Salaam! 😃

Tis the final one ladies and gents! I knw..lets take a moment..ok moment gone!

(I didn't make a seperate blog for the conclusion even though long, cos 20's such a nice round nr, dont ya think? 😃 Anyhoo! Don't feel obliged to read it all in one go or be put of from reading it all together! That would be a shame since its a nice read and you've come this far, might as well finish it!)

September 19th: Chapter 16 - Innovations of Du'a

1. Habitually Reading Specified Du'as which are not Found in the Sunnah

So habitually reciting a certain du'a at regular times and intervals. One who performs du'a in this manner destroys the whole purpose of du'a - that of feeling poverty to Allah and showing sincerity and need to is Creator- when one parrots the same phrases hundreds of times in the course of a few days or weeks

2. Kissing One's Thumbs and Rubbing One's Eyes with them

It is common for people to do this when the prophet's(saw) name is mentioned. The basis of this act is a fabricated narration on the authority of Khidr, the Companion of Musa (as) but the chain of narrators is unknown.

3. Du'a in a Group

This is only permissible during certain occasions, such as the khutbah on Friday or during the Witr prayer

4. To Clasp One's Hands to One's Chest During Du'a

This is contrary to the proper manner of du'a as the sunnah is to ask with the palms outwards.

5. Tawassul with the Status of the Prophet(saw)

6. To Specify the Unspecified

What is meant by this is that a person specifies a certain time, place or a certain du'a that is not specified by the Shari'ah. So to make a habit of making du'a on say the 12th of Rabi al-Awal or at a certain location, is an innovation. Likwise, to specify a particular du'a before or after doing an act is also considered an innovation (unless such a specification is found in the sunnah.

Another example that is common is that during the tawaf (circumambulation around the Ka'bah) many people read specific du'as for each round, believing that this is part of the sunnah.

Other examples include making a New Year's wish or doing the same whilst blowing out candles etc.

The opposite of this principle is also true.If a specific du'a has been narrated in the sunnah for a specific occasion or a certain act, then it should not be used habitually except for the circumstance it has been narrated for. E.g. the du'a for entering the mosque should not be used every time someone enters a house or other structure etc

7. The Statment "May Allah Establish it and Preserve it"

This statement is made by many people after the statement of the mu'adhin: The prayer has been established". However, the basis of it is a weak narration

******CONCLUSION******

Du'a is a treasure that all people can possess, yet so few strive to achieve. It is a light that one can use to guide onself out of the darkest dilemma that one may be in. It is the wind that lifts the sails of one's hope and pushes one forth to one's destination. It is the sword that he can use to fight any and every enemy impeding's one path.

So ask yourself: what is the status of this affair in your life? How often do you turn to Allah? And for what matters do you turn to Him? How sincere are you in your requests? And do you ask Allah properly, conforming with the pre-requisites and etiquettes of du'a?

Or do you ask and ask, but do not care about the ways that you have blocked its response? Are you heedless of Allah, and turn to Him at times of need, only to forget Him when your du'a is answered?

Or do you despair of His infinite Mercy and Wisdom when your du'a is not responded to, forgetting and ignoring the countless other blessings that He has given you, and presuming of Allah evil thoughts?

Ponder over the answers to these questions and change your life accordingly to better the situation that you are in.

O you who does not turn to Allah at all, feeling himself to sinful to a merit a response! Are you worse than Iblis? For verily, if Allah can respond to his du'a, then surely you have more right to be responded to. Are you not aware of the vast treasures of Allah, and that He is al-Karim, the Ever-Generous?

Did He not create you out of nothing, and guide you to islam and bless you with so many blessings that you cannot even count them?

And if He gave all that you, without you even asking Him, then how much more will He give you when you raise your hands up to Him, seeking His Pleasure, believing in Him as your Rabb?

So ask Him and continue to ask Him, and the first matter that you should ask Him for is guidance, for verily it is the primary goal that you strive for.

O you who are in distress! Despair not of finding a solution to your problems. Verily, there is nothing that can overcome a sincere du'a, for Allah is capable of all things. And know that the response to the du'a will be proportionate to your sincerity to Allah.

If you desire a goal with such fervour and passion, then take the necessary precautions to obtain it. Make sure that you have asked Allah having fulfilled the conditions of du'a and ensure that you have removed any obstacles and impediments in the way of response.

O you whose du's is yet to be answered! Do not let Shaytan come between you and the response of your du'a. Be certain and have full faith that Allah will, of a surety respond to you but only if you have fulfilled the proper conditions of du'a/

Examine your own situation, and see if perhaps you have not blocked the response to your du'a by your own sins and actions. Ponder over the goal that you desire, and see whether it is possible that what you desire is in fact harmful for you, and Allah in His Infinite Wisdom and Mercy is depriving you of it for your own good.

If you fully believe with your heart that Allah is al-Mannan the One Who Gives Continously and Generously. So when you are dealing with One whose characteristics are these, then what do you fear?

O you who has had his du'a answered, and has seen the effects of his plea! Beware of forgetting your state when you were calling out to Allah, hopeful of a response, fearful of rejection. Remember your sincerity to Allah at that time and be careful not to let Shaytan cause to become heedless again.

Now that Allah has answered your du'a, it is incumbent on you to thank Him by increasing your worship of Him, and leaving the sins that you are doing. And beware of acting like the kafir, who when he needs Allah, calls out to Him in all sincerity, but when his du'a is answered, forgets the state that he was in, and leaves the worship of Allah.

Verily, your journey is long, and the perils are many. Your destination is far, and the path is treacherous. So utilise your du'a. Use it to ward off the evil of yourself and the evil of your enemies, and the evil that is destined for you. And use it to strive to reach your every goal and struggle to arrive at your desired destination.

Du'a is your sharpest sword and your strongest weapon.

Salaam! 😃

(yh, I knw what ur thinking..bout time! Good things are worth waiting for they say right? :p )

September 15th: Chapter 14 - Du'a and its Relationship with Destiny

The topic of du'a and its relationship with destiny (qadr) is a very important one, and around which much confusion exists. Many people ask "If everything has already been destined to occur, then of what use is du'a, if Allah has written what I want, I will get it without making du'a, and if it is not written for me, then I will never get it no matter how much du'a I make?"

The response to this question lies in understanding that the outcome of anything is dependent on the performance of the efforts that are necessary to procure it.

In other words, it has already been decreed, for example, that a seed will give fruit if planted, but this will not occur unless the farmer takes the appropriate efforts in irrigating the crop, maintaining it, protecting the seedling as it grows,a nd ensuring as much as he can that the factors are amenable for the plant to give fruit.

So even though a person believes in the Divine Decree, he must at the same time strive all that he can to ensure that the desired goal occurs. So du'a is the means that one uses to achieve the desired goal that one has, and this means that the du'a provides, in no way contradicts the destiny that has been written for that person.

This stance is clarified by the prophet's(saw) hadith reported by Thawban, that he(saw) said "Nothing increases one's lifespan except good deeds, and nothing repels Divine Decree except du'a. And verily, a person may be deprived of sustenance due to a sin that he does!"

In other words, the performance of good deeds is a cause of increasing one's lifespan, so if a person puts in the necessary effort, the result will be achived, and this is also destined. So both the means to achieve a goal, and the fulfilment of the goal itself, are already decreed.

16th of September:

If someone were to ask "How can du'a repel Divine Decree?" We would respond "The fact that you may be ill has already been decreed by Allah for you, as has the fact that you will ask Allah to cure you of this illness has also been decreed. In a similar manner, a person may be deprived of his sustenance that was decreed for him, since Allah's eternal knowledge encompassed the fact that this person would perform a sinful deed that would cause the deprivation of his sustenance. All of this, then is from the Decree of Allah, all Glory and Praise be to Him."

So no matter how cautious a person is, he cannot escape what is written for him, simply because Allah controls everything and nothing escapes His Knowledge or Power. However, by turning to Allah through du'a, it is possible to avert something that might have been decreed.

Ibn Hajr, commenting on the benefits of du'a, said "And the benefit of performing du'a is the attainment of reward by obeying the command (of Allah to make du'a) and also by the attainment of what is asked for, for there is a possibility that the request is dependent on the du'a, since Allah is the Creator of both the effort and result of the effort."

Therefore, the proper response to the question posed at the beginning of the chapter (Why make du'a if everything is already decreed?) is in the words of Ibn al-Qayyim

"The logical consequence of such reasoning leads to a rejection of all eforts. It can, therefore be said to a person who holds this view 'If the satisfaction of your hunger and thirst has already been decreed for you, then it will be fulfilled, whether you eat or not. On the other hand, if it has not been destined for you, it will never occur, whether you eat or not..."

Divince Decree, then cannot be used as an excuse not to make du'a. For just as one strives to ensure that one attains worldy needs of food, drink and family, so too must one strive in one's religious deeds to attain the desired goal.

Aditionally, it should be remembered that the concept of Divine Decree is one that a human can never fully understand, due to his limited intellect and finite capabilities. The true muslim does not delve too deeply into the philosophical ramifications of Divine Decree. Rather, he accepts all that has occured to him in the past as having been destined for him and he strives to obtain what he desires in the future (as long as it is permissible for him).

Since he does not know what has been written for him in the future, he expects the best from Allah and does everything in his power to ensure that what he wants is granted to him. Just like going to work everyday will ensure, if Allah wills, that he gets his pay cheque at the end of the month, so too does making du'a ensure, if Allah wills, that he achieves his goal.

Chapter 15: Miscellaneous Topics

I'll only be mentioning the one point from this chapter since I didnt think the other points would be of use in helping you make du'a.

4. The Most Important Matters to Ask for

The servant asks Allah for his each and every matter, for the treasures of all matters belong to Allah.

However, without a doubt, certain matters have more right to be asked than others, for not all affais are equivalent in importance. Of the matters that one should ask continuously and without fail are the following

i. Guidance

ii. Forgiveness

No matter how pious a person becomes, or how rightly guided he is, he is bound to fall into error occasionally for he is only human. The righteous person realises this, and he is ever-quick to turn to Allah in repentance, doing so frequently and sincerely.

iii. Paradise

The ultimate goal of every believer should be to earn the pleasure of Allah, and through it Paradise. So if this really is the goal of the believer, he should ask for it in every single du'a that he makes. And if a person finds that he does not ask frequently for Paradise, then he must ask himself how important it is to him and re-evaluate the priorities that he has made for himself.

Asking Allah for Paradise necessitates seeking His protection from the Fire of Hell. Therefore the prophet(saw) would often combine these two requests.

iv. Protection from Afflictions

One of the comprehensive matters that the prophet(saw) exhorted us to ask for is 'afiyah. This is a comprehensive word that denotes good health and protection from major afflications and tribulation in this world and the Hereafter

v. Perseverance in One's Faith

A person always strives to protect the valuables that he has, and without a doubt, the greatest blessing that a muslim has been given is the blessing of iman. Hence why he continually asks Allah to protect his iman.

There are many other important matters that one must always ask Allah of, such as the continual attainment of Allah's Mercy and Blessings, patience at His Decree and contentment with whatever one has been blessed with etc.

The main point is to realise that a believer must prioritise his goals and place the needs and requirements of his religion over those of this world.

Although both worlds are sought from Allah, one of them is temporary and is a means and test to achieve happiness in the other one. So the wise person realises this and asks Allah accordingly.

Salaam! 😃

September 10th: Chapter 12 - Permissible Acts of Du'a



(Today is a very special day cos..I became the proud aunty of another baby boooy! 😃 )

There are certain acts that people might presume are prohibited, but are in fact allowed. Some of these are listed below.

1. To Pray for a Person without Praying for One's Self

This is permissible since the prophet(saw) prayed for a number of Companions without making du'a for himself

2. To Wish for Death in Severe Circumstances

The proof for this is the following hadith. Anas ibn Malik reported that the prophet(saw) said: None of you should wish for death due to any calamity that has befallen him. If he has no choice but to wish for death, then let him say 'O Allah! Grant me life as long as life is better for me, and take me away (in death) whenever death is better for me!'"

Thus it is permissible, under extreme circumstances, to wish for death.

Imam al-Bukhari, due to the many difficulties that he encountered from people who were jealous of him, wished for death towards the end of his life, and made this du'a, after which Allah granted him his desire.

3. To Pray For and Against Non-Muslims

The prayer for non-muslims can only be when they are alive, for after they are dead, Allah has prohibited us from praying for them. The Quran says

"It is not proper for the prophet and those who believe to ask Allah's forgiveness for the pagans after it has become clear to them that they are the dwellers of the Hell-fire."

During their lifetimes however, it is permissible to pray that Allah guide them to islam.

4. To Request a Pious Person to Perform a Du'a

Chapter 13 - Tawassul

Tawassul, in islamic terms means to come closer to Allah through manners prescribed by the Quran and sunnah.

In regards to du'as, tawassul is a means of having one's du'a accepted as discussed previously.

1. Tawassul through Allah's Names and Attributes

In a hadith the prophet(saw) said "....I ask you by You by every Name which is Yours with which You named Yourself (regardless of whether) You have taught it to anyone from Your creation, or sent it down in Your Book, or have kept it to Yourself in the knowledge of the Hidden with You, that You make teh Quran the spring of my heart, the light of my chest, the removal of my sadness and of my anxiety!" then Allah will remove his anxiety and sorrow and replace it with joy.

2. Tawassul by Mentioning Allah's Favours

So for example, a person might say "O Allah! You have guided me to islam, and placed in me a love for knowledge,a nd its people! O Allah! Cause me to increase in this knowledge, and cause me to be amongst the righteous scholars!"

3. Tawassul by Mentioning One's State

So to mention to Allah the dire circumstances that one is in, and the desperate need that one has for His Mercy and Blessings.

4. Tawassul Through Good Deeds

So one can say "O Allah! Because of the charity that I gave to so-and-so, out of pleasing You.." or "O Allah! Because of my love for Your religion and love for You and Your prophet.." grant me my du'a.

The Quran is replete with this type of tawassul. In one verse the believers are described as: " Those that say: 'O Allah! We have believed, so forgive us our sins, and save us from the Fire of Hell!'" - Surah Al-Imran

In the above du'a, tawassul is sought because of one's iman in Allah and His religion, and there is no doubt that the greatest good deed that a person can use is his iman in Allah

This is a great incentive for one to do deeds purely for the sake of Allah, so that one may use them as a means of tawassul when one is in dire need of a du'a being answered.

5. Tawassul through Mentioning the Effect of the Du'a

Tawassul can also be made by attaching the response of the du'a to a good deed or benefit. So for example, a person can say "O Allah! I ask you to increase me in knowledge , so that I may teach my family and relatives" or "O Allah! Increase my wealth so that I can spend it in your way!"

Similarly, Ibrahim (as) asked Allah to bless his family (when he left them in a barren valley) with fruits and cause a community of people to live with them, so that they could establish prayer and give thanks to Allah.

6. Tawassul by Asking a Living Person to Make Du'a

Especially if you feel that such a person is a true and righteous person, e.g. a scholar, but it is better to not do so for personal du'as (This is in contrast to du'as that are related to the benefit of the entire ummah).

For the following reasons:

1) The general rule is that the person should pray for himself. Just like he does his other acts of worship, and takes care of his own affairs, so too should he make his own du'a.

2) Asking others is a type of request that is done to others than Allah and shows a need or poverty that a person feels towards mankind.

3) There is no one that will feel more sincerity than the one making the du'a for himself and his loved ones. It cannot be expected that a friend etc. will feel the same emotions and sincerity that the person himself is feeling. Yet it is these very emotions that are the cause of any du'a being accepted.

4) This act leads many people to leave du'a themselves as they rely on others to make du'a for them.

5) It might lead to arrogance on the part of the person being asked. For it is possible that he will feel that he is holy and pious and hence why people come to him to ask him to make du'a for them.

6) It has not been reported that any of the major Companions ever asked the prophet(saw) to make du'a for them, unless it was a matter that would benefit all of the muslims

These types of tawassul mentioned above are the only types sanctioned by the Quran and sunnah. So if a person does tawassul by any other means, he will either fall into shirk or bid'ah.

The most common type of tawassul that is done in our times, and yet is not sanctioned by the Quran and sunnah is tawassul through the status of the prophet(saw)

We should not raise the prophet(saw) above the level that Allah Himself chose for His prophet, and that the

prophet(saw) himself was content with

Tawassul through the prophet can be divided into 3 categories:

1) Through one's love for the prophet(saw) which comes under tawassul through one's good deeds

2) Through the prophet's du'a while he was alive. But since this isn't the case anymore, it is not possible to use this type of tawassul

3) Through the status of the prophet(saw) which has not been mentioned in the Quran or sunnah. Therefore this is a dangerous innovation into the religion of islam.

Salaams! 😃

September 9th: Chapter 11 - The Wisdom Behind A Delayed Response

11. The Du'a Might Actually Have Been Responded To

The hadith where the prophet(saw) guaranteed that a person's du'a will be accepted has already been mentioned. However, the 'acceptance' might be in a manner that is not apparent.

It is possible that Allah will give him the reward of his du'a on the Day of Judgement, and this reward will be more beloved to him on that Day than the response of his du'a in this life.

It is also possible that Allah blesses him with something else that he did not ask for, as a result of his du'a. Lastly it is possible that Allah averts an evil that was predestined for him because of his du'a.

12. The Du'a Might be Weak

Ibn al-Qayyim mentioned that there are three possibilities with regards to the du'a and Divine Decree.

Firstly it is possible that the du'a is stronger than the Decree, and thus repels it permanently. Secondly it is possible that the du'a is weaker than the Decree, so the Decree occurs but the du'a causes it to soften a little bit. Thirdly, they be equal in strength, so each one prevents the other from acting.

Therefore, a person should examine whether the du'a is fulfilling the conditions for the acceptance of a du'a. He should see if there are any impediments that prevent his du'a from being answered.

13. The Manifestation of Allah's Names and Attributes

The Ever-Generous, the One that Gives, the All-Wise and many others are all manifested in Allah's Decree, whether a person's du'a is responded to or not.

So when He gives, He gives out of Generosity ,Wisdom and Justice; and when He witholds, He witholds out of Power, Widsom and Justice. So a person should keep the Names and Attributes of Allah in mind when his du'a is not responded to.

14. The Perfection of Worship

Finally, one of the greatest benefits and wisdoms of a delayed response is that it perfects a person's worship and iman of Allah and this is the very purpose of creation!

Some of the ways in which worship is pefected are as follows:

i. Waiting for a Response: When a person eagerly and anxiously awaits a response to his du'a, this necessitates a strong hope in Allah and an optimism of Allah's Mercy and Blessings.

This feeling is in itself, an act of worship, and the longer that the response is delayed, the stronger those feelings become if the person wishes to continue in his du'a/ In this way his iman is strengthened without him even realising it!

ii. Showing One's Need to Allah: The essence of worship is to humble one's self before Allah and realise one's extreme need of Allah's Help and Mercy.

When the response is delayed, this awareness is increased, a person realises that there is no one besides Allah who can respond to his du'a, so his iman increases in this manner. Simultaneous with this realisation comes the awe and meekness that is required in Allah's presence, along with humility and humbleness.

Had every du'a of a person been answered immediately, this would lead to arrogance and cultivate a feeling of self-sufficiency and conceit. It would cause the person to forget the relationship that he should have with Allah, and in fact, might even lead him to think that he has a right upon Allah to answer his prayers.

If a person were to become arrogant, then there would be no hope for him in the Hereafter, for no person will enter Paradise with an ounce of arrogance in his heart.

iii. Pleasure at Allah's Decree

One of the most important pillars of iman is to be content with Allah's Decree. Therefore, the delay in responding to a du'a is one of the opportunities in which a believer must display his contentment at the decree of Allah and not show anger or annoyance.

The one who is pleased with Allah as his Lord, and with the Decrees of Allah in his life, will attain the pleasure of Allah in this world and in the Hereafter, but the one who is displeased and angry, will only attain Allah's displeasure and anger.

iv. Humility in front of Allah

A delay in response is in fact a means to draw out the servant's meekness and humility from the heart. This humility is one of the primary pillars of worship, for 'ibadah is defined as 'the height of humility along with the height of love'.

v. Enjoying a Private Conversation with Allah

Amongst the many benefits of du'a is that it opens up a private channel between the servant and his Lord. So the longer the response is delayed, the stronger and more powerful this relationship becomes. Finally a stage is reached, by a very select and blessed few, in which the pleasures of this communication becomes more pleasing to the soul than the actual response of the du'a would be!

vi. Combating the Plots of Shaytan

Without a doubt, Shaytan stoops to all levels, and tries all plots so that a person will turn away from worship of Allah. And is there any opportunity greater for him to seize than when a servant's du'a is not answered?!

But the true believer, the one who is ever-aware of and cautious of Shaytan's plot, sees the dangers of this situation. Instead of letting it be a cause of him going away from worship of Allah, seizes it as an opportunity to attack Shaytan, and increase in his worship of Allah. He turns to Allah, again and again, for he realises that his only hope for safety is through Allah.

So in this battle between Shaytan and the son of Adam, the weapon is du'a to Allah, and the armour that is worn is seeking refuge in Allah

15. Conclusion

Without a doubt there are far more benefits than can be imagined, but in these few pages, there should be a reminder for the believer and a solace for the muslim.

Furthermore, although the general rule is that the more pious a person is, the greater the chances of his being answered, this is not always the case.

It is possible that a disbeliever, or an evil sinner is responsed to and it is possible that the the du'a of the most pious is not answered(like the prophet(saw)). So just because a person's du'a is not answered, it is not an indication that a person is not pious.

The purpose behind these explanations is such that a person might be comforted and not give up the continuance of du'a.

Salaam! 😃

September 8th: Chapter 11 - The Wisdom Behind A Delayed Response continued

Recap of previous part

5. The Matter Might Bring Evil

Following up from the last point (Allah is the most wise), it is possible that Allah knows that a certain matter, although apparently might appear to bring good, in reality will lead to evil consequences. So a person might desire to have money, and in his heart he feels that he will spend this money for the sake of Allah, and yet Allah knows that if this person were to be given money, he would spend it in haram way, and that would ruin his iman.

So he would become like the one that is mentioned in the Quran: "And of them are some who made a promise to Allah (saying) : if He bestowed on us out of His Blessings, then we will of a surety give charity, and we will be amongst the righteous! Then, when He gave them of His Blessings, they became miserly (in spending for the sake of Allah), and turned away, averse (out of arrogance).

So because of this He punished them by putting hypocrisy in their hearts, until the Day when they shall meet Him, because they broke (that) which they promised Allah, and because they used to lie (to Allah)!"

So beware, of getting angry, or complaining against Allah's Decree, for it is possible that the matter that you so desire might be the very cause of your destruction!

Note that a believer does not ask for problems and trials, but when they occur, the true believer relishes them more than he would an apparent blessing, because he realises and expects the great reward that he will obtain through his patience and perseverance.

6. Allah's Choice is Better than the Choice of the Servant

This is a great concept that very few people appreciate or implement in their lives. For verily, Allah is more Merciful to His servant than a mother is to her child, and He will only Decree for them what is best for their needs in this world and the Hereafter.

So even when a trial or tribulation afflicts a muslim, this is better for him than it not having happened.

So, servant of Allah, next time your du'as are not answered, ask yourself "Is it not possible that Allah knows that this matter which I am asking for is not for my benefit? And is He not the Most Merciful of all that have Mercy? So, in this prevention of my du'a being answered, there might be a great good for me!"

Just like a parent must not fulfil all the desires of his child since some of them are harmful for him, so too - and to Allah belongs the greatest example - must a person realise that not all of his du'as are really for his benefit. And once a person truly and fully realises this, that Allah cares for him more than he cares for himself, then he has gone a long way towards perfecting his iman.

Sufyan al-Thawri said: "Verily, when He witholds, He actually gives, because He did not withold on account of miserliness or stinginess, but rather He looked at the benefit of the servant. So the fact that He witheld is actually His choice for the servant and His excellent decision."

7. Man Does not Know the Result of His Du'a

Ponder over the story of the youth that was killed by Khadir, Musa's teacher(surah Kahf- see tafsir). Without a doubt, the youth's parents must have suffered greatly at his death. Yet Allah knew that, had the boy lived, he would have caused great distress and hardship to his parents.

Therefore it was Allah's Mercy that the youth was not allowed to grow up to harm his parents, for had he done so, and turned to disbelief, the grief caused to such pious parents would have been worse than the grief of an innocent death. Allah says in the Quran "And as for the boy, his parents were believers, and We feared lest he should oppress them by rebellion and disbelief".

Therefore, it can be seen that a person's knowledge of good and evil is relative, whereas Allah's knowledge is infinite.

8. Trials Bring One Closer to Allah

The prophet(saw) said: The greatness of reward is based on the severity of the trial. And if Allah loves a person, He tests him, so whoever is pleased (with Allah), then he will have the Pleasure (of Allah), but whoever is angry, then he will receive the Anger (of Allah).

So the fact that a person's du'a is not responded to is a trial from Allah, and this should make a person optimistic that he is from amongst those that Allah loves. Such a test should make him increase in his patience and draw him closer to Allah.

9. Something Hated Sometimes Brings Good

When a person's iman is strong, then he will realise that everything that Allah has decreed for him is good, even if he does not see the wisdome behind the Decree. So when an affliction befalls him, he will know and realise that hidden in it is great good and benefit for him for Allah says "For it is possible that you hate something, yet Allah places in it a lot of good (for you)." Similarly about jihad: "Jihad is ordained for you (muslims) though you dislike it. And it may be that you dislike a thing even though it is for your good, or that you like a thing even though it is for your evil. And Allah knows, whereas you do not know."

Sufyan ibn 'Uyaynah stated "What the slave detests is better for him than what he loves! This is because what he destest will cause him to increase in his du'a, whereas what he loves will distract him (from worshipping Allah)."

10. It Causes the Believer to Reflect on Himself

When a person's du'a is apparently not answered, it causes him to contemplate his life, the good and the bad. It causes him to examine his du'a, and why he is making it. It causes him to examine his life, and what he wants with it. It causes him to examine his money, how he earns it and how hes spends it. It causes him to examine his good deeds and and how few they actually are. It causes him to examine his evil deeds and how numerous they are. It causes him to turn to Allah in repentance, and change his lifestyle and these effects only occur to the true believer.

So this delay in response is actually a cleansing experience and a purification for the muslim, for it forces him to re-examine his relationship with Allah and try to strengthen it. Had this du'a been responded to immediately, then this examination would not have occured, nor would any extra good come out of it, but in this delay a person, as it were, finds himself and this in itself is great blessing from Allah.

Salaam! 😃

September 5th: Chapter 11 - The Wisdom Behind a Delayed Response

A very important chapter so PAY ATTENTION!

It is indeed a great trial for a muslim to make du'a, sincerely continually for a long period of time, and yet see no sign of response.

Here, a person's iman in Allah is truly tested and here is the opportunity that Shaytan uses to try to sow his whispers, and plants his doubt in a believer's heart.

In this way a person might start thinking evil thoughts about his Creator, or start doubting the wisdom of the Divine Decree.

So whoever falls into this, should immediately seek Allah's refuge from Shaytan and turn to Allah sincerely, making yet another du'a: that he be saved from Shaytan's evil plots, and that he be granted patience to withstand the test that he is undergoing.

At the same time, he should realise the great blessings that Allah has given to mankind when He guaranteed a response to all du'as, as long as the du'a conforms to all the necessary etiquettes, and there are no prohibiting factors found in the one making it.

So even when one's du'a is apparently not responded to, he should realise that the actual response might not be what he presumes, and it is in fact possible that his du'a has already been answered, without his even knowing it!

A muslim should understand that there are many wisdoms behind the delayed response of a du'a, whether he realises it or not.

All of Allah's decrees are wise, and although it is not possible that we fully and truly comprehend all the Divine Wisdom behind an act, it is possible that we can extract some of the benefits of a Decree. The following points have been mentioned by some scholars:

1. Allah is the Malik

Allah says in the Quran "He is not questioned regarding what He does, but rather they will be questioned (regarding what they do).

"And Allah judges, and there is none that can change His Judgement. And He is the Ever-Swift in Reckoning.

So the muslim does not question the Will of Allah, rather he accepts it, and is pleased with it.

2. Man Does Not Have a Right Over His Creator

The one making du'a should know that he does not have a right over his Creator that his du'a be responsed to, but that it is answered only through the Mercy of Allah.

Additionally, one should be wise enough to contemplate his own many shortcomings and faults with regards to the rights that Allah has over him. This will make him appreciate that he doesnt have ANY right over Allah.

Ibn al-Qayyim wrote: So one of the greatest matters of benefit to the heart is that it looks into the rights that Allah has over His slaves, because this will cause him to look at his own self in a despicable and lowly manner.

It will make him avoid self conceit and vanity concerning his actions, and instead open for him the door to humility and meekness.

He will be submissive before his Lord, and give up hope of his own self, for he will realise that success will only come about through the Mercy of Allah and His Blessings.

For His right (upon the soul) is that He be obeyed, and not disobeyed, and remembered and not forgotton, and thanked and not rejected. So whoever looks into into this right that his Lord has upon him, then he will know - a most certain knowledge- that he is not fulfilling the rights of his Lord in a way that he should, and that nothing can save him except divine aid and forgiveness.

So if he were to rely upon his own actions, he would be destroyed! So this is what those who have knowledge of Allah look upon, and this is what has caused them to give up hope of attaining any good from themselves, and made them put all of their hope in the Mercy of and Forgivenss of Allah.

But if you were to look upon the status of the majority of people, you will find them to be the exact opposite of this! They examine the 'rights' that they have upon Allah, and they the rights that Allah has upon them. And because of this, they have cut themselves off from Allah, and their hearts have been sealed up from recognising Him, or loving Him, or being eager to meet him. and this is the height of ignorance that a man can have with regards to his Lord, and even to himself.

3. A Delay in Response is a Trial

When the response is delayed, this is a type of test that is afflicted upon the servant. This necessitates his being patient during this trial. So a person should realise that, just like his entire life is a trial, so too is this delayed response. It is just one of the many trials that he has to face if he eventually wishes to enter Paradise and please his Creator. As Allah says "And We test you, with good and evil, as a fitnah. And to Us you will return."

So both good and evil is a test for us to see whether we are patient when afflicted with evil and whether we use the good that we have been given properly.

4. Allah is the Most Wise

Of Allah's many beautiful Names is al-Hakim, or The Most Wise. So to Allah belongs the greatest wisdom; all of His Decrees are Wise. When He gives, He gives with Wisdom, and when He prevents, He prevents with Wisdom.

So it is possible that what a person desires is not wise for him to have and because of this, he is not granted it, or it is delayed until such a time that it is suitable for him.

So the believer accepts the Divine Wisdom of Allah, and does not cause a delay in response to swerve him from the true iman in Allah.

Salaam! 😃

September 4th: Factors that Prevent Du'as from Being Answered

One of the greatest trials that a muslim might be afflicted with is that his du'a is not answered. Hence why the prophet ﷺ would pray to Allah that his du'a not be amongst those du'as that are not responded to. In particular he(saw) would pray: "O Allah! I seek your refuge from knowledge that is without benefit, and from a heart that does not become fearful,and from a du'a that is not responded to!"

So the prophet(saw) would make du'a that his du'a be answered!

1. Haram Sustenance

2. Sins

3. Leaving Advice to Others

Part of one's iman is that one loves for one's brother what he loves for himself. This necessitates one's wanting good for one's brother and averting evil from him. So when one sees one's brother doing something that is not allowed, it becomes obligatory on one to try to prevent him, evn if he has to do so physically (if one is able to do so without any harm or adverse consequences). Similarly one has to advise and exhort him to do good deeds if he is being lax in performing them. The prophet(saw) said: " I swear by Him in whose Hands is my soul, you will of a surety command what is good, and forbid what is evil, or else it is very possible that Allah will send upon you His punishment, so you will make du'a to Him, and you will not be responded to."

4. Being Hasty

5. Becoming Tired

6. Asking for Something Prohibited

7. A man married to an evil woman

One who gave a loan but did not take precautions

And a man who gave his money to a fool

These three catgories of people in the following hadith: "Three people will make du'as, bu they will not be answered! (The first is) a man who had under him (in marriage) a woman who had an evil character, yet he did not divorce her. (The second is) a man who gave some money as a debt to another man, yet he did not use any witnesses. (The third is) a man wo gave his money to a fool, even though Allah says ' And do not give fools your money.'"

First case: A woman with lax morals. If this is the case and the man cannot correct her, then she should be divorced. If he does not divorce her, then he exposes himself to Allah's anger and his du'as are not responded to.

Second case: A person who is not wise in giving loans. He gives loans to people who are not trustworthy and on top of that he does not take the necessary precautions (2 witnesses). This ensures that no dispute arises if the two parties disagree about the amount of the loan.

Third case: A person who is not responsible with his money and enters in dealings with someone who is not wise or experienced in that area.

8. Abandoning the Etiquette of Du'a

A famous worshipper was once asked 'Why is it that we make du'a yet they are not responded to?'

He replied:

"Because you know Allah, yet do no obey Him

And you know that Prophet(saw) , but do not follow his sunnah

And you know the Quran, but do not act upon it

And you eat from the blessings of Allah, but you do not express gratitude for it

And you know Paradise, yet do not strive for it

And you know the Fire of Hell, yet do not run away from it

And you know Shaytan, but you do not fight him, and instead obey him

And you know death, but you do not prepare yourselves for it

And you bury the dead, but do not learn a lesson from it

And you have left your own faults, and instead busy yourself with the faults of others

EDIT: Next Chapter inshAllah - Chapter 11 The Wisdom behind a delayed response

Salaam! 😃

September 4th - Chapter 9: Factors that Aid a Person's Du'a in Being Answered

Some of these factors have already been mentioned, but they will be listen again here for the sake of benefit.

1. Sincerity

2. To Expect the Best from Allah

The prophet(saw) said that Allah said: "O My servants! If the first of you; if the jinn of you and the men of you were to stand on one plain, and ask Me, and I gave every single person what he wanted, then all of that would not decrease anyhting from My Kingdom, except like a needle (decreases the amount of water) when it is placed in the ocean (and then taken out)

This hadith is an indication of the completeness of Allah's Power and Kingdom.

The Companions understood this concept of expecting the best from Allah. Umar ibn al-Khattab (ra) said: "I am not worried about whether my du'a will be responded to, but , but rather I am worried about whether I will be able to make du'a or not. So if I have been guided (by Allah) then (I know) that the response will come with it)"

3. Doing Good Deeds

Once Anas ibn Malik was asked by someone to make du'a for him. He replied "Verily du'a is raised up (to Allah) by good deeds", indicating that the questioner should strive to do good deeds if he wants his du'as to be answered.

Wahb ibn Munabbih also said "The example of the one who makes du'a without doing any deeds is like the one who tries to shoot without a bow". So the person who wishes to have his du'a responded to should increase the quantity and quality of the good deeds that he does.

4. Fulfilling the Rights of Parents

Umar ibn al-Khattab narrated " I heard the prophet(saw) say: 'There will come to you (a man by the name of) Uways ibn Amir with some people from Yemen....He has a mother to whom he is very dutiful. If he were to swear by Allah, Allah would fulfill his oath. If you are able to ask him to seek your forgiveness, then do so.'"

This hadith shows that being dutiful to one's parents is a cause of one's du'a being accepted, as the reason that Uways' oath was responded to was because of the devotion he used to display to his mother.

(Also the story of the three people in the cave further proves this point as one of them mentioned his good character to his parents as a means of tawassul which is mentioned in a later chapter)

5. To Make Du'a at All Times

6. To Do Extra Voluntary Acts After the Obligatory Ones

When a person increases his voluntary good deeds, such as prayer and fasting and giving charity, then Allah loves him and when Allah loves him all his du'as are answered

7. Repenting From Previous Sins

Sins are one of the factors that prevent a person's du'as from being accepted.

This repentance must be a sincere one, for all the previous sins he has committed, by having sincerity towards Allah, feeling guilty for the sins he has performed, asking for Allah's forgiveness and making a sincere determination not to return to that sin.

8. Having a Humble Appearance

This shows a person's poverty and need of Allah and that he is not concerned with his appearance or looks, but rather about the response to his du'a.

However this does not mean that a person should purposely tear his clothes up before making a du'a. What is meant is that when such a condition exists - the result of factors beyond the control of the person himself - then such a du'a is more likely to be responded to.

9. Making Du'a at Holy Places

Allah has blessed certain places over others, so one of the ways that a person can increase his chances of being answered is by making du'a in these places.

For example, mosques are preferred over houses and likewise the places of Hajj during Hajj time (Mina, Muzdalifah and 'Arafat) etc.

It is important thought not to exaggerate in this regard, by considering places that are not blessed as blessed, such as mosques that are built on graves of famous saints, or have such graves inside them or connected to them.

10. Conforming with the Etiquette of Du'a (mentioned previously:

Ibn al-Qayim said: "If the du'a is combined with the following factors:

- The presence of the heart,and its full concentrations on the du'a

- Making du'a at one of the times of response

- A meek heart in the presence of Allah, full of humbleness and softness

- Facing the qiblah

- In a state of wudu

- Raising one's hands to Allah

- Starting the du'a with the praise of Allah

-Following that up with the salutations on the prophet(saw)

- Preceding the du'a with repentance and seeking forgiveness for past sins

- Preceding the du'a by giving some charity

- Finally, being persistent in asking Allah and calling upon Him in a state of fear and hope and performing tawassul with His Names and Attributes

the this du'a is hardly ever left, but rather responded to.

Salaam! 😃

September 2nd - Chapter 8: Conditions During Which Du'a is Answered

1. The Person Who Has Been Wronged

The prophet(saw) mentioned in numerous ahadith that a muslim should fear the du'a of he who has been wronged, for he(saw) said: "Fear the du'a of he who has been wronged, for verily it ascends to the skies faster than sparks (of light)."

"Fear the du'a of he who has been wronged, even if he is a disbeliever, for there remains no veil between it." - meaning there is no veil between it and Allah

In another narration we are told " three people du'as are never rejected:....and the one who has been wronged. Allah raises it above the clouds, and the doors of the skies are opened for it, and the Lord says 'By My Honour and Glory! I will help you, even if it be after some time!"

This is a warning to the one who has wronged others and a comfort and solace to one who has been wronged. Allah has sworn that He will, of a surety, come to the aid of the one who has been wronged.

2. The One in Severe Circumstances

When a person finds himself in a grave crisis, and his heart is about to shatter with grief and fear. The quality of sincerity that a person displays, and the desperate need that he feels for the Mercy of his Lord, is so strong and pure, his du'a will be answered wether the person is a muslim or not.

3. After a Calamity

However it is necessary that the person displays patience and satisfaction at Allah's decree and not wail or lament over his misfortune. Imm Salamah narrated that the prophet(saw) said: "There is no muslim that is afflicted with a calamity, and he says what Allah has commanded him to say: 'To Allah we belong and to Him we will return! Oh Allah! Give me the rewards (of being patient over) this calamity,a nd grant me something better than it to replace it' except that Allah will give him something better to replace it."

4. The Traveller

"Three are the du'as that are responded to, there is no doubt concerning them: the du'a of he who has been wronged, the traveller, and the du'a of the father for his son."

If this is the case of the average traveller who is travelling for wordly reasons, then it applies even more when the person is travelling for religious reasons, such as desiring to increase his knowledge, or visit his parents or a muslim brother/sister

5. The Father Against/For His Son

The du'a of the mother is also included in this, for the right of the mother is even greater than that of the father and the du'a of the parents for their daughters comes under this hadith as well since the rulings applicable to men also apply to women unless there exists evidence to the contrary.

6. The Son for The Father

The prophet(saw) said: When a person dies, all of his actions are cut off except, from three matters: a sadaqah jariyah, or a pious son that prays for him, or some knowledge (that he gave) that others still benefit from."

This does not mean that a person should not pray for his parents when they are alive, for of course this too is one of the rights that the parents have over the child.

7. The One Who is Fasting

8. The Person Reciting the Quran

It has been authentically narrated that peace and tranquility descend on the one who recites the Quran as do the angels. Therefore, after reciting any portion of the Quran, we are encouraged to make du'a, as it is more likely to be responded to.

9. The Person Performing Hajj, 'Umrah or Jihad

The prophet(saw) said: "The people performing Hajj and 'Umrah are the delegates of Allah. He called them and they responded, and they asked Him, so he gave them (their requests)

10. The Du'a for a Person in His Absence

The prophet(saw) used to say: "The du'a of a muslim for his brother in his absence is responded to. There is an angel in front of him that has been assigned to him; every time he makes a du'a for his brother with good, the angel assigned to him says 'Amin' and to you the same'"

In this situation, the du'a must be purely for the sake of Allah, since a muslim will love his muslim brother only for the sake of Allah.

11. The One Who Remembers Allah Constantly

It is only befitting that the one who remembers Allah constantly be remembered by Allah in his time of need.

12. The Just Ruler

Chapter 9: Factors that aid a person's du'a in being answered 😃

Salaam! 😃

September 1st - Chapter 7: The Recommended Times for Du'a continued

If you want to recap : Part 10

9. Du'a Before the End of Salat

After a person has finished his tashahhud, and before he actually says salam, he should supplicate with any du'a that he likes, as this is one of the times of response.

Ibn Mas'ud narrates: "I was once praying, and the prophet(saw) Abu-Bakr and Umar (were all present). When I sat down (in the final tashahhud) I praised Allah, then sent salams on the prophet(saw) then started praying for myself. At this, the prophet(saw) said: 'Ask and you shall be given it! Ask, and you shall be given it!'"

10. Du'a After the Salat

Abu Umamah al-Bahili asked the prophet(saw) "O Messenger of Allah! Which du'a is the most likely to be responded to?" The prophet(saw) replied: "In the last part of the night, and after the obligatory prayers"

11. Du'a When the Armies meet

12. An Hour on Friday

The following hadith is mentioned: "Friday has twelve hours (or parts to it). There is one hour during which if a muslim asks Allah anything, Allah will give it to him, so find it during the last hour after Asr."

There are numerous opinions as to the exact hour but the above is the opinion of the vast majority of early scholars and also of the prophet's ﷺ Companions - that this hour occurs after Asr prayer, right before sunset.

13. When Waking at Night

When a person wakes up in the middle of the night, only to go back to sleep again, if he remembers Allah at this time, his du'a will be accepted

The prophet(saw) stated: "Whoever wakes up at night and says 'La ilaha illa Allah Wahdahu la sharika lah, lahul-mulk wa lahul hamd wa huwa 'ala kulli shay in Qadir. Alhamdu lillah, wa Subhan Allah, wa la illaha illa Allah, wa Allahu akbar, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa bil Allah' and then says 'O Allah, forgive me! or makes a du'a then he will be responded to. And if he performs wudu and prays, then his prayer will be accepted."

14. After Performing Wudu

The prophet(saw) said: "There is no one amongst you that makes wudu, and does so perfectly, and then says 'I testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah. He is alone, having no partners. And I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and messenger' except that all eight doors of Paradise are opened for him, and he can enter into it through whichever one he pleases."

15. Before Drinking Zam Zam

The prophet(saw) said: "The water of Zam Zam is for whatever it has been drunk for" meaning that whatever du'a you make before drinking Zam Zam, it will be given to you.

16. Du'a During Ramadan

17. Du'a on 'The Night of Decree'

18. Du'a Inside the Ka'bah

For those unable to get inside the Ka'bah know then that the hijr (the semi-circle attachement that is opposite the Yemeni-corner and Black stone wall) is actually a part of the Ka'bah and prayer inside the hijr is exactly the same as praying inside the physical structure of the Ka'bah. The original Ka'bah built by Ibrahim(as) was a rectangle, and its foundations included the area that is now the hijr. The only reason the hijr is not included in the present structure is because the Quraysh when re-building the Ka'bah, ran out of materials to complete its original structure

19. Du'a at Safa and Marwa

20. Du'a After Stoning the Jamarat

It is narrated that the prophet(saw) would stone the small Jamarah (one of the three pillars that is stones in the last three days of Hajj), then face the qiblah, raise his hands, and make du'a for a long time. He would then stone the midlle Jamarah and do the same. When he stoned the large Jamarah, he would depart without making any du'a

21. Du'a on the Day of 'Arafah

Although du'a during the entire Hajj is a great act of worship, du'a on this day is even of greater importance. The Day of 'Arafah is the essence and pinnacle of Hajj - during which Allah does not refuse the requests of his worshippers.

22. The First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah

The prophet(saw) stated: "There are no days during which good deeds are more beloved to Allah than during these ten days."

23. While Visiting the Sick

Umm Salamah narrated that the prophet(saw) said: "When you visit the sick, or the dead (body before its burial) then say good because the Angels say Amin to whatever you say."

24. When the Soul of a Person is Taken

Same hadith as for above(23). Whenever a person is in the presence of one who is about to die, he should pray to Allah for all that is good, for the dying person, his family, and for himself

25. When Rain Falls

The prophet(saw) said: "Two are the du'as that are never returned: the du'a when the prayer is being called, and that at the time of rainfall."

26. Before Duhr

The prophet(saw) would pray four raka'ahs before Duhr and he said: "This is an hour during which the gates of the skies are opened, and I like that some of my good acts are raised up (at this time)

27. At the Crowing of a Rooster

Next Chapter up inshAllah: Chapter 8 - Conditions during which du'as are answered. Stay tuned 😉