Is it permissible to supplicate for specific individuals in one's prayer using non-transmitted supplications?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
There are two narrations on this. One narration permits it. This is supported by the Prophet's (PBUH) Qunut supplication asking for the salvation of specific struggling believers, and by the practice of Ali and Abu Al-Darda'. The justification is that it is a supplication for some believers, which is analogous to saying, 'My Lord, forgive me and my parents.'
Supporting text
The second narration prohibits it, a view held by 'Ata' and Al-Nakha'i, due to its resemblance to the speech of human beings and because it is a supplication for a specific person, which is not permitted, similar to responding to a sneezer. The prohibition is based on the Hadith of Mu'awiyah ibn Al-Hakam As-Sulami regarding sneezing.