Islamic marriage advice and family advice

Amazing Power of Dua

Sunrays and clouds in a blue sky

I am reprinting this article from Albalagh.net because I found it to be eloquent and moving.

The Power of Dua

The dua can change our life, our outlook, and our fate. It is the most potent weapon of a believer.

By Khalid Baig
POSTED: 14 RABI-UL-AWWAL 1423, 27 MAY 2002

Once Prophet Muhammad (sal-Allahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) passed by a people who were suffering from some affliction. "Why don't they make dua (prayer) 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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 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 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.

47 Responses »

  1. Thanks in a easy and good way you explain about dua,as we are servant of allah,how to beg from the creator of every thing.he is the only one who give us to live to feed in the world,thanks again to show the truth when you in front of your allah the way of conversation,

  2. Dear sir,

    I was in a relationship with a guy for one year we both are divorced and last month he told me he does not feel for me any more and its over. He still calls me at times. I miss and love him and I want to be with him. I feel confused that should I pray to Allah that he gives him back to me and we get married as I feel a little hope or shall I just move on.
    Can I perform Salat al istikhara to know if i should pray and hope him to come back or just accept it as will of Allah that he will never come back?
    I am asking this should I pray for him to come back or not as it is said that dua can grant your prayers and can change the fate.
    Thanks

  3. dear wael
    thanks for ur reply and comment. i would like ti clear i dnt want to go back to my ex husband. thus guy is after him. now can u advise.
    thanks.

  4. Salaam,

    Thank you for your beautiful explanation about dua.

  5. i will just add a single comment to it . ''spoiled relations are more painful than broken ones '' you are lucky enuff that you have a broken one and now dont make it spoil ......... later or sooner you will forget him once you cutt off your connections with him and as soon as you come in love with some one else and this is the real fact of life ..............................

  6. I was with a man that I intended on getting married to, we both were. However I made the biggest mistake of concealing my dreaded past of having a previous relationship with a man when i was 18 (whom i also was supposed to marry) 8 years have past and I have repented and have left it in my past. after two months of being with this current man I finally told him about it, and now he is completely turned around and has second thoughts about me. I agree I lied when he did ask about my past I said it was only him, but I made a mistake I feared that he would view me differently . it has been 2 days now that he is not speaking to me, and says to give him a few more days to think. The problem is that I already introduced him to my immediate family! they all have approved of him and now im so confused and lost. I have spent these past three days in absolute pain n misery I haven't slept and have cried so much my eyes are swollen. I love this man more then life its self!I cant and dont want to marry anyone else but him! Please help me, I have prayed plenty and have recited the Ayat al Kursi over 20 x's, is there any Duo's i can perform.. Please I need the help I feel so helpless and miserable! I made a mistake I am a good person who just wants a life of my own a good Islamic life.

  7. asalamualaikum brother and sister

    yesterday i had a trial of my death. its not that i was sick or somthing yesterday in melbourne, had an earthqueck for about 1min was so scared and touched my heart how to feel when we will die, do pray for us.

    may allah forgive us and bless

    walaikumasalam
    nadia

  8. i had a relationship with a guy for 2 years.but he left me giving some silly reason,i cant move on.iwant him back,i heard there is a dua which can help one to get his or her lost love back?may i know which dua is that?

    • There is no such dua. Besides, why would you want to reunite with someone who abandoned you? What you really need is to get over your attachment to this guy. Make dua' to Allah to ease your heart, and release you from your attachment to that man, and to bring you a good husband who will live with you in love and happiness.

      Wael
      IslamicAnswers.com Editor

  9. As salamu alaykum,
    Jasakallahu hair for your explanation of dua..

  10. Can one of the admin tell me the meaning of this dua please....

    Allahuma rabb al-daula, haadi al-daula
    Anta tahadi min al-daula
    Urdut auleya daulletti fa innaha min aatau’ika wa fadlak.

  11. My boyfriend can not decide if he wants to live with me and marry me or stay the way he is. He really loves me and I love him very much but circumstances around him make him not convinced to make decision. Can you please tell me which Dua should I use and what to do to make him make a decision?

    • Break off your relationship with him and let him know that if he wants to be with you he must come to your family and propose marriage. You'll find out one way or another whether he is serious or not.

      Wael
      IslamicAnswers.com Editor

      • Assalam - o - Alaikum,
        Brother Wael, this article is indeed very comforting. As the article itself says, Du`a' can change Qadar, and "Nothing is too big for Whom we are asking from; nothing is too small for the one who is asking". I believe Allah (S.W.T) can do anything He (S.W.T) wishes to.

        So I have heard, reciting Ziyarat e Ashura for 40 days gives you wonders. Is it okay for the purpose of getting married to a specific person? Many people have narrated its wonderful results, even happening before 40 days. I have already told the guy that I loved him but I am not in a relationship. We are not that old to get married yet.

        I have also heard Surah Taha and Hazrat Dawood's (A.S) Du`a' also work effectively for these purposes. What do you think?

        What if I get my periods in between?

        Jazak Allaah Khair. 🙂

        • Your Dua will only come true if Allah wills it, not if you will it. It doesn't matter if you recite a dua 40 times, 100 times, 38 times, 41 times, or once.

          • That is true in a sense but remember "I am as My servant sees Me". You must believe He is going to fulfill your desire or replace it with something better. If you have doubts about His sincerity, your dua will never be accepted.

  12. Assalamu Alaykum
    Thank you for the explanation of duas.
    Indeed I know how duas are powerful.
    It is the sole moment you are alone with your Creator, you smile, you cry, you ask questions, talk like a friend with Him.(such is my view, because this is how i do it)

    I want to ask my muslim brothers and sisters to make dua for me to come out of many many many difficult financial situation. I am so much struggling to live. I also love a man, we were due to marry in a few days, unfortunately he has been arrested at border. He is in detention. Very nice and good man, Ma Sha Allah.
    Please make duahs, he get released soon. I cannot abandon him, as he would never abandon me and my child. He loves us a lot.
    Definitely, In Sha Allah, as soon as he gets out, he has his money, he will help me financially. But for now, we both need your duahs.
    Jazak Allah
    Nasreen

  13. u wrote it down that, dua can change the fate? i need hawala from quran and hadith to believe it

  14. Does the Istikhara (Taking out Faal) from Quran is valid ?

  15. i want success in exam how can i get? plzz suggest me dua

  16. Any dua to keep yourself safe from the person who is bad?

  17. i want to know meaning of my dreams i realy need help plz help

  18. Please dua for me that Allah Gives me a Healthy and sweet son. I bundles of thanks to Allah who gives me a sweet daughter. and now please dua for me to gives me a baby boy.

    Best Regard

    Fawad Khalid

    • May Allah grant you a healthy son who will be a joy to your heart, and who will be a steadfast believer.

      Wael
      IslamicAnswers.com Editor

  19. I desperately need help might sound funny but I have no choice by askin your advice. I never watch horror movie but 5days ago I don't know why I watched one horror movie since that day I am having fear can't eat can't sleep nothing my heart beats fast if I am alone in the room any dua? Plz respond me ASAP

    Thank you

    • Seek refuge with Allah from Shaytan; recite Quran; try to visit someplace peaceful and beautiful like a botanical park or lake, and let the peaceful environment soothe you. And do not watch such things in the future.

      Wael
      IslamicAnswers.com Editor

  20. May all your attachments, of all you women out there, prove fruitful and put both of you on path to Allah. May all your afflictions of all you women concerned with your men pass away. May Allah create love and peace between you two. WallahuIlm.

  21. asc brather or sister am lokking advice and i don't know where get plaese i needhelp

  22. Is there any dua to help someone in a lot of difficulty, misery and hardship?
    I feel lkke I've given up lost hope 🙁

  23. AAssalamu AAlaikkum
    DearDear brothers and sister
    Plz guide me i need to ask dua for forget our past. i want my memory clean (amnesia) is it permit uus to ask dis or prohibited.... Plz tell me an advise for dat

  24. assalamualaikum warematullahi wabarakaatuhu.......i need a gud job in gud company is der any dua for getting a job soon and to get successful in interviews....

  25. Assalamwalekum editors and staff
    As the nights of laila qadar are almost upon us, i was wondering if it was possible for you to suggest any particular prayers for these nights and what is the right way to spend these nights and benefit from them.
    Perhaps you could do an article on it so that others also could benefit or just please reply to comment. I would really like to know abd follow through.
    Jaza kala khair

    • 36832: How should we observe Laylat al-Qadr and when is it?
      How should we observe Laylat al-Qadr? Is it by praying, or by reading Qur’aan and the Prophet’s Seerah, listening to lectures and lessons and by celebrating it in the mosque?.
      Praise be to Allaah.
      Firstly:

      The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to strive hard in worship during the last ten days of Ramadaan as he never did at any other time, praying, reading Qur’aan and making du’aa’. Al-Bukhaari and Muslim narrated from ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) that when the last ten days of Ramadaan came, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) would stay up at night and would wake his family up, and would abstain from marital relations. Ahmad and Muslim narrated that he used to used to strive hard in worship during the last ten days of Ramadaan as he never did at any other time.

      Secondly:

      The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) enjoined staying up and praying on Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and in the hope of reward. It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever stays up and prays on Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” Agreed upon. This hadeeth indicates that it is prescribed to observe Laylat al-Qadr by spending the night in prayer.

      Thirdly:

      One of the best du’aa’s that may be recited on Laylat al-Qadr is that which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) taught to ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her). Al-Tirmidhi narrated, and classed the report as saheeh, that ‘Aa’ishah said: “I said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, if I know which night is Laylat al-Qadr, what should I say on that night?’ He said, ‘Say: Allaahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibb al-‘afwa fa’affu ‘anni (O Allaah, You are forgiving and You love forgiveness, so forgive me).”

      Fourthly:

      With regard to specifying which night of Ramadaan is Laylat al-Qadr, this needs specific evidence, but the odd-numbered nights during the last ten nights are more likely than others, and the night of the twenty-seventh is the most likely to be Laylat al-Qadr, because that is mentioned in the ahaadeeth.

      Fifthly:

      With regard to innovations, they are not permissible during Ramadaan or at other times. It was proven that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever innovates anything in this matter of ours that is not part of it will have it rejected.” According to another report, “Whoever does any action that is not part of this matter of ours will have it rejected.”

      We know of no basis for the celebrations that are held during some nights of Ramadaan. The best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and the worst of matters are those which are innovated (bid’ah).

      And Allaah is the Source of strength. May Allaah send blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions.

      http://islamqa.info/en/36832

  26. Also sister in some mosques there will be separate arrangements for Ladies to offer Taraveeh namaz .
    I am from Bangalore ,India and there are some mosques where women come and pray Taraveeh in the night (separate hall from men ) ...I think this will be good to pray ...

    • Jaza kala khair.
      I also come from india but from a very small town in tje north and the tarawee option for women is unfortunately not available here. I just elongate my tahajud and read and liaten to as much Quran as i can.

  27. Assalam o alaikum everyone .... Last days I got proposal for marriage from my cousin (from my father's side) my family forced me to marry him but I don't want to be married there. I don't know but my heart don't accept that proposal . They gave me 2 years time to think about it. So I decided instead of arguing with my parents and family I should pray to ALLAH to get out of this situation. So can anyone suggest me duas (quran verses may be?)for a girl's proposal I mean duas for getting marry with the person as I wish to have?

    • Why can't you be upfront and just tell your parents instead of going through emotional turmoil. Getting married isn't a light matter, it's effecting two lives, better to be honest and stand your ground rather than praying and wishing that a miracle happens.

      Forces marriages are unacceptable, I'm surprised to see how many parents encourage it! Don't they say that their destroying their own child's life and that its against the word of God !

  28. Can someone please help me,my brother is 22years old and he drinks alcohol and smoke weed n also takes cockiness and he doesn't normally drinks when his at home but he drinks when he goes out with his mates n if he doesn't want to go out his friends threading me n he gets scared n goes out with them my mum is so stressed n his our only brother n we all love him too much his naive and dumb he can't use his own brain n his friends blackmails him to go out,we don't have any elder boys in our family who can confront his mate

    • Your brother is an adult. I am afraid he will have to make his own mistakes and suffer the consequences, and one day Insha'Allah he will realize the error of his ways and grow up.

      Wael
      IslamicAnswers.com Editor

  29. Assalam alikum,
    its been 4 years for my marriage but am still not conceived due to some health issue kindly update me some Dua and zikar so i can do it

  30. I'm 19 years old and have been really close to a guy the same age...

  31. Dua is an essential act of worship and a basic vital need of any living human being. No life can live without the Mercy of the Most Merciful Lord of all creations owner of everything, Sustainer of all and Bestower of all bounties.

    We therefore must not forget this reality by following blinding nonexistent egos and empty feelings of independence and ability to fed for ourselves through our personal skills, knowledge, hard work ,determination and intelligence. This is evil trapping to hoodwink us towards darkness and loss.

    May Allah protect us and guide us to the straight path, grant us forgiveness and mercy, bless us abundantly here and hereafter, and admit us paradise.

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