1. Supplicating in a state of ritual purity
It is recommended that the supplicant be in a state of purity and perform ablution (wudu). This is supported by the hadith of Abū Mūsā, may Allah be pleased with him, reported in both *Sahih Muslim* and *Al-Bukhari*, in his account concerning his uncle Abū ʿĀmir, may Allah be pleased with him. Abū ʿĀmir instructed Abū Mūsā to ask the Prophet (PBUH) to supplicate for him. Abū Mūsā said:
“The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) called for water, performed ablution, then raised his hands and said: ‘O Allah, forgive ʿUbayd Abī ʿĀmir,’ until I could see the whiteness of his armpits. Then he said: ‘O Allah, place him on the Day of Resurrection above many of Your creation, or above many of the people.’”
Reported by al Bukhārī (no. 4323) and Muslim (no. 2498).