21st supplication of al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya

The 21st supplication of al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya, often referred to as the “Supplication of the Unlettered,” elevates the act of supplication into an intricate tapestry woven with threads of humility, reverence, and an acute awareness of one’s insignificance before the Omnipotent Creator. This supplication exemplifies the Shia ethos—an intertwining of personal supplication with broader theological implications, revealing the multifaceted nature of human existence and divine mercy.

At the heart of this supplication lies an exploration of the relationship between humanity and divinity. The unlettered nature referred to in this title can be deciphered as a metaphor, encapsulating the idea of spiritual purity untainted by worldly knowledge. It is an invitation to approach the Almighty with a childlike innocence, devoid of pretensions. The supplicant, like a humble seeker in a vast desert, acknowledges their weaknesses, recognizing that true wisdom is found not in the accumulation of knowledge, but rather in the sincere yearning for divine guidance.

Through the lens of poetic imagery, this supplication presents the vastness of God’s mercy. It evokes the image of an ocean, boundless and deep, where each drop of water symbolizes an unanswered prayer or a troubled heart yearning for solace. As the waves of this ocean lap against the shores of human experience, they teach that the act of supplication is not one of demanding answers but rather a journey of seeking understanding. We, as supplicants, engage in the ebb and flow, recognizing that every wave brings with it an opportunity for redemption and renewal.

In this spiritual dialogue, the supplicant articulates their existential concerns, encapsulating themes of sin, repentance, and the desire for forgiveness. Each phrase resonates with the weight of humility, illustrated by the supplicant’s acknowledgment of their failings. The supplication serves as a confessional, a space where vulnerability transforms into strength. By unveiling their weaknesses before the Divine, the supplicant embraces a profound truth: that the journey towards divine closeness is paved by honesty and contrition.