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The Power of Dua By Khalid Baig
Once Prophet Muhammad Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam passed by a people who were suffering from some affliction. "Why don't they make dua (pray ) to Allah for protection," he said. With all the suffering and disasters Muslims are facing in various parts of the world, the question can be directed to all of us today.
It is not that we have forgotten dua completely; we refer to it regularly. But, our ideas and practice regarding dua have become distorted. Often it is reduced to the level of a ritual. Generally it is considered when all our efforts have failed --- an act of last resort. It is belittled through actions and sometimes even with words. Is it any wonder that today mostly a mention of dua is meant to indicate the hopelessness of a situation.
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 ibadah 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.
Dua is conversation with Allah, our 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.
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 same is true of all other difficulties we may encounter.
Dua is the essence of ibadah. 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. Dua is conversation with Allah … It is the most uplifting, liberating, empowering, and transforming conversation a person can ever have. 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 Sall-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 Salatuddin 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.
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.
We should make dua at all times, not only during times of distress. The Prophet Muhammad Sall-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 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 no body 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.
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 Sall-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.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
A Muslim is....
A Muslim is one who is committed to live a life of constant striving in submission to the will of his Creator.
Saturday, January 09, 2010
if only....
Sometimes in our lives, we would find ourselves lamenting, "IF only we had done this, it wouldn't have happened! "
Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: "Seek out that which benefits you, seek help only from Allah and never say you can't do it. If any adversity comes to you do not say: 'If I had only acted in such-and-such a way, it would have been such-and-such;' but instead, say: 'Allah has decreed (it) and what He willed, He has done,' for verily, (the word) ‘if’ opens the way for the work of Satan." [Sahih Muslim]
Through this hadith Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) tells us to:
1. Seek the beneficial.
2. Ask Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) for help.
3. Be optimistic. Nothing is impossible if Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) wills it for you.
4. Don’t cry over spilt milk.
5. Trust Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) in what He has willed for you.
Time is like a river . . . You cannot touch the same water twice, because the flow has passed and will never pass again. If there is something that will benefit you, make every effort and go after it! Seek it out! There is no failure, only lessons.
Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: "Seek out that which benefits you, seek help only from Allah and never say you can't do it. If any adversity comes to you do not say: 'If I had only acted in such-and-such a way, it would have been such-and-such;' but instead, say: 'Allah has decreed (it) and what He willed, He has done,' for verily, (the word) ‘if’ opens the way for the work of Satan." [Sahih Muslim]
Through this hadith Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) tells us to:
1. Seek the beneficial.
2. Ask Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) for help.
3. Be optimistic. Nothing is impossible if Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) wills it for you.
4. Don’t cry over spilt milk.
5. Trust Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) in what He has willed for you.
Time is like a river . . . You cannot touch the same water twice, because the flow has passed and will never pass again. If there is something that will benefit you, make every effort and go after it! Seek it out! There is no failure, only lessons.
Friday, January 08, 2010
Words of Wisdom (Part 5)
Never leave an atoms weight of your regular devotional practice
Never be lenient with yourself in either in lax times or times of high resolve; indeed should you miss some of your practice in a given time, redress in another time.
If you are not able to do your usual practice, at least occupy yourself with something similar.
Never obey your ego, even for a moment or believe any of its claims; no matter what it tells you. Be vigilant about your resolve in all your affairs to your utmost. In fact, should you resolve to do something then do it immediately, before the resolve wanes.
Examine your soul constantly in matters that you are obliged to do, or are needed to be done, anything you are in no need of doing, leave it; even if it’s something recommended. That means not involving your self in anything other than absolutely necessary things and real discernable needs.
Treat others as you yourself would like to be treated and fulfil to them what is due to them.
As the poet says;“If you desire to live such that your religion is safe and your portion is full and your honour is sound; guard your tongue and never mention another’s fault, remembering you yourself have faults and others have tongues.
Watch your eyes, should it ever reveal to you the faults of others say to it; “oh my eye other people have eyes too.”
Live treating others well and avoid aggression; should others aggress against you leave them but in the best way.
As the Prophet (saw) said;
“Be vigilant of Allah wherever you are, and follow a misdeed with a good deed and it will remove it. And treat others with the most excellent of characters.”
Also he (saw) said;
“Every child of Adam makes mistakes and the best of those who make mistakes is the one who seeks to redress them.” (I asks for forgiveness for them (Tawba).
Again he (saw) says;
“The holy spirit inspired my hearts core; that no soul will die until it fulfils its decreed portion of this world and its appointed time here. So, be conscious of Allah and make your request with dignity.”
In summation:
The truth is clear and its details are weighty and significant.
The affairs belong to Allah; success is in his hands
Never be lenient with yourself in either in lax times or times of high resolve; indeed should you miss some of your practice in a given time, redress in another time.
If you are not able to do your usual practice, at least occupy yourself with something similar.
Never obey your ego, even for a moment or believe any of its claims; no matter what it tells you. Be vigilant about your resolve in all your affairs to your utmost. In fact, should you resolve to do something then do it immediately, before the resolve wanes.
Examine your soul constantly in matters that you are obliged to do, or are needed to be done, anything you are in no need of doing, leave it; even if it’s something recommended. That means not involving your self in anything other than absolutely necessary things and real discernable needs.
Treat others as you yourself would like to be treated and fulfil to them what is due to them.
As the poet says;“If you desire to live such that your religion is safe and your portion is full and your honour is sound; guard your tongue and never mention another’s fault, remembering you yourself have faults and others have tongues.
Watch your eyes, should it ever reveal to you the faults of others say to it; “oh my eye other people have eyes too.”
Live treating others well and avoid aggression; should others aggress against you leave them but in the best way.
As the Prophet (saw) said;
“Be vigilant of Allah wherever you are, and follow a misdeed with a good deed and it will remove it. And treat others with the most excellent of characters.”
Also he (saw) said;
“Every child of Adam makes mistakes and the best of those who make mistakes is the one who seeks to redress them.” (I asks for forgiveness for them (Tawba).
Again he (saw) says;
“The holy spirit inspired my hearts core; that no soul will die until it fulfils its decreed portion of this world and its appointed time here. So, be conscious of Allah and make your request with dignity.”
In summation:
The truth is clear and its details are weighty and significant.
The affairs belong to Allah; success is in his hands
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Words of Wisdom (Part 4)
Never be fanatical about anything, whether it is the truth or whether it is falsehood for your heart will then remain in a state of soundness towards others.
Never claim anything that you are entitled to, not to mention what you are not entitled to and you will be safe from tricks and treachery. This is so because anyone who claims some rank above their own will fall in humiliation. Whereas those who claim a rank they warrant will have it stripped from them. While those who claim a station less than their true rank will be elevated to even higher levels then what they deserve.
Never give your companion anything of your state other than what his own state warrants this is so because if you go down to his state, he will show you contempt, whereas if you attempt to raise him up to your level he will abandon you.
Never demand a right from anyone, whether an intimate or a stranger. The reason for this is: in reality, a stranger owes you nothing; and someone close to you is too precious to direct your blame to him.
Never assume that anyone in this world can really understand your circumstances other than from the perspective of his own circumstances; this is so because in reality everyone sees in accordance to their frame of reference and their personal path. However where aims, purposes and aspirations are similar, people tend to work together towards a common goal.
Never belittle any talk that involves absent people; even though there is no harm in it due to the possibility of harm entering into it.
Guard your secrets even if you feel safe with someone because the one you divulge your secret to, is not a safer place than from your own heart form once it emanated.
Never claim anything that you are entitled to, not to mention what you are not entitled to and you will be safe from tricks and treachery. This is so because anyone who claims some rank above their own will fall in humiliation. Whereas those who claim a rank they warrant will have it stripped from them. While those who claim a station less than their true rank will be elevated to even higher levels then what they deserve.
Never give your companion anything of your state other than what his own state warrants this is so because if you go down to his state, he will show you contempt, whereas if you attempt to raise him up to your level he will abandon you.
Never demand a right from anyone, whether an intimate or a stranger. The reason for this is: in reality, a stranger owes you nothing; and someone close to you is too precious to direct your blame to him.
Never assume that anyone in this world can really understand your circumstances other than from the perspective of his own circumstances; this is so because in reality everyone sees in accordance to their frame of reference and their personal path. However where aims, purposes and aspirations are similar, people tend to work together towards a common goal.
Never belittle any talk that involves absent people; even though there is no harm in it due to the possibility of harm entering into it.
Guard your secrets even if you feel safe with someone because the one you divulge your secret to, is not a safer place than from your own heart form once it emanated.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
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