Dua is a personal and spiritual connection between a believer and Allah. Even if a Dua appears to go unanswered, remember that Allah has wisdom and knowledge beyond human understanding. He may delay or change a request in a way that is ultimately beneficial, knowing what is best for His servants.
The Power of Dua
Dua, or supplication, is a unique tool provided by Allah to humankind, enabling us to communicate with Him in a profoundly personal way. It is a core aspect of Islamic worship and devotion, forming a bridge between a servant and the Almighty.
What is Dua?
Dua, an Arabic term meaning “to call upon,” is a practice in which believers present their requests, hopes, and needs to Allah. It serves not only as a channel of communication but as a form of worship itself. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) said, “Dua is [that act which is worthy of being called true] worship” (Tirmidhi). This statement underscores the importance of dua as more than a ritual; it is an essential means of building and reaffirming our relationship with Allah.
Popular Duas and Their Meanings
| Dua | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Astaghfirullah | “I seek forgiveness from Allah.” A simple yet powerful dua for seeking Allah’s forgiveness. |
| Rabbana Atina Fid-Dunya Hasanatan | “Our Lord, give us in this world good and in the Hereafter good, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.” (Quran 2:201) A dua asking for well-being in both worlds. |
| Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum, Bi Rahmatika Astagheeth | “O Ever-Living, O Sustainer, in Your Mercy I seek relief.” A dua for strength and assistance in difficult times. |
Allah Hears All Duas
The foundation of dua is faith, grounded in the belief that Allah hears and knows all our thoughts and deeds. This conviction is echoed in the Qur’an: “Your Lord says, ‘Call on Me and I will answer you’” (Qur’an 40:60). Through dua, we acknowledge that Allah alone has the power to grant or deny our wishes, and we turn to Him with sincerity.
Importance and Value of Dua
Dua holds immense significance in the lives of Muslims, as it is an act that draws us closer to Allah. In Surah al-Baqara (2:186), Allah says, “When My servants ask you concerning Me, I am indeed close to them.” This verse encourages us to rely on dua for all matters, both big and small, recognizing that no problem is too great or insignificant for Allah.
The Strength and Power of Dua in Islam
When making dua, we present our needs to the Creator, who has the power over all things. The Prophet (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) stated that the servant is closest to Allah when in sujud (prostration). By addressing Allah alone in dua, we affirm His singular role in fulfilling our needs and demonstrate our complete reliance on Him.
The Essence of Dua as Submission
The act of dua is a profound form of submission, acknowledging our need for Allah. Through dua, we express gratitude, ask for guidance, and seek forgiveness. One of the simplest forms of dua is istighfar, or seeking forgiveness, often through the words “Astaghfirullah” (I seek forgiveness of Allah).
Etiquette of Dua
For dua to be meaningful, scholars recommend observing certain etiquettes:
- Approach dua with sincerity, meekness, and humility.
- Make the dua heartfelt and with concentration.
- Face the Qiblah (direction of the Kaaba in Mecca).
- Be in a state of wudhu (ablution).
- Raise one’s hands to Allah.
- Start with praise to Allah and salutations to the Prophet (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him).
- Use Allah’s names during the dua.
- Seek forgiveness for sins and transgressions.
- Have faith that Allah hears and will answer.
- Conclude the dua with salutations to the Prophet (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him).
Benefits of Making Dua
Dua provides numerous benefits, fostering spiritual growth, humility, and strengthening our bond with Allah. Some notable benefits include:
- Elimination of Arrogance: Dua humbles us, reminding us of our dependence on Allah.
- Acceptance of All Duas: Every dua is answered in some form, as Allah knows what is best for us.
- Opening of Allah’s Mercy: Allah loves when His servants make dua and showers His mercy upon them.
Blessed Times for Dua
Certain times and situations are particularly favorable for making dua, as Allah’s mercy is especially close. These include:
- During the Night: The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) stated that Allah descends to the lowest heaven in the last third of the night to grant the supplications of His servants.
- Before Saying Salām in Prayer: Dua made after the obligatory prayers, specifically before the Salām, is highly encouraged.
- Between Azān and Iqāmah: Supplications made between the call to prayer and the start of prayer are not rejected.
- During Good Times: The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) encouraged making dua during times of ease, which increases the likelihood of being answered in times of hardship.
- Between ‘Asar and Maghrib on Fridays: There is a special hour on Fridays when dua is granted.
- Between the Two Khutbahs of Friday Prayer: Another time to make dua is during the brief pause between the Friday sermon khutbahs.
Merits of Dua
1. Dua is a Reminder of Allah’s Closeness to His Servants
وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِي عَنِّي فَإِنِّي قَرِيبٌ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ الدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ فَلْيَسْتَجِيبُوا لِي وَلْيُؤْمِنُوا بِي لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْشُدُونَ
“And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad s.a.w.) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me…”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:186)
2. Dua Keeps Us Humble
Dua allows us to recognize our dependence on Allah. As Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. said:
“God will be angry with those who do not make requests from Him.”
(Sunan At-Tirmizi)
3. Allah Will Answer Dua and Remove Difficulties
أَمَّنْ يُجِيْبُ الْمُضْطَرَّ إِذَا دَعَاهُ وَيَكْشِفُ السُّوْءَ
“Is it not He Who responds to the distressed one when he calls on Him and removes the evil?”
(Surah An-Naml, 27:62)
The Blessed Times for Dua
1. In the Depths of the Night
“Our Lord, the Blessed and the Exalted, descends every night to the lowest heaven…Who asks Me so that I may give to him?”
(Sahih Muslim)
2. Before Saying Salām in Prayer
“In the last third of the night, and following every prescribed prayer.”
(Sunan At-Tirmizi)
3. Between the Azān and the Iqāmah
“A Dua offered between the Azān and Iqāmah is not rejected.”
(Sunan At-Tirmizi)
4. During Free Time and Good Health
“If anyone finds pleasure in receiving an answer from God in times of difficulty, he should make many supplications when times are easy.”
(Sunan At-Tirmizi)
5. Between ‘Asar and Maghrib on Fridays
“Friday consists of twelve hours…Seek it in the last hour after ‘Asar.”
(Sunan An-Nasa’i)
Etiquettes in Dua
1. Be Sincere
“And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allah, and worship none but Him Alone…”
(Surah Al-Bayyinah,98:5)
2. Glorify and Praise Allah, and Recite Selawāt (Salutations) Upon the Prophet
“When any of you prays, he should begin with the glorification of his Lord and praise Him…”
(Sunan At-Tirmizi)
3. Include Allah’s Glorified Names
“And (all) the Most Beautiful Names belong to Allah, so call on Him by them…”
(Surah Al-A‘raf, 7:180)
Things that Hinder the Acceptance of Dua
Engaging in Unlawful Activities
“God is good and accepts only what is good…”
(Sahih Muslim)
Lack of Sincerity or Focus in Dua
- Sometimes, Dua may not be accepted if it lacks sincerity or focus. Allah values a heartfelt and focused prayer. When a person’s mind wanders or makes Dua in a casual, half-hearted manner, it reflects a lack of seriousness or dependence on Allah.
- The Prophet ﷺ said, “Call upon Allah with certainty, while having no doubt, for Allah does not respond to a Dua from a heedless and distracted heart.”
(Sunan At-Tirmidhi)
Hastiness in Seeking Results
- Sometimes, people lose hope when they don’t immediately see their Dua being accepted and stop asking altogether. Allah loves persistent and patient supplication.
- The Prophet ﷺ said, “The supplication of any one of you will be answered as long as he does not show impatience by saying, ‘I supplicated to my Lord but my prayer has not been answered.’”
(Sahih Bukhari and Muslim)
Not Refraining from Sin and Neglecting Obligations
- Continuing to sin without making efforts to change can also be a barrier to the acceptance of Dua. Similarly, neglecting obligatory acts like prayers, fasting, and zakat may affect a person’s Dua.
- Allah says, “And whoever fears Allah – He will make a way for him to get out [from every difficulty]. And will provide him from sources he could never imagine.”
(Surah At-Talaq, 65:2-3)
Severing Family Ties
- Breaking family ties is also mentioned as an obstacle to the acceptance of Dua. Maintaining good relationships with family is important in Islam and is linked to blessings in one’s life and in Dua.
- The Prophet ﷺ said, “Indeed, the mercy of Allah does not descend upon people among whom there is one who severs ties of kinship.”
(Sahih Bukhari)
Conclusion: The Gift of Dua
Dua is a priceless gift from Allah, enabling us to seek His guidance, express our needs, and submit to His will. It is a means of maintaining a constant connection with Allah, whether we are experiencing joy, sorrow, ease, or hardship. As believers, we should strive to make dua a consistent part of our lives, confident in the knowledge that Allah hears and responds to every sincere supplication.