I understand that for our Duas to get answered we first need to develop certainty that Allah will fulfill them. But knowing myself, I cease to have this sense of certainty. I know it’s wrong, and I’ve discussed this issue with many of my friends and those who have a good deal of Islamic knowledge…
Dear Counselor,
“My duas almost never get fulfilled- I guess I need to first develop the required sincerity”
I understand that for our Duas to get answered we first need to develop certainty that Allah will fulfill them. But knowing myself, I cease to have this sense of certainty. I know it’s wrong, and I’ve discussed this issue with many of my friends and those who have a good deal of Islamic knowledge. But none gave me a workable advice.
I wish I can find a solution to this troubling matter.
Ahmad.
Answer offered by Dr. Farooq Hassan
Ph.D. in Islamic Studies (Usul-ul-Fiqh),University of Karachi
Assistant Professor of Islamic Studies and Ethical Behavior in Humanities Department
– N.E.D. University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi.
Dear Ahmad, thank you for asking this important question.
Why do we need Du’a?
As human beings, we are in desperate need to call upon Allah and we do need His help, support, guidance, mercy and forgiveness. That is why we should call upon Allah at any time we need Him. Allah has asked and commanded us to call upon Him so that He may answer our calls and our Du’as. Allah says in the Qur’an:
“And our Lord says: Call on Me; I will answer your prayer….”
– (Al-Momin, 40: 60)
In a famous Hadith, our beloved prophet (PBUH) said: “Du’a is the brain of worship”.
The way to ask Allah:
The tone of our talk to Him, the feelings and emotions triggered when we implore Allah, the place and position in the life right now, the attitude we adopt in dealing with other human beings, the food we take, are some factors to be re-evaluated for acceptance of Du’a. Allah says in the Qur’an:
“Call on your Lord with humility and in private: for God love not those who trespass beyond bounds. Do not mischief on the earth, after it has been set in order, but call on Him with fear and longing (in your hearts): for the Mercy of God is (always) near to those who do good.”
– (Al-Aaraf, Chapter 7: 55-56)
Importance of Halal food for acceptance of Du’a:
In a long Hadith, related to the authority of Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) he said that the Holy prophet (PBUH) explained the reason why requests are not granted: “He (PBUH) mentioned (the case of) the man, travelling a long journey, disheveled and dusty crying, O Lord! O Lord! But his food is unlawful, his dress is unlawful, and he was nourished on unlawful, then how can his request be granted.”
– (Narrated by Imam Muslim)
Forms of acceptance of Du’a:
1. Acceptance of Du’a does not mean that you will get whatever you wish for. This is because sometimes an individual may ask for something which is harmful for him. Such a call will not be answered and Allah will give something greater and taking some other form.
2. An example by a Turkish scholar is given which illustrates very well this mater. A physician is called to check a sick child. The child asks the physician for a particular medicine he likes. However, the Physician knows from experience that that particular medicine doesn’t carry the cure. So, the physician provides a totally different treatment that heals the young patient. Allah totally encompasses man and knows his needs.
3. Allah says in the holy Qur’an: “……But it is possible that you dislike a thing which is good for you, and that you love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knows, and you know not.”
– (Al-Baqarah, Chapter 2: 216)
Points to ponder while making Du’a:
1. You may be asking Allah for something that is detrimental to you. You should seek the will and Mercy of Allah.
2. Allah seeks sincere prayers intended to seek His pleasure.
3. You should deeply recognize your weakness in the presence of the Creator, Allah (SWT) and recall the desperate need of His guidance.
4. The mind of a believer should never harbors any doubts about the answer Allah would give to His call.
5. Allah knows what is best for you.
6. Allah knows the best time to give you what you have asked for.
7. Allah knows the best ways and forms for fulfillment of prayers.
8. Good people have to pass through painful phases in the life, may be Allah has put you into trouble to reward you and to provide you with spiritual upliftment.
(see Surah Al-Baqara, Chapter 2: 155)
Therefore be wise and have total trust in Allah.
Let us increase our call to Allah with humility and sincerity. Let us implore Allah, the Almighty, for guidance, forgiveness and Mercy.
Amen.
Dr. Farooq Hassan
Posted on: September 13, 2011