Powerful Du'as & Dhikr - 15

(TABRANI)

Abdullah ibn Abbas RA narrates that the Prophet Muhammad SAW said that whomsoever recites the above Du'a for 1000 times at anytime within the day, Allah Ta'ala has indeed protected him and saved him from His Punishment. And at the end of his life he will be called by the name: "Atiqullah" ("Made Noble by Allah"). This is verily a great benefit and indicates success. For those who benefits from this simple Du'a, indeed success is for him. Thus, all Muslims should strive to make the above recitation a practice in his life.

Powerful Du'as and Dhikr - 14

TREASURE OF PARADISE

(NASA'I / BAYHAQI)

It is mentioned in the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad SAW that - Indeed, it (i.e. the above Dhikr recitation) is one of the Treasures of Paradise, and it is verily a cure for all sorts of diseases, whereby the disease of lowest ranking, is - Worry.

Powerful Du'as & Dhikr - 13

DU'A BEFORE RISING UP FROM ANY GATHERING

The Prophet Muhammad SAW is reported to have said: that whomsoever that sits in a gathering whereby there is much negligence and futile talk, and then before he rises, recites the following du'a, then all of his sins that would have been recorded through the gathering will be forgiven by Allah Ta'ala.

The du'a is as follows:

(NASA'I)

It is common that when people sit together with family, friends and acquaintances - there is always tendency to indulge in backbiting, slandering, and evil statements; all of which are sinful.

It is thus for this reason that before we depart from meetings with family, friends, acuqiantances, and even from any gathering - we should make effort to recite this very du'a.

Powerful Du'as & Dhikr - 09

THREE OF MANY SPECIAL DU'AS WHEN HAVING FOOD

Whomsoever recites the following Du'a when about to eat:

And after finishing his/her meal - recites the following Du'a:

Hence - he/she will not be questioned (made Hisaab) of the food that has been eaten.

If at the beginning of the meal, he/she forgot to recite 'Bismillah', then whenever he/she remembers, the following Du'a should be recited:

(RAWAHUL TIRMIDHI)

Powerful Du'as & Dhikr - 08

PROTECTION FROM THE FIRE OF JAHANNAM

It is mentioned in the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad SAW that: whomsoever who has completed the Maghrib Solah, and then before speaking to others, recites the above Du'a seven times, then if it destined that during the night death meets that person - then he/she shall be protected from the Fire of Jahannam forever; and if that person recites the above Du'a seven times after completing the Subuh Solah before speaking to others, then if it is destined that during the day death meets that person - then he/she shall be protected from the Fire of Jahannam forever.

(MISHKAAT - ABU DAWUD)

Powerful Du'as & Dhikr - 07

ATTAINMENT OF A MILLION REWARDS

FORGIVENESS OF A MILLION SINS

It is described in Hadith that - a Muslim who recites the above Du'a (when he is) in the market, Allah Ta'ala will have it written - one million rewards for that person, one million sins forgiven, and one million ranks elevated (for that person in the Hereafter); and other than that (Allah) shall prepare for that person - a palace of great majesty in Paradise. Hence, recite this particular Du'a immensely when in the market.

(TIRMIDHI, IBN MAJAH)

Powerful Du'as & Dhikr - 06

DIRECT ENTRY INTO PARADISE

Whomsoever recites Ayatul Kursi after each and every Fardhu (obligatory) Solah, then what is separating him/her from entering Paradise is just death itself. (NASA'I)

Powerful Du'as & Dhikr - 05

DU'A TO BE RECITED WHEN LEAVING THE HOUSE

Whomsoever recites this Du'a when leaving the house, then for that person till he/she returns home, will be (Allah's) protection from all ills and the Shaytaan, and for whatsoever affairs he/she intended (for having to leave the house), that too will be completed. (TIRMIDHI)

Powerful Du'as & Dhikr - 04

A SPECIAL AMAL TO PROTECT ONESELF

The Prophet Muhammad SAW is reported to have said that - whomsoever recites the above Du'a for three times in the morning, then no calamity can inflict him/her till the evening; and whomsoever recites the Du'a for three times in the evening, then no calamity can inflict him/her till the morning. (TIRMIDHI, ABU DAWUD)

Powerful Du'as & Dhikr - 03

FORGIVENESS OF ALL SINS

It is mentioned in the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad SAW that - whomsoever recites the above Istighfaar three times before he goes to sleep - Allah Ta'ala will forgive all his / her sins, even if it is as much as the foams of the ocean; or as many as the stars (in the sky); or as many as the particles that exist (on the earth); or as many as the particles of sand; or as many as the days there are in the world. (Tirmidhi)

Powerful Du'as & Dhikr - 02

Rasulullah SAW is reported to have said that – whomsoever recites the above Kalimah, Allah Ta’ala shall have written for him: two million rewards. In the month of Ramadhan, for every good deed – it is multiplied 70 folds. Hence – by just reciting it once – it shall be written for him 140 million rewards and for how much he/she will recite – the equivalent reward is what he/she will receive. (At-Targhib Wat-Tarhib)

Powerful Du'as & Dhikr - 01

The Prophet SAW's companion – Saiyidina Thauban RA narrates that The Prophet Muhammad SAW said that – whomsoever recites this Du’a in the morning and in the evening, hence it will become compulsary for Allah to be pleased with the reader of this Du’a on the Day of Qiyamah and (Allah) will place him/ her into Paradise.

It is narrated in the Book of Tabrani, the Prophet Muhammad SAW said:

“I guarantee that I will hold the hand of the reader (of this Du’a) and place him in Paradise.”

(Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Nasa’i and Ibn Majah)

The Etiquettes of Making Du'a To Allah

These etiquettes are narrated in Ahadith. For reasons of brevity, only the following meaning summary and reference of each Hadith is mentioned instead of the entire Hadith. May Allah SWT make it easy for us to understand, practice and spread the knowledge below (Ameen):

1. To abstain from Haraam food, clothing and earnings. (Muslim, Tirmidhi)

2. To make Du'a with sincerity. In other words, one should firmly believe that nobody but Allah Ta'ala will fulfill his/her objectives. (Hakim)

3. One should perform a good deed prior to making the Du'a & he/she should mention this during the course of the Du'a. For e.g. he/she should say, "O Allah! I had performed so & so deed solely for Your pleasure. O Allah! accept my Du'a due to the Baraqah of that deed. (Muslim, Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud)

4. To make Du'a whilst one is physically and ritually clean. (Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, Nasa'i, Ibn Hibban, Mustadrak)

5. To make Wudhu before making Du'a. (Sihah Sittah)

6. To face the Qiblat when making Du'a. (Sihah Sittah)

7. To sit as in the Tashahhud-Iftirash position during Du'a - that is the position between two sujuds in Solat. (Abu Awanah)

8. To praise Allah SWT at the beginning as well as at the end of Du'a. (Sihah Sittah)

9. To convey Salawat and Salam upon Rasulullah SAW at the beginning as well as at the end of the Du'a. (Abu Dawud, Ahmad)

10. To spread out both the hands when making Du'a. (Tirmidhi, Mustadrak)

11. To raise both the hands up to the shoulders when making Du'a. (Abu Dawud, Ahmad)

12. To sit with humility, adab and respect during Du'a. (Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud)

13. To mention one's helplessness and dependence on Allah SWT within the Du'a. (Tirmidhi)

14. To abstain from raising the eyes towards the sky whilst making Du'a. (Muslim)

15. To mention the Asma-ul-Husna (the names of Allah SWT) and the sublime grandeur qualities of Allah SWT. (Ibn Hibban and Mustadrak)

16. To abstain from ceremonies rhyming of the Du'a phrases. (Bukhari)

17. To abstain from saying the Du'a in a "sing-song" tone if the Du'a is in a poetic form. (Hisn)

18. One may make Du'a through the medium of the Ambiyaa AS and other pious servants. However, this must be carefully done. For example, the person making the supplication could say, "O Allah! Accepts my Du'as through the good offices of these saintly people". (Bukhari, Bazzaar, Hakim)

19. To make the Du'a in a soft voice. (Sihah Sittah)

20. To utter the exact Du'a phrases transcribed from Rasulullah SAW. (Abu Dawud, Nasa'i)

21. To make Du'a that encompasses most of the needs of Deen and the worldly life. With this regards, goodness in this worldly refers to what may be taken as provision for the Afterlife. (Abu Dawud)

22. To make Du'a in favour of oneself first, thereafter one's parents and to include the other Muslims in the Du'a as well. (Muslims)

23. If an Imam is making Du'a, he should not make Du'a for himself only but he should include the whole congregation in the Du'a that he makes. (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)

Imam Abu Dawud RA narrates that Rasulullah SAW said that the Imam who makes Du'a for himself only, has betrayed the people. In other words, the Imam should not make Du'a that is restricted to himself alone. For example, in congregation he should not be saying, "O Allah! cure my son" or "O Allah! Return my lost item" etc. Instead, he should make Du'a that includes the whole congregation, for example he may say, "O Allah! Forgive us and have mercy upon us".

24. To make Du'a with firm conviction. He should not say for example, "O Allah! If you wish to fulfil so and so task of mine, then do so, otherwise nevermind." (Sihah Sittah)

25. To make Du'a with enthusiasm & yearning. (Ibn Hibban & Abu Awanah)

26. As far as possible, all Muslims should endeavour to bring about a "presence of heart and mind" and cherish a high hope of the Du'a being accepted. (Hakim)

27. To make Du'a repeatedly. (Bukhari, Muslim)

28. Repetitions within a supplication should be made at least thrice. (Abu Dawud)

One may repeat the Du'a thrice in one sitting or he may repeat it on three different occasions. The "repetition of the Du'a" here can be interpreted in both ways.

29. To make Du'a earnestly and insistently. (Nasa'i, Hakim, Abu Awanah)

30. To abstain from making Du'a of severing family ties or other sins. (Muslim, Tirmidhi)

31. To avoid making Du'as of pre-determined and fixed things. For example, a woman should not make Du'a so that she be transformed into a man; and a tall person should not make Du'a so that Allah makes him short. (Nasa'i)

32. We should not make Du'a for impossible things. Examples include - to return back to time, etc. (Bukhari)

33. One must not make Du'a in which he/she asks Allah Ta'ala to confine His Mercy to himself/herself only. (Bukhari, Abu Dawud, Nasa'i, Ibn Majah)

34. Ask only Allah Ta'ala alone for all your needs. Do not depend upon His creation. (Tirmidhi, Ibn Hibban)

35. The one making Du'a as well as the person listening to it, both should say "Ameen" at the end of the supplication. (Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Nasa'i)

36. Both hands should be rubbed over the face at the end of making Du'a. (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Ibn Hibban, Ibn Majah, Hakim)

37. We must never be impatient over the acceptance of Du'as. In other words, we must never say, "I've made Du'a repeatedly but to no avail." (Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Nasa'i, Ibn Majah)

Am I A Mu'min ?

It has remained the way of Allah that whenever a nation was to become corrupt, Allah would send a Prophet from amongst them who would show them the right path. Allah SWT sent many Messengers into this world and many Prophets. The Last Messenger who was sent onto the face of this world is our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW. He was given the Qur'an. The Qur'an was given to the Prophet Muhammad SAW for an important reason -

Guidance for Mankind and Jinnkind.

Allah SWT says in the Qur'an:

"This is the book in which there is no doubt, it is the guidance for those who fear Allah."

Therefore - the Qur'an is a means of guidance for those who fear Allah.

Who are the God-fearing ?

Allah SWT defines this in the Qur'an:

"Those who believe in the Unseen and are steadfast in Solat and spend out of what We have provided for them."

So this is the sign and proof of those who have Imaan. Allah Ta'ala has described a God-fearing person as one who possesses the above three qualities which have been mentioned above. When a person possesses three such qualities, he/she will become a true and complete Believer.

Having strong faith in the Unseen plays a major role in the heart, and this is called Imaan.

Performing Solat and spending from what Allah has provided is from the actions of a Muslim.

When a person has firm belief in Allah and the Unseen, and then goes on to perform good deeds, then only he becomes a true Muslim. A Mu'min.

From the Qur'an and Hadith, we have many qualities and attributes possessed by a Mu’min. Several of many are described below so that we all take them as guidance and guidelines in our pursuit to reach the station of being a Mu'min.

First of all, Allah SWT mentions in the Qur'an:

"Successful indeed are the Believers."

Allah SWT then continues and mentions those who are successful Believers.

Allah SWT says:

"Those who offer their Solat with all solemnity and full submissiveness. And those who turn away from Laghw (dirty, false, evil vein talk, falsehood and all that Allah has forbidden). And those who pay Zakaat. And those who guard their chastity. Except from their wives or that their right hands possess (slaves), for them, they are free from blame. But whoever seeks beyond that, those are the transgressors."

"Those who are faithfully true to their Amanat (all the duties which Allah has ordained. honesty, moral responsibility and trusts) and to their covenants. And those who strictly guard their five compulsory congregational Solat. These are indeed the inheritors who shall inherit the Firdaus (Paradise). They shall dwell therein forever."

Allah SWT has mentioned Solat and Zakat which is obligatory for a Muslim to perform. These qualities have already been mentioned previously.

Here Allah Ta'ala also says:

"And those who turn away from Laghw (all that has been forbidden /vain talk) ."

Allah Ta'ala has made it clear that a Mu’min is that person who refrains from sin. This is because when a person commits a sin he is either:

1. Engaged in other than the Remembrance of Allah.

2. Is going against the Orders of Allah.

Many a time, it is better to stay quiet because one will save himself from sin, e.g. backbiting, evil vain talk, falsehood etc.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW has stated:

"One who kept silent saves himself."

However, there is a very important point that needs to be mentioned. When there is a gathering or a conversation in which one is backbiting, it is necessary that we stop this action. Why? Because we have been ordered to prevent evil. However, in such circumstances where one does not stop backbiting, it will become necessary that one walks away from such gatherings or conversations.

In another Hadith, our Prophet Muhammed SAW has said:

"Part of someone being a good Muslim is his leaving alone that which does not concern him."

Allah SWT also mentions in the Qur'anic verses:

"And those who guard their chastity"

Allah SWT further mentions:

"Those who are faithfully true to their Amanat and their covenant."

An easy remedy for guarding one's chastity and to be faithful to one's amanat, his covenants and promises is to have the quality of Hayaa (modesty and shame). This is simply because, when a person possesses such a quality, it will automatically stop him from committing such sins like adultery, theft and lies. He will think to himself that if tomorrow I am exposed, then what will people think of me ? Shame and modesty is such a vital article of Imaan that is why our Prophet Muhammad SAW mentioned Hayaa (modesty) separately in another Hadith which is mentioned in Sahih Al-Bukhari:

"Imaan is made up of 60 and 9 sectors and modesty is a sector of Imaan."

Another Hadith is narrated by Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim:

"A true Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand other Muslims stay safe."

Here, our most beloved Prophet SAW mentioned the tongue first. The scholars of Hadith have mentioned that there could be several reasons for this. One reason is that it is very easy to harm someone with the tongue. One person may say something which another person may not like. The second reason is the harm caused by the tongue is usually more severe than the harm caused by the hand. A person finds it difficult to forgive someone who is hurt their feelings more than someone who is actually hurt them physically. The wound of the body caused by a sharp object may heal but the wound in the heart caused by the tongue may be very difficult to properly heal. Thus - when a person safeguards his hands and tongue, only then will he/she become a true Muslim.

Thus, we need to save ourselves from becoming a source of harm for others, and we need to adopt those good attributes into our lives which the Prophet Muhammad SAW brought to us, and which his Companions RA adopted into their lives, which then became a means of their success in this world and the everlasting Hereafter.

It is also important to know that it is also Haraam to cause inconvenience to other Muslims. This is also a trait of a true Believer. He/she will not cause inconvenience to others.

Our Prophet Muhammad SAW has said:

"The most perfect Believer is the one with the best manners."

The Prophet of Allah SAW had the best characteristics and manners and through this, many non-Muslims converted to Islam just by looking at the actions of the Prophet SAW. Therefore, we learn that good manners and good character has a great impact on other people.

Another narration goes:

"Verily the Believer - because of his good character attains the stage of the fasting one and one who stands in prayer during the night."

A part of good manners is caring and sharing. Most importantly with our neighbours and guests.

The following Hadith explains just one of many injunctions of the rights of neighbours:

"That person will not enter Paradise whose neighbour is not safe from his mischief."

As to showing manners and being generous to our guests, our Prophet Muhammad SAW has said:

"Whosoever brings faith in Allah and on the Last Day should be generous to his guest."

It is a great bounty that we have so many of our Prophet Muhammad SAW's sayings in front of us which we can act upon. In the same way, we also have the Noble Qur'an, the Words of our Master and The Creator.

Allah Ta'ala says in the Qur'an:

"And the servants of the All-Compassionate-One walk on the earth with humility and when the ignorant people speak to them they respond with peace offerings."

Here, Allah Ta'ala is mentioning the true servants of Allah and the special slaves who will be rewarded with the highest place in Paradise.

Further below are just some of many translated verses of the Qur'an which will help us to understand the qualities of a Mu'min which all of us should possess:

SURAH AL-FURQAN: AYAT 64 ~ 77

"And those who spend the night in worship of their Lord, prostrate and standing."

"And those who say - 'Our Lord! Avert from us the torment of Hell. Verily, its torment is ever an inseparable, permanent punishment."

"Evil indeed it is as an abode and as a place to rest in."

"And those who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor niggardly, but hold a medium (way) between those (extremes)."

"And those who invoke not any other God along with Allah, nor kill such person as Allah has forbidden, except for just cause, nor commit illegal intercourse and whoever does this shall receive the punishment."

"The torment will be doubled to him on the Day of Resurrection, and he will abide therein in disgrace."

"Except those who repent and believe (in Islamic monotheism), and righteous deeds, for those, Allah will change their sins into good deeds, and Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful."

"And whosoever repents and does righteous good deeds, then verily, he repents towards Allah with true repentance."

"And those who do not bear witness to falsehood, and if they pass by some evil play or evil talk, they pass by it with dignity."

"And those who, when they are reminded of the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations etc) of their Lord, fall not deaf and blind there at."

"And those who say, 'Our Lord!’ Bestow on us from our wives and our offspring the comfort of our eyes, and make us leaders of all the Muttaqun (the pious).' "

"Those who will be rewarded with the highest place (in Paradise) because of their patience. Therein they shall be met with greetings and the word of peace and respect."

"Abiding therein, excellent it is as an abode, and as a place to rest in."

"Say (O Muhammad SAW to the disbelievers): My Lord pays attention to you only because of your invocation to him. But now you have indeed denied (Him). So the torment will be yours forever (inseparable, permanent punishment)."

In the closing verses of this Surah, Allah Ta'ala mentions the quality, significance and effect of supplicating and repenting towards Allah.

Allah SWT mentions in another chapter of the Holy Qur'an:

SURAH AL-BAQARAH: AYAT 222

"Truly Allah loves those who turn unto him in repentance and loves those who purify themselves."

In another set of verses of the Holy Qur'an, Allah SWT mentions in favour of those who repent:

SURAH AL-GHAFIR: AYATS 7 ~ 9

"That those (angels) who bear the throne (of Allah) and those around it glorify the praises of their Lord, and believe in Him, and ask forgiveness for those who believe (in the oneness of Allah) (saying): 'Our Lord! You comprehend all things in mercy and knowledge, so forgive those who repent and follow your way, and save them from the torment of the blazing fire!' "

"Our Lord! And make them enter the Eden Paradise (everlasting garden) which you have promised them and to the righteous among their fathers, their wives and their offspring! Verily, you are the Almighty, the All Wise."

"And save them from (the punishment for what they did of) the sins, and whomsoever you save from the sins (i.e pardon him) that day. Verily, you have taken him in mercy. And that is the supreme success."

Our Prophet Muhammad SAW has stated:

"Supplication (du'a) is the essence of worship."

Why? This is due to two main reasons. First, by supplicating to Allah, a person fulfils his obligation of calling on Allah, which is understood from the verse:

"And your Lord says, 'Call on me, I will answer you (your prayer).' " (Surah 24, Ayat 60)

This is worship in its purest form. Secondly, by invoking Allah, one realises that ONLY Allah can fulfil ones needs. The servant who calls upon his Lord abandons hope in everything else and turns his full attention to Allah, humbling in front of Allah. This is the essence of worship. Another desired result of worship is to attain reward from Allah, because there is such great a reward in supplication; it has been called the essence of worship.

Etiquettes Of The Toilet - Du'as

Before entering the toilet, one should first recite: (Translation)
"O Allah! I seek protection in you from the male and female devil."

Then, one should enter the toilet with the left foot first.

After relieving oneself, one then exits the toilet by stepping out with the right foot first.

Once outside, one should then recite:

(Translation)
"O Allah! I seek you pardon. All praises are due to Allah who has taken away from me the discomfort and granted me relief."

The Du'a Of Abu Darda RA

It is reported that Talq ibn RA Habib said:

A man came to Abu Darda RA and said to him:

'O Abu Darda, your house has burned.'

He (Abu Darda RA) said:

'No, it cannot be burned. Allah will never allow this to happen because of the words that I heard from the Prophet SAW.

Whoever says these words in the beginning of a day, the Prophet SAW, told us, will not be afflicted by a misfortune until the end of the day, and whoever says these words in the evening will not be afflicted until morning.

These words are:

اللهم انت ربی لااله الاانت علیك توكلت وانت َ رب العرش الكريم.ماشآءالله كا ن
(Allahumma anta rabbi laa ilaha illa anta 'alaika tawakaltu wa anta rabbil 'arsyil karim maa syaAllah kaa na)

ومالم يشألم یکن.ولاحول ولاقوةالابالله العلی العظیم
(Wa maa lam ya sya'lam yakun wala haula wala quwata illa billa hil 'aliyyil 'azim)

اعلم ا ن الله على كل شئ ءٍ قديرؤان الله قد ا حاط بكل شئ ءٍ علما
(A'ghlamu annallah ha 'ala kulli syai inqodir Wa Annallah ha qad aHaa tho bikulli sya in 'ilmaa)

اللهم اِني اَعٌوذبك من شر نفسى ومن شر كل دابة انت اخذ بنا صیتها
(Allahumma innii a'uzubika min syarrinafsii wamin syarrikulli daa batin anta akhizu bina siyatiha)

اِنٌ ربی علی صر اط مستقیم
(inna rabbi 'ala sirratimmustaqim)

Translation:

"O Allah, You are my Lord, there is no god but You, I put my trust in You, You are the Lord of the Mighty Throne. Whatever Allah wills will happen and what He does not will, cannot happen. There is no power or strength except with Allah, the Exalted, the Mighty. I know that Allah has power over all things, and Allah comprehends all things in knowledge. O Allah, I seek refuge with You from the evil of myself and from the evil of all creatures under Your control. Surely the straight way is my Sustainer's way." '

In other versions of this hadith we find that Abu Darda RA said:

"Come, let us go. So he went with them to his house. They found all the area surrounding the house burned but his house was not damaged."

It is good to recite this supplication before we leave the house.

In What Language Should Du'a Be Made ?

The true language for asking from Allah Ta'ala is not in the form of words which express our requisitions.

The language is our HEART.

What we are truly wishing for from our real life, is in actual fact what we are asking for from our Creator.

Allah SWT does not look at our words, Allah looks at us. Ourselves.

When a child asks his mother for some bread, it is highly unlikely that the mother will place hot ashes in his hand. So let us remember this that Allah has even MORE Mercy upon His servants than this.

It is never possible that we ask Allah Ta'ala for the inculcation of Taqwa i.e. fear in Allah in our hearts but in return Allah makes us hard-hearted. Or - that we ask for the inculcation of Allah's remembrance in our hearts, but in return Allah makes us oblivious to this. Or - that we ask for zeal for the Hereafter, but in return Allah involves us with the love for this world. Or - that we ask for sincere religious inclination, but in return Allah leaves us in an insincere religious state. Or - that we ask for true faith and godliness, but in return Allah leaves us tied up in the darkness of selfish devotions.

Hence, if in our heart's language such things to be desired do not exist, then this proves the fact that we have as yet, not asked from Allah Ta'ala.

If we wish to purchase some milk and we set off for the market with a strainer, it is obvious that even after spending money, we will return empty handed. Similarly, if we repeat the words of supplication (du'a) continuously, yet our real self is drawn elsewhere, then it must be known that neither have we asked nor have we achieved. Whoever TRULY asks, is never left deprived.

Let us remember this - that it is against the Honour of Allah - the Owner of the Universe, that He may leave any one of His servants in such a situation, that on the Day of Judgement when the servant is brought in the presence of Allah, the servant will look at Allah longingly, full of regret and say, "O, Allah! I asked from you one thing but you never gave it to me."

By the name of Allah, this is impossible.

The Owner of the Universe comes close by to us every morning and evening with His entire treasures and says:

"Who shall ask from me that I may give him?"

BUT THOSE WHO NEED TO ASK ARE ASLEEP, SO WHAT IS THE FAULT OF THE GIVER?

Shame On Us.

Fiqh of Du'a ?

To make Du'a in any form (e.g. loudly, softly, collectively, etc.) and any time (before, after Fardh Salaat, etc.) is permissible.

While there are substantiations for the different forms and times of making Du'a, Shari'ah does not restrict the making of Du'a in those forms or times not specifically substantiated in Shari'ah. At most, making Du'a is permissible and an act of great virtue and merit.

To regard the collective Du'a after Fardh Salaat or Sunnah Salaat as compulsory will be Bid'ah as that projects the incorrect image of Shari'ah.

If I Really Want Something

It has been advised by the Ulama of Haq that - when a person is eager to obtain or possess something, he or she can invoke and ask from Allah SWT in doa by using Allah's name:

"Al-Wahaab" i.e. "The Greatest Gifter".

Hence, we can make Du'a to Allah SWT by invoking His name with the quality Al-Wahaab - which is one of the 99 names of Allah.