyyah with munajat of extraordinary beauty and depth. The munajat tradition is one of Shia Islam's most unique contributions to the Islamic spiritual heritage and offers the believer a language for the deepest feelings of love, fear, hope, and longing toward Allah.