The PPK Muslims (Proud, Practicing, Knowledgable) : April 2016

The Function of Dua' in Islamic Shari'ah
Sans the Prevalent Exaggeration and Even Transgression

ABSTRACT

A beautiful ayah illustrating different parts of dua leading us to the “right way” is discussed: “And if My servants ask thee about Me - behold, I am near; I respond to the call of him who calls, whenever he calls unto Me: let them, then, respond unto Me, and believe in Me, so that they might follow the right way.”

A few additional verses of the Quran on this subject are included to fully comprehend the role of Dua in our Shari’ah.

The jewel and masterpiece of dua’ in the First Chapter of our Holy Text is the opening shot: “Thee alone do we worship; and unto Thee alone do we turn for aid, Guide us the straight way, the way of those upon whom Thou hast bestowed Thy blessings, not of those who have been condemned [by Thee], nor of those who go astray!” We are mandated to start our day with this dua, recite it thrice at intervals during the day and finally retire for the night after rehearsing the same dua’, making a total of seventeen reiteration in five installments spread over the whole day. A remarkable and very effective prescription for Muslims for their spiritual needs and development. If we can comply with this drill with real concentration and mindfulness (khushoo’ and khuzoo’) I am sure we do not need any of the books and booklets of long Arabic duas. This Mother of Duas will Insha Allah see us through. All we need in addition are the very personal duas, on very personal occasions, coming from within us in our personal lingo and idiom.

The four parts of the Index ayah are examined. Dua is a very essential and valuable part of our Ibaadah. Unfortunately there is intense exaggeration if not transgression displayed in this matter — both scholarly and popular. This theme is analysed. The prevalent and popular practice of books, pamphlets, emails, videos, texts and messages of a long list of Sample Sunnah Duas for all possible situations has been reviewed.

The Quranic duas’ excel and transcend all the others, provided one understands its meaning word by word. Our beloved Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has frequently stressed the status and influence of supplication. This has been the practice of many of the great Prophets. A list of the Quranic and Prophets’ duas have been included.

It is concluded that dua is not just reading; it is not simply reciting; it is not even wholly praying. Dua is requesting, appealing and even demanding directly from our Sustainer and Cherisher with the hope and conviction that HE WILL grant it, BUT in HIS style, at HIS time and by HIS wisdom. Let us keep it that way, please. Be assured. Allah Ta'aala Subhaanahoo loves to be urged and implored by HIS creatures and persistently encourages and goads us to beseech and entreat HIM for all our needs, desires and ambitions.

April 26, 2016

Read ONLY, IF AND WHEN you have time and mood for:

“An Ayah of the Quran for 30 Days” -- April 2016

Choose the section you have time, in the next 30 days to read this ayah:-

Prelude: Recurrent Primary Message 1st. Page

Starting Dua, a note & The Ayah 2nd. Page

A Short Summary: For the Busy Bee Two Pages

The Main Story: Recommended Four Pages

Footnotes: For the Perfectionist Twelve Pages

PRELUDE

From the Pen and Perspective of a self-styled PPK Muslim (Proud, Practicing, Knowledgeable) with a humble submission that Islam totally rejects Blind Following BUT vigorously focusses on the Limitations of Pure Human Reasoning..............and clearly and comprehensively AlLAH knows best.

In the beginning of the seventh century C.E., the folks of Mecca and Medina had a fascinatingly unique window: they had direct access to the Heavens through one of their own. They were blessed with a regular stream of Divine counseling and guidelines. Question and answer sessions were part of the program. Even individual questioner was graced by an answer. In the short Introduction to this scheme they were assured that at the end of this twenty-two year project, Divine Directions and Admonitions will continue through the agency of the PEN. The whole discourse has been preserved and archived till eternity under the guarantee of our Lord and Creator. This record in known as the Quran.

It should sound unbelievable but factually appears to be true: Many of our prevalent, widespread and important concepts and opinions about religious matters do not have a basis in the Quran and sometimes even appear to be in obvious conflict with the teachings of the Quran. It would be very educative and helpful to discuss an Ayah once a month to see if it supports or rejects our views and actions in our daily life. I wish and hope this email generates a fruitful interactive discussion.

DUAA’

بِسمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحمٰنِ الرَّحيمِ

In the name of Allah, we praise HIM, seek HIS help and ask for HIS forgiveness. Whosoever Allah guideth none can misguide; whosoever HE allows to fall astray, none can guide him right. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah alone and we bear witness that Mohammed, SAW is HIS slave-servant and the Seal of HIS Messengers.

Further, we recall that Allah Ta’aala has declared in HIS Book¹ “He granteth wisdom to whom He pleaseth; and he to whom wisdom is granted receiveth indeed a benefit overflowing; but none will grasp the Message (or remember or receive admonition) but men of understanding (or intellect)” and we also recall that he has warned us about the day of judgement² “Then on that day you shall most certainly be questioned about the boons (joy, pleasure).” We realise, that there cannot be a greater boon or blessing or benefit than wisdom and we wonder if this should be a timely reminder to very many of us sincere and practicing Muslims who use our critical thinking to enhance the mundane for ourselves and our families but resort to compulsory following -- taqleed, doctrine of classical Sunni Islamic Fiqh -- in matters religion.

(NOTE: I have filtered out the proofs and details into the Footnotes for those who have the time and interest for them. The main email will then be reasonable length, hopefully for the busy majority. What follows is not a sermon; I do not feel qualified to give one, anyhow. I wish, it may provide a food for thought. A caveat seems in order: If the ayah selected pertains to issues we face in our daily life with our family, friends, neighbours or peers it may affect us personally and lead to some self analysis and soul searching which in turn could be divisive and distressing. If taken in the right spirit, it can be a humble attempt towards finding the “straight path”.)

THE AYAH

Surah Al-Baqarah 2, Ayah 186

وَإِذا سَأَلَكَ عِبادي عَنّي فَإِنّي قَريبٌ ۖ أُجيبُ دَعوَةَ الدّاعِ إِذا دَعانِ ۖ فَليَستَجيبوا لي وَليُؤمِنوا بي لَعَلَّهُم يَرشُدونَ

“AND IF My servants ask thee about Me - behold, I am near; I respond to the call of him who calls, whenever he calls unto Me: let them, then, respond unto Me, and believe in Me, so that they might follow the right way.” Dr. Mohammed Asad

A SHORT VERSION

“I am convinced about the veracity of my opinions, but I do consider it likely that they may turn out to be incorrect. Likewise, I am convinced about the incorrectness of the views different from mine, but I do concede the possibility that they may turn out to be correct.” — Imam Shafa’i

A beautiful ayah illustrating different parts of dua leading us to the “right way”. Let me quote a few additional verses of the Quran on this subject before we discuss the role of Dua in our Shari’ah.

To start with, the jewel and masterpiece of dua’ in the First Chapter of our Holy Text:³

“Thee alone do we worship; and unto Thee alone do we turn for aid, Guide us the straight way, the way of those upon whom Thou hast bestowed Thy blessings, not of those who have been condemned [by Thee], nor of those who go astray!”

We are mandated to start our day with this dua, recite it thrice at intervals during the day and finally retire for the night after rehearsing the same dua’, making a total of seventeen reiteration in five installments spread over the whole day. A remarkable and very effective prescription for Muslims for their spiritual needs and development. If we can comply with this drill with real concentration and mindfulness (khushoo’ and khuzoo’) I am sure we do not need any of the books and booklets of long Arabic duas. This Mother of Duas will Insha Allah see us through. All we need in addition are the very personal duas, on very personal occasions, coming from within us in our personal lingo and idiom. A few other references from the Holy text to elaborate the concept of Dua’ in the Shari’ah:^4,5,6,7,8 …………………..(see the main story)

These different ayahs have highlighted different features and requisites of an effective dua……………..

The index ayah is preceded and followed ………..In the usual attractive style of the Text, this ayah describes succinctly that if you think of HIM, HE is very close to you; if you appeal to HIM, HE hears and responds to you and if you are looking for the “right way” then you will find it if you follow HIS dictates with complete Faith in HIM. This ayah also reminds us that even though we cannot see or subject to any form of perception our Lord and the absolute Master of this vast Universe, nonetheless, HE is close enough to us for a direct communication with HIM. Contrary to a rather popular concept in Muslims, we do not need an intermediary in the form of a Wali, Peer, Shaikh or Imam to reach HIM and plead to HIM.

Ibn Kathir offers an explanation …………(see the main story)

Mufti Mohammed Shafi has drawn a subtle but practical ruling from this ayah. …………..

Dua is a very essential and valuable part of our Ibaadah. Unfortunately there is intense exaggeration if not transgression displayed in this matter — both scholarly and popular. The role of dua is distorted and its importance magnified out of all proportion. A beautiful write-up by Sound Vision http://www.soundvision.com/dua-and-zikr is a good example. An author in the article states: “What a tragedy, for dua is the most potent weapon of a believer. It can change fate, while no action of ours ever can. It is the essence of ibadaah or worship. With it we can never fail; without it we can never succeed. In the proper scheme of things, dua should be the first and the last resort of the believer, with all his plans and actions coming in between……..In every difficulty our first action is dua, as is our last…” The author then elaborates his point by a long list of virtues of dua’.⁹ A sister had sent me a dua for Ramadan which stated that “Dua is the only element that changes Taqdeer. Everything is pre-written. But with DUA it can be re-written.” I am sorry I think these views display a very misleading ignorance of our Deen. Our mandatory prayers are the FIRST and FOREMOST worship. Reading and studying the Holy Quran — I do not mean merely chanting of words — comes next. All other forms of worship put together including Dua cannot even come close. As a matter of fact prayers combined with Fasting and Zakat can see us through to Jannah, Insha Allah without any additional effort as per the saying of our beloved Holy Prophet: ……..

The root of the Arabic word dua’ means to cry out or call out. ………….It has to be a personal pleading to his Lord Creator coming from his inner emotional self for his problems in his own words. If s/he cannot find the words to express her/his feelings, rest assure Allah Ta’aala can reach the heart. The well researched article referred to earlier wants to make the practice of dua a free for all so that every body is making dua for every body about every thing all the time. ………………….

A word about the prevalent and popular practice of books, pamphlets, emails, videos, texts and messages of a long list of Sample Sunnah Duas for all possible situations. (The article referred to earlier gives fifteen duas for mercy and forty four for personal duas; elsewhere forty three occasions are sited for making a dua like leaving a gathering or entering a market place.) Most of these are in Arabic - many real long ones - with translation. One can read them or chant them but this act is hardly a dua. As far as the insistence on the Arabic text is concerned, one of the authors in this very article very nicely puts it “But one thing that's often forgotten about Dua is that it's direct communication with Allah. And Allah is multilingual. He actually created and knows all languages, whether it's the specific dialect of your village back home or the street talk of urban America.” Also generally speaking, how good are these duas? Are all of them reliable? It is worth pondering.

Dua comes spontaneously whenever there is an occasion for it. However, because of its importance it has been formalized and categorized. So full twenty one occasions are listed as the “Best Time for Dua”.¹⁰

As stated earlier, calling out to Allah Ta'aala Subhaanahoo is an end in itself. Hence it should not occur to anybody as to why a dua’ has not been answered. However, most of us cannot help just doing that. I came across a long list of reasons why our supplications are not answered. It makes an interesting reading.¹¹

Imam Ibn al-Qayyim, an eminent Islamic scholar has described process of dua’ in a very convincing and compelling style:……………….

Wikipedia gives a short but interesting history of the literature of dua’.¹²

Short, Concise, Complete and Comprehensive. As a matter of fact our five daily mandatory prayers are the best examples of beseeching and entreating (i.e. offering dua’) Allah Ta'aala Subhaanahoo. It would be handy to have a list of these supplications for ready reference.¹³

“The dua of a Muslim for his brother in his absence is readily accepted. An angel is appointed to his side. Whenever he makes a beneficial dua for his brother the appointed angel says, Ameen. And may you also be blessed with the same’”. [Saheeh Muslim]………………..(see main story for a few more)

The hadith recommending dua for a brother seems to be inspired by the Quranic instruction:¹⁴

“Know, therefore, that there is no god but God, and ask forgiveness for thy fault, and for the men and women who believe: for God knows how ye move about and how ye dwell in your homes.”

A list of Prophets’ dua is included for ready reference.¹⁵

As I close, allow me to assert that dua is not just reading; it is not simply reciting; it is not even wholly praying. Dua is requesting, appealing and even demanding directly from our Sustainer and Cherisher with the hope and conviction that HE WILL grant it, BUT in HIS style, at HIS time and by HIS wisdom. Let us keep it that way, please. Be assured. Allah Ta'aala Subhaanahoo loves to be urged and implored by HIS creatures and persistently encourages and goads us to beseech and entreat HIM for all our needs, desires and ambitions.

........and Allah knows best.

May Allah Ta’aala bless us with true understanding--“fahm”--of our Deen, Aameen.

Dr. Khalid Mitha

THE MAIN STORY

To start with, the jewel and masterpiece of dua’ in the First Chapter of our Holy Text:³

“But your Sustainer says: "Call unto Me, [and] I shall respond to you! Verily, they who are too proud to worship Me will enter hell, abased!”

“"[Thus speaks God:] "O you servants of Mine who have transgressed against your own selves! Despair not of God's mercy: behold, God forgives all sins - for, verily, He alone is much-forgiving, a dispenser of grace!”

“Call ye, then, upon God with sincere devotion to Him, even though the Unbelievers1 may detest it”

“Call on your Lord with humility and in private: for God loveth not those who trespass beyond bounds.”

“[Hence,] O my sons, go forth and try to obtain some tidings of Joseph and his brother; and do not lose hope of God's life-giving (soothing) mercy: verily, none but people who deny the truth can ever lose hope of God's life-giving mercy."

(Please note the Arabic word in this ayah is Rawh and not Rooh. Rawh includes the idea of a Mercy that stills or calms our distracted state. It is particularly relevant here to the emotions of Jacob.)

These different ayahs have highlighted different features and requisites of an effective dua. In the first ayah, response from Allah Ta'aala Subhaanahoo is assured. Second, this assurance covers all faults and sins, however small or big. Third, sincerity and devotion to Allah is necessary for success. Fourth, an appeal to HIM with humility and privacy is suggested. And lastly a warning, not to loose hope in HIS powers of Eternal Mercy whatever the sin or crime — very small, very big. This can be labelled as the decisive factor in application of dua’ — complete faith of the seeker that his supplication would be accepted. Abu Hurairah has reported “The Messenger of Allah said The supplication of every one of His slaves will be granted as long as he does not get impatient and say, “I supplicated to my Rubb again and again but I do not think my prayer will be answered." [Al-Bukhari, Muslim].

The index ayah is preceded and followed by ayahs on the instructions and injunctions about the Holy month of Ramadan and fasting. This ayah, as if is sandwiched between a discussion of this subject. Why? Ramadan, in some respects and to many is a period of trial. This ayah reminds them that Allah Ta'aala Subhaanahoo is close to them, watching them and listens to them. In the usual attractive style of the Text, this ayah describes succinctly that if you think of HIM, HE is very close to you; if you appeal to HIM, HE hears and responds to you and if you are looking for the “right way” then you will find it if you follow HIS dictates with complete Faith in HIM. This ayah also reminds us that even though we cannot see or subject to any form of perception our Lord and the absolute Master of this vast Universe, nonetheless, HE is close enough to us for a direct communication with HIM. Contrary to a rather popular concept in Muslims, we do not need an intermediary in the form of a Wali, Peer, Shaikh or Imam to reach HIM and plead to HIM.

Ibn Kathir offers an explanation for introducing this ayah in between a discussion on Ramadan. In his opinion, this ayah hints that the dua’ made at iftaar is always accepted. The Holy Prophet also has confirmed this opinion:

“The prayer made by one who is fasting at the the time of iftaar is accepted.”

Hence, it was the practice of the noble companion Abdullah Ibn Umer to collect his family at the time of iftaar and make a dua’.

Mufti Mohammed Shafi has drawn a subtle but practical ruling from this ayah. As Allah Ta'aala Subhaanahoo declares in this ayah “I am near”, the Mufti derives from this statement that “it has been hinted that prayers should be said slowly and quietly; to raise voice during prayer is not desirable.” He quotes the background in which this ayah was revealed (shan-e-nuzool) as an evidence for his conclusion. A villager, says Ibn Kathir visited the Holy Prophet and asked “Tell me if our Lord is near us, then we shall pray in a lowered voice; and if he is far, we shall call him with raised voices”. This verse was revealed in response.

Narrated Talha bin 'Ubaid-Ullah (Radi-Allahu ‘anhu): “A bedouin with unkempt hair came to Allah's Apostle (Sallallahu 'Alaihi WaSallam) and said, "O Allah's Apostle! Inform me what Allah has made compulsory for me as regards the prayers." He replied: "You have to offer perfectly the five compulsory prayers in a day and night (24 hours), unless you want to pray Nawafil." The bedouin further asked, "Inform me what Allah has made compulsory for me as regards fasting." He replied, "You have to fast during the whole month of Ramadan, unless you want to fast more as Nawafil." The bedouin further asked, "Tell me how much Zakat Allah has enjoined on me." Thus, Allah's Apostle (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) informed him about all the rules (i.e. fundamentals) of Islam. The bedouin then said, "By Him Who has honored you, I will neither perform any Nawafil nor will I decrease what Allah has enjoined on me. Allah's Apostle (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) said, "If he is saying the truth, he will succeed (or he will be granted Paradise).” (Bukhari Vol. 3 : No. 11)

The root of the Arabic word dua’ means to cry out or call out. Supplication is the closest word in English. Dua is a very context sensitive ibaadah, based on the person and the occasion. A mother’s dua for his son suffering from cancer is entirely different ball game from the dua of an Imam with his large congregation. It has to be a personal pleading to his Lord Creator coming from his inner emotional self for his problems in his own words. If s/he cannot find the words to express her/his feelings, rest assure Allah Ta’aala can reach the heart. The well researched article referred to earlier wants to make the practice of dua a free for all so that every body is making dua for every body about every thing all the time. An author in this article says “Tools like email and social networking sites like Facebook are effective ways to reach and stay in touch with many people quickly and cheaply. They are also ideal methods of reviving the practice of making Dua……Start an online Dua circle by making a list of family and friends you feel close to. Send them an email or tag them in a note explaining that you are asking them nothing more than one minute of their time once a week to make a Dua for yourself or another person on the list. It could be for a sibling to do well on an upcoming exam. It could be for someone's surgery to be successful. Then, set a day and time when everyone will make Dua for that one minute for that shared item…..”. The social media is hardly the forum for our Dua, a powerful tool of personal, emotional and direct appeal to the All Mighty. Repeatedly the authors of this article have referred to Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, as saying that Dua is the “essence” of worship (Tirmidhi). Very true. All of them, however then concentrate on the “essence” only and have conveniently forgotten the “worship” part of the statement.

Imam Ibn al-Qayyim, an eminent Islamic scholar has described process of dua’ in a very convincing and compelling style: “The Dua and prayers for seeking refuge with God are like a weapon, and a weapon is only as good as the person who is using it; it is not merely the matter of how sharp it is. If the weapon is perfect and free of faults, and the arm of the person using it is strong, and there is nothing stopping him, then he can lay waste to the enemy. But if any of these three features is lacking, then the effect will be lacking accordingly”.

Wikipedia gives a short but interesting history of the literature of dua’.¹²

Notwithstanding what I have stated hitherto, the Quranic duas’ excel and transcend all the others provided one understands its meaning word by word. Our beloved Prophet has termed the following part of an ayah of the Quran as the “best dua’”:
وَمِنهُم مَن يَقولُ رَبَّنا آتِنا فِي الدُّنيا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنا عَذابَ النّارِ

Our beloved Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has frequently stressed the status and influence of supplication. According to At Tirmidhi he has called dua’ as “the essence” of worship. Hence several collections of “authentic” and popular Prophetic duas are available. It is suggested that “the words of the Prophets are more complete and submissive to God’s will” and help the believers to “to use the clearest and most concise words when offering his supplications.” It has also been proposed that “Making dua in the court of Allah the Exalted is an art and has an etiquette” All this is perhaps true but I dare say quite irrelevant to the spirit and purpose of dua’. The Messenger of Allah has also highlighted several aspects of supplication:

“A slave becomes nearest to his Lord when he is in prostration. So increase supplications in prostrations.’’ [Saheeh Muslim]

“The supplication of every one of you will be granted if he does not get impatient and say, `I supplicated my Lord but my prayer has not been granted’.’’ [Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim]

Emphasising that the seeker should be humble but confident, he has said “When one of you supplicates, he should not say, ‘O Allah, forgive me if You will,’ but be firm in asking and make the desire great, for what Allah gives is nothing great for Him.”[ Saheeh Muslim]

The hadith recommending dua for a brother seems to be inspired by the Quranic instruction:¹⁴

“Know, therefore, that there is no god but God, and ask forgiveness for thy fault, and for the men and women who believe: for God knows how ye move about and how ye dwell in your homes.”

A list of Prophets’ dua is included for ready reference.¹⁵

........and Allah knows best.

May Allah Ta’aala bless us with true understanding--“fahm”--of our Deen, Aameen.

Dr. Khalid Mitha

FOOTNOTES

(1) Surah 2/269

يُؤتِي الحِكمَةَ مَن يَشاءُ ۚ وَمَن يُؤتَ الحِكمَةَ فَقَد أوتِيَ خَيرًا كَثيرًا ۗ وَما يَذَّكَّرُ إِلّا أُولُو الأَلبابِ

(2) Surah 102/8

ثُمَّ لَتُسأَلُنَّ يَومَئِذٍ عَنِ النَّعيمِ

(3) Surah 1/5-7

إِيّاكَ نَعبُدُ وَإِيّاكَ نَستَعينُاهدِنَا الصِّراطَ المُستَقيمَصِراطَ الَّذينَ أَنعَمتَ عَلَيهِم غَيرِ المَغضوبِ عَلَيهِم وَلَا الضّالّينَ

(4) Surah 40/60

وَقالَ رَبُّكُمُ ادعوني أَستَجِب لَكُم ۚ إِنَّ الَّذينَ يَستَكبِرونَ عَن عِبادَتي سَيَدخُلونَ جَهَنَّمَ داخِرينَ

(5) Surah 39/53

قُل يا عِبادِيَ الَّذينَ أَسرَفوا عَلىٰ أَنفُسِهِم لا تَقنَطوا مِن رَحمَةِ اللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَغفِرُ الذُّنوبَ جَميعًا ۚ إِنَّهُ هُوَ الغَفورُ الرَّحيمُ

(6) Surah 40/15

فَادعُوا اللَّهَ مُخلِصينَ لَهُ الدّينَ وَلَو كَرِهَ الكافِرونَ

(7) Surah 7/55

ادعوا رَبَّكُم تَضَرُّعًا وَخُفيَةً ۚ إِنَّهُ لا يُحِبُّ المُعتَدينَ

(8) Surah 12/87

يا بَنِيَّ اذهَبوا فَتَحَسَّسوا مِن يوسُفَ وَأَخيهِ وَلا تَيأَسوا مِن رَوحِ اللَّهِ ۖ إِنَّهُ لا يَيأَسُ مِن رَوحِ اللَّهِ إِلَّا القَومُ الكافِرونَ

(9) True but gross exaggeration about dua

The most empowering conversation

Dua is conversation with Allah, out Creator, our Lord and Master, the All Knowing, the All Powerful. This act in itself is of extraordinary significance. It is the most uplifting, liberating, empowering, and transforming conversation a person can ever have. We turn to Him because we know that He alone can lift our sufferings and solve our problems. We feel relieved after describing our difficulties to our Creator. We feel empowered after having communicated with the All Mighty. We sense His mercy all around us after talking to the Most Merciful. We get a new commitment to follow His path for that is the only path for success. We feel blessed with each such commitment.

Our first and last action

In every difficulty our first action is dua, as is our last. We ask Allah to show us the way to handle that difficulty; we seek His help in following the path He shows to us; we seek His aid in making our efforts successful. When we fall sick, we know that we cannot find the right doctor without His Will; that the best doctor may not be able to diagnose our condition without His Command; that the best treatment plan will not succeed without His Permission. We make dua for all of these. We make dua before we seek medical help, while we are receiving it and after it has been delivered.

The essence of worship

Dua is the essence of ibaadah. A person engaged in dua affirms his belief in Tawheed (monotheism) and shuns belief in all false gods. With each dua his belief in Allah grows. He beseeches Him, affirming his own powerlessness. A person seriously and sincerely engaged in dua understands exactly the relationship between himself and the Creator and affirms it through his actions. That is the essence of worship! Additionally, such a person can never become arrogant or proud, a logical result of true worship.

Our most potent weapon

Dua is our most potent weapon in all struggles of life as well as in jihad in the battlefield. During the battle of Badr, the Prophet Muhammad (sal-Allahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) stood up all night in prayer seeking Allah's help in the battle between unequal armies that would follow the next day. In the decisive battles against the crusaders, Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi was busy day and night. His days were devoted to Jihad. His nights were spent making dua, crying, seeking Allah's help. This has been the practice of all true mujahideen.

Big and small

We should make it a point to make dua for all things big and small. It is the beginning of wisdom to realize that big and small are arbitrary labels that are totally irrelevant in this context. Nothing is too big for Whom we are asking from; nothing is too small for the one who is asking. That is why we have been taught to ask Allah when we need something as small as shoelaces. We should ask as a beggar, as a destitute person, for that is what we in reality are in relationship to Allah. At the same time we should ask with great hope and conviction that we shall be granted our prayers. We should remember the Hadith: "There is nothing more dear to Allah than a servant making dua to Him." On the other hand, a prayer lacking concentration and conviction is no prayer at all.

All times and all needs

We should make dua at all times, not only during times of distress. The Prophet Muhammad (sal-Allahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) said: "Whosoever desires that Allah answers his duas in unfavorable and difficult conditions, he should make plentiful dua in days of ease and comfort." Also he (sal-Allahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) said: "The person who does not ask from Allah, Allah becomes angry with him."

We should ask for all of our needs: those related to this world as well as those related to the Hereafter. Those who only concentrate on the former are, in effect, announcing that they don't care for their life in the permanent abode. They should blame nobody but themselves for the total ruin in that world that Qur'an assures us awaits them. Those who only concentrate on the later are also showing lack of balance, for we need Allah's help to lead a good life here as well.

All people

We should make dua not only for ourselves but also for our parents, brothers and sisters, spouses and children, relatives and friends, teachers and other benefactors, and destitute and struggling Muslims everywhere. We should pray for them for the good in this world as well as in the Hereafter. The Prophet (sal-Allahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) said: "The dua of a Muslim for his brother (in Islam) in his absence is readily accepted. An angel is appointed to his side. Whenever he makes a beneficial dua for his brother the appointed angel says, 'Aameen. And may you also be blessed with the same.'" [Sahih Muslim]

In the dark ages that we are living in today, everyday brings fresh news about atrocities committed against our brothers in Palestine, Kashmir, India, Afghanistan, Iraq, Chechnya, and the list goes on. And what do we do? We can continue to just feel frustrated and depressed. We can petition the determined perpetrators or a fictional "International Community". We can just forget all this and move on to some other subject. Or we can stand up before Allah and pray for His help, who alone can help. The dua can change our life, our outlook, and our fate. It is the most potent weapon. But it works only for those who try sincerely and seriously to use it.

(10) Best time for dua:

There are certain times dua (supplication) is more likely to be accepted by Allah (SWT) as mentioned by Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). These times are as follows:

1. The Last Third Of The Night

Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: 'In the last third of every night our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) (Allah (SWT)) descends to the lowermost heaven and says; "Who is calling Me, so that I may answer him? Who is asking Me so that may I grant him? Who is seeking forgiveness from Me so that I may forgive him?"' [Sahih al-Bukhari]

Amr ibn Absah narrated that the Prophet said: 'The closest any worshipper can be to His Lord is during the last part of the night, so if you can be amongst those who remember Allah at that time, then do so.'[at-Tirmidhi]

2. Late at night

When people are sleeping and busy with worldly pleasures Allah (SWT) gives the believers an opportunity, or an answer hour if they can fight sleep and invoke Allah (SWT) for whatever they need.

The Prophet (SAW) said: 'There is at night an hour, no Muslim happens to be asking Allah any matter of this world or the Hereafter, except that he will be given it, and this (occurs) every night.' [Muslim]

3. Between Adhan and Iqamah

Anas (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: 'A supplication made between the Adhan and Iqama is not rejected.' [at-Tirmidhi ]

4. An Hour On Friday

Narrated Abu Hurairah (RA): Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) talked about Friday and said: 'There is an hour on Friday and if a Muslim gets it while offering Salat (prayer) and asks something from Allah (SWT), then Allah (SWT) will definitely meet his demand.' And he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) pointed out the shortness of that particular time with his hands. [Sahih al-Bukhari]

Some have said that this hour is from the time the Imam (prayer’s leader) enters the mosque on Friday’s prayer until the prayer is over (i.e. between the two khutbahs), whereas others have said that it is the last hour of the day (i.e. after the Asr prayer until the Maghrib prayer).

5. While Drinking Zamzam Water

Jaber (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: 'Zamzam water is for what it is drunk for.' [Ahmad].

This means that when you drink Zamzam water you may ask Allah (SWT) for anything you like to gain or benefit from this water such as healing from illness etc.

6. While Prostrating

Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), said: 'The nearest a slave can be to his Lord is when he is prostrating, so invoke (supplicate) Allah (SWT) much in it. [Muslim]

When a Muslim is in his Salat (prayer) he is facing Allah (SWT) and when he prostrates he is the nearest he can be to Allah (SWT) so it is best to invoke Allah (SWT) at this time.

7. When Waking Up at Night

Narrated Ubada Bin As-Samit that Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: 'Whomever wakes up at night and says La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la shrika lahu lahulmulku, wa lahul hamdu, wa huwa ala kulli shai'in qadir. Alhamdu lillahi, wa subhanallahi wa la ilaha illallahu, wallah akbir, wa la hawla wala quwata illa billah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah (SWT) He is the only one who has no partners. His is the kingdom and all the praises are for Allah (SWT) All the glories are for Allah (SWT) And none has the right to be worshipped but Allah (SWT) and Allah (SWT) is the most Great and there is neither might nor power except with Allah (SWT) and then says, Allahumma ighfir li (O Allah! Forgive me) or invokes Allah (SWT), he will be responded to and if he makes ablution and performs Salat (prayer), his Salat (prayer) will be accepted. [Sahih al-Bukhari]

8. At The End Of The Obligatory Salat:

Narrated Abu Omamah (RA): that Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was asked, O Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), which supplication is heard (by Allah (SWT), he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said the end of the night and at the end of the obligatory Salat (prayer) [at-Tirmidhi].

This time is after saying 'At-tahyat' , and before making Tasleem (finishing prayer)

9. The Night Of 'Qadr' (Decree)

This night is the greatest night of the year. This is the night which the almighty Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said about it, "The night of Al-Qadar (Decree) is better than a thousand months." [Surah al-Qadr, 97: 3]

The Night of Decree is one of the odd nights of the last ten nights of the blessed month of Ramadan. The angels descend down to the earth, and the earth is overwhelmed with peace and serenity until the break of dawn and when he doors of Paradise are opened, the worshipper is encouraged to turn to Allah to ask for his needs for this world and the Hereafter.

10. During The Rain

Narrated Sahel Ibn Sa'ad (RA): that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: 'Two will not be rejected, Supplication when the Adhan (call of prayer) is being called, and at the time of the rain'. [Abu Dawud ]

11. The One Who Is Suffering Injustice and Opression

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said to Mua'ad Ibn Jabal (RA), 'Beware of the supplication of the unjustly treated, because there is no shelter or veil between it (the supplication of the one who is suffering injustice) and Allah (SWT)' [Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) declared, 'Three men whose dua is never rejected (by Allah) are: the fasting person until he breaks his fast (in another narration, when he breaks fast), the just ruler and the one who is oppressed.' [Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi - Hasan]

12. The Traveler, Parents Supplication for child and Fasting person

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said; Three supplications will not be rejected (by Allah (SWT)), the supplication of the parent for his child, the supplication of the one who is fasting, and the supplication of the traveler. [at-Tirmidhi - Sahih]

13. Dua after praising Allah and giving salat on the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) in the tashahhud at the end of salat.

Narrated Faddalah ibn Ubayd (RA): that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: 'When anyone of you makes du'a, let him start by glorifying his Lord and praising Him, then let him send blessings upon the Prophet (SAW), then let him pray for whatever he wants' [at-Tirmidhi ]

14. The dua of a Muslim for his absent brother or sister Muslim stemming from the heart.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “There is no believing servant who supplicates for his brother in his absence where the angels do not say, 'the same be for you” [Muslim]

16. Dua on the Day of Arafat

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: 'The best supplication is the supplication on the day of Arafat'. [at-Tirmidhi and Malik]

The day of Arafat is the essence and pinnacle of Hajj. On this great and momentous day, millions of worshippers gather together on one plain, from every corner of the world, with only one purpose in mind - to respone to the call of their Creator. During this auspicious day, Allah does not refuse the requests of His worshippers.

17. Dua during the month of Ramadan

Ramadan is month full of many blessings, thus the du'a of Ramadan is a blessed one.

This can be inferred from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) saying:”When Ramadan comes, the Doors of Mercy (another narration says Paradise) are opened, and the doors of Hell are closed, and the Shaitans are locked up”. Thus, it is clear that du'a during Ramadan has a greater chance of being accepted, as the Gates of Paradise and Mercy are opened. [Sahih al-Bukhari, Muslim]

18. When Muslims gather for the purpose of invoking and remembering Allah (Dhikrullah).

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: If a group of people sit together remembering Allah, the angels will circle them, mercy will shroud them, peace will descend onto them and Allah will remember them among those with Him. [Muslim]

19. First Ten days of Dhul-Hijjah

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: 'There are no days during which good deeds are more beloved to Allah than during these ten days' [Sahih al-Bukhari]

20. Dua when the heart reaches out to Allah and is ready to be totally sincere

21. At Midnight

Abu Umamah (RA) said, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was questioned; 'Which du'a is heard (by Allah)?' He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) answered, 'At midnight and at the end of every obligatory prayer.' [at-Tirmidhi - Hasan]

(11) Why our prayers are not answered:

1. Praying to other than Allah:

The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) taught his cousin Ibn ‘Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him,“ When you ask, ask of Allah; and when you seek help, seek help from Allah.“ (TIRMIDHI)

Therefore, Always ask Allah directly seeking no intermediary between us and Him.

Allah says: And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad ﷺ) 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 (without any mediator or intercessor). So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright (2:186)

2. Being heedless:

When making Dua’a, we should collect your heart, stay focused, and consciously think of the One you are calling upon. The Prophet ﷺsaid: “You should know that Allah does not answer the dua’a that comes from a heedless heart.” (Tirmidhi)

3. Lack of Sincerity:

Allah says:“Call then upon Allah with sincere devotion to Him.” (40:14)

4. Doubting Allah’s response:

When we make Dua’a, we should put our trust in Allah and be sure of Allah’s response. Never think of the bad deeds we have committed, because Allah is the Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful.

The Holy Prophet ﷺ taught “ Make dua’a while being certain of the response.” (Tirmidhi)

5. Showing Impatience:

We should never be hasty while making dua’a nor stop making dua’a because you do not get a response. The Noble Prophetﷺ: “ The (dua’a) of anyone of you maybe answered( by Allah) as long as he does show impatience by saying, “ I prayed to Allah but my prayers have not been answered.” (Bukhari)

6. Earning harm(unfawful) income:

We should make sure we earn income from halal(lawful) resources, otherwise our dua’a will be rejected. The Prophetﷺ, then made mention of a person who travels widely, his hair dishevelled, and covered with dust. "He lifts his hands and makes supplication, 'O Lord, O Lord,' but his diet is unlawful, his drink is unlawful, and his clothes are unlawful, and his nourishment is unlawful. How then can his supplication be accepted?" (Muslim and Ahmad)

''O you Messengers! Eat of the good things and do righteous actions.''[3:51]

''O you who Believe! Eat of the good things wherewith We have provided you.''[2:172]

7. Praying for sin:

We must avoid any kind of prayer that involves a sin, especially severing kinship ties. The Noble Prophet ﷺsaid, “ The Dua’a of anyone of you maybe answered by Allah as long as his does not involve a bad deed or severing kinship ties.” (Tirmidhi)

8. Neither enjoins good nor forbids evil:

Hudhaifah (May Allah bepleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺsaid, "By Him in Whose Hand my life is, you either enjoin good and forbid evil, or Allah will certainly soon send His punishment to you. Then you will make supplication and it will not be accepted". [At-Tirmidhi].

If you are committing any sin which you are aware of, then it is best advised to stop committing that sin so that Allah will answer your dua’s. We don’t know which sin of ours is stopping Allah from accepting our prayers.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺsaid, "Any Muslim who makes a supplication containing nothing which is sinful, or which involves breaking ties of relationship, will be given for it by Allah one of three things:

1.He will give him swift answer,

2.or store it up for him in the next world,

3. or turn away from him an equivalent amount of evil."

Those who heard it said they would then make many supplications and he ﷺreplied that Allah was more ready to answer than they were to ask!(Al-Tirmidhi Hadith)

(12) Wikipedia

There is a special emphasis on du'a in Muslim spirituality and early Muslims took great care to record the supplications of Muhammad and transmit them to subsequent generations. These traditions precipitated new genres of literature in which prophetic supplications were gathered together in single volumes that were memorized and taught.

Collections such as Al-Nawawi's Kitab al-adhkar and Shams al-Din al-Jazari's al-Hisn al-Hasin exemplify this literary trend and gained significant currency among Muslim devotees keen to learn how Muhammad supplicated to God.

However, Du'a literature is not restricted to prophetic supplications; many later Muslim scholars and sages composed their own supplications, often in elaborate rhyming prose that would be recited by their disciples.

Popular du'as would include Muhammad al-Jazuli's Dala'il al-Khayrat, which at its peak spread throughout the Muslim world,

and Abul Hasan ash-Shadhili's Hizb al-Bahr which also had widespread appeal.

Du'a literature reaches its most lyrical form in the Munajat, or 'whispered intimate prayers' such as those of Ibn 'Ata Allah. Among the Shia schools, the Al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya records du'as attributed to Ali and his grandson Ali ibn al-Husayn Zayn al-‘Abidin.

(13) QURANIC DUAS

وَمِنهُم مَن يَقولُ رَبَّنا آتِنا فِي الدُّنيا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنا عَذابَ النّارِ

1. Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the life to come and keep us safe from the torment of the Fire (2:201)
رَبَّنا أَفرِغ عَلَينا صَبرًا وَثَبِّت أَقدامَنا وَانصُرنا عَلَى القَومِ الكافِرينَ

2. Our Lord! Bestow on us endurance and make our foothold sure and give us help against those who reject faith. (2:250)

رَبَّنا لا تُؤاخِذنا إِن نَسينا أَو أَخطَأنا ۚ

3. Our Lord! Take us not to task if we forget or fall into error. (2:286)

رَبَّنا وَلا تَحمِل عَلَينا إِصرًا كَما حَمَلتَهُ عَلَى الَّذينَ مِن قَبلِنا

4. Our Lord! Lay not upon us such a burden as You did lay upon those before us. (2:286)

رَبَّنا وَلا تُحَمِّلنا ما لا طاقَةَ لَنا بِهِ ۖ وَاعفُ عَنّا وَاغفِر لَنا وَارحَمنا ۚ أَنتَ مَولانا فَانصُرنا عَلَى القَومِ الكافِرينَ

5. Our Lord! Impose not on us that which we have not the strength to bear, grant us forgiveness and have mercy on us. You are our Protector. Help us against those who deny the truth. (2:286)

رَبَّنا لا تُزِغ قُلوبَنا بَعدَ إِذ هَدَيتَنا وَهَب لَنا مِن لَدُنكَ رَحمَةً ۚ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ الوَهّابُ

6. Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate from the truth after You have guided us, and bestow upon us mercy from Your grace. Verily You are the Giver of bounties without measure. (3:8)

رَبَّنَا اغفِر لَنا ذُنوبَنا وَإِسرافَنا في أَمرِنا وَثَبِّت أَقدامَنا وَانصُرنا عَلَى القَومِ الكافِرينَ

7. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and the lack of moderation in our doings, and make firm our steps and succour us against those who deny the truth. (3:147)

رَبَّنا إِنَّكَ مَن تُدخِلِ النّارَ فَقَد أَخزَيتَهُ ۖ وَما لِلظّالِمينَ مِن أَنصارٍ

8. Our Lord! Whomsoever You shall commit to the Fire, truly You have brought [him] to disgrace, and never will wrongdoers find any helpers (3:192)
رَبَّنا إِنَّنا سَمِعنا مُنادِيًا يُنادي لِلإيمانِ أَن آمِنوا بِرَبِّكُم فَآمَنّا

9. Our Lord! Behold we have heard a voice calling us unto faith: "Believe in your Lord" and we have believed. (3:193)

رَبَّنا فَاغفِر لَنا ذُنوبَنا وَكَفِّر عَنّا سَيِّئَاتِنا وَتَوَفَّنا مَعَ الأَبرارِ

10. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and efface our bad deeds and take our souls in the company of the righteous. (3:193)

رَبَّنا وَآتِنا ما وَعَدتَنا عَلىٰ رُسُلِكَ وَلا تُخزِنا يَومَ القِيامَةِ ۗ إِنَّكَ لا تُخلِفُ الميعادَ

11. Our Lord! And grant us that which you have promised to us by Your messengers and save us from shame on the Day of Judgement. Verily You never fail to fulfill Your promise. (3:194)

رَبَّنا ظَلَمنا أَنفُسَنا وَإِن لَم تَغفِر لَنا وَتَرحَمنا لَنَكونَنَّ مِنَ الخاسِرينَ

12. Our Lord! We have sinned against ourselves, and unless You grant us forgiveness and bestow Your mercy upon us, we shall most certainly be lost! (7:23)

قالوا رَبَّنا لا تَجعَلنا مَعَ القَومِ الظّالِمينَ

13. Our Lord! Place us not among the people who have been guilty of evildoing. (7:47)

رَبَّنَا افتَح بَينَنا وَبَينَ قَومِنا بِالحَقِّ وَأَنتَ خَيرُ الفاتِحينَ

14. Our Lord! Lay open the truth between us and our people, for You are the best of all to lay open the truth. (7:89)

رَبَّنا أَفرِغ عَلَينا صَبرًا وَتَوَفَّنا مُسلِمينَ

15. Our Lord! Pour out on us patience and constancy, and make us die as those who have surrendered themselves unto You. (7:126)

رَبَّنا لا تَجعَلنا فِتنَةً لِلقَومِ الظّالِمينَ وَنَجِّنا بِرَحمَتِكَ مِنَ القَومِ الكافِرينَ

16. Our Lord! Make us not a trial for the evildoing folk, and save as by Your mercy from people who deny the truth (10:85-86)

رَبَّنا إِنَّكَ تَعلَمُ ما نُخفي وَما نُعلِنُ ۗ وَما يَخفىٰ عَلَى اللَّهِ مِن شَيءٍ فِي الأَرضِ وَلا فِي السَّماءِ

17. Our Lord! You truly know all that we may hide [in our hearts] as well as all that we bring into the open, for nothing whatever, be it on earth or in heaven, remains hidden from Allah (14:38)

رَبَّنا آتِنا مِن لَدُنكَ رَحمَةً وَهَيِّئ لَنا مِن أَمرِنا رَشَدًا

18. Our Lord! Bestow on us mercy from Your presence and dispose of our affairs for us in the right way. (18:10)

رَبَّنا هَب لَنا مِن أَزواجِنا وَذُرِّيّاتِنا قُرَّةَ أَعيُنٍ وَاجعَلنا لِلمُتَّقينَ إِمامًا

19. Our Lord! Grant that our spouses and our offspring be a comfort to our eyes, and give us the grace to lead those who are conscious of You. (25:74)

رَبَّنا وَسِعتَ كُلَّ شَيءٍ رَحمَةً وَعِلمًا فَاغفِر لِلَّذينَ تابوا وَاتَّبَعوا سَبيلَكَ وَقِهِم عَذابَ الجَحيمِ

20. Our Lord! You embrace all things within Your Grace and Knowledge, forgive those who repent and follow Your path, and ward off from them the punishment of Hell. (40:7)

رَبَّنا وَأَدخِلهُم جَنّاتِ عَدنٍ الَّتي وَعَدتَهُم وَمَن صَلَحَ مِن آبائِهِم وَأَزواجِهِم وَذُرِّيّاتِهِم ۚ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ العَزيزُ الحَكيمُ

21. Our Lord! Make them enter the Garden of Eden which You have promised to them, and to the righteous from among their fathers, their wives and their offspring, for verily You are alone the Almighty and the truly Wise. (40:8)

رَبَّنَا اكشِف عَنَّا العَذابَ إِنّا مُؤمِنونَ

22. Our Lord! Relieve us of the torment, for we do really believe. (44:12)

رَبَّنَا اغفِر لَنا وَلِإِخوانِنَا الَّذينَ سَبَقونا بِالإيمانِ وَلا تَجعَل في قُلوبِنا غِلًّا لِلَّذينَ آمَنوا رَبَّنا إِنَّكَ رَءوفٌ رَحيمٌ

23. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins as well as those of our brethren who proceeded us in faith and let not our hearts entertain any unworthy thoughts or feelings against [any of] those who have believed. Our Lord! You are indeed full of kindness and Most Merciful (59:10)

رَبَّنا عَلَيكَ تَوَكَّلنا وَإِلَيكَ أَنَبنا وَإِلَيكَ المَصيرُ

24. Our Lord! In You we have placed our trust, and to You do we turn in repentance, for unto You is the end of all journeys. (60:4)

رَبَّنا أَتمِم لَنا نورَنا وَاغفِر لَنا ۖ إِنَّكَ عَلىٰ كُلِّ شَيءٍ قَديرٌ

25.Our Lord! Perfect our light for us and forgive us our sins, for verily You have power over all things. (66:8)

Taken from www.jannah.org

(14) Surah 47/19

فَاعلَم أَنَّهُ لا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَاستَغفِر لِذَنبِكَ وَلِلمُؤمِنينَ وَالمُؤمِناتِ وَاللَّهُ يَعلَمُ مُتَقَلَّبَكُم وَمَثواكُم

(15) Prophets’ Dua:

When Adam and Eve were expelled from heaven Adam turned to God in repentance.

"Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You forgive us not, and bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall certainly be of the losers."(Quran 7:23)

Humankind continues to make mistakes and commit sins but we only harm ourselves. Our sins and mistakes do not harm God. However if God does not forgive us and have mercy on us, we will surely be among the losers.

When Prophet Jonah awoke in the belly of the whale he thought he was dead and was lying in the darkness of his grave. He felt around him and realised that this was not a grave but the belly of the giant whale. He was afraid and raised his voice calling out to God.

“None has the right to be worshipped but you oh God, far removed are you from every imperfection and truly I have been one of the wrongdoers!” (Quran 21:87)

Throughout his life Prophet Job was put through many trials and tests by God but he remained steadfast, patient and was constantly turning to God for forgiveness. Even when he felt at his most helpless he did not complain but turned to God and begged for forgiveness. He said:

“Verily distress has seized me and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy.” (Quran 21:83)

Prophet Moses was forced to flee Egypt and walk out into the desert to face an unknown future. After walking for more than a week across the burning sands, he came to an oasis. It was there that this man of honour helped the women at the well before flinging himself under a tree and calling out to God for help.

Moses knew that God was the only One who could deliver him from his predicament, so he turned to God and before his supplication was finished help was on its way. Moses was probably hoping for a slice of bread or a handful of dates but instead God gave him safety, provisions and a family.

“My Lord! Truly, I am in need of whatever good that You bestow on me!” (Quran 28: 24)

There are lessons for humankind throughout the story of Prophet Moses. When Moses was sent by God to confront Pharaoh, he was afraid that he would not be able to live up to God’s demands, but instead of complaining or despairing Moses turned to God and made dua.

“O my Lord! Open for me my chest (grant me self-confidence, contentment, and boldness). And ease my task for me; and make loose the knot (the defect) from my tongue, (remove the incorrectness of my speech) that they understand my speech.” (Quran 20:25-28)

After Moses learned of the great evil his people had committed by building the golden calf, he was angry. However, even amidst such wrongdoing he called upon God to have mercy upon them all.

“You are our Protector, so forgive us and have Mercy on us, for You are the best of those who forgive. And ordain for us good in this world, and in the Hereafter.” (Quran 7:155-156)

King (and Prophet) Solomon was acutely aware of the power of God. He always praised God for any condition that he was put in.

He said, “All praise and thanks is due to God” (Quran 27: 15). Solomon also understood that no power or strength would be his, unless he requested it from God. He made dua and asked for a kingdom that would never be surpassed. God granted his request and Prophet Solomon reigned over an empire the like of which we cannot imagine.

“He said, “My Lord! Forgive me, and bestow upon me a kingdom such as shall not belong to any other after me. Verily, You are the Bestower.”(Quran 38:35)

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