What is Dua?

The word Dua means “to call” or “to invoke”. Through Dua, Muslims call Allah for guidance, forgiveness, help and the removal of hardship. Supplication is a direct line of communication. When you make Dua with a sincere intention, it gets accepted. As comes in the Quran,

"And your Lord says, Call upon Me; I will respond to you."

This ayat emphasised the significance of Dua, as Allah is saying to make Dua to his people. It is the personal relationship with Allah Almighty without any intermediaries.

The importance of Dua in Islam

In Islam, Dua is the essence of worship. This intimate conversation between the believer and the Almighty acts as a source of seeking guidance, expressing desire and asking for ease in times of hardship. Dua holds immense importance not only for spiritual rewards but also for the transformation of life. Dua can be made at any time, in any language, unlike obligatory Salah. There are hadith and verses which emphasise the importance of dua.

In the Quran, the Almighty says,

"And when my servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon me."

Transformative Power of Dua in Islam

Dua transforms a believer’s life in many ways. If Muslims make it with a sincere intention, it gives them many benefits of worldly life, and the life after. Here are some transformative changes mentioned below:

Emotional and mental stability

Dua is a powerful way of expressing mixed emotions such as gratitude, fear, hope, and sorrow in front of the Almighty. This feeling gives them peace of mind and soul and gives them stability on an emotional and mental level.  Dua protects you from stress, depression, and anxiety. Supplications fill one’s heart with hope and optimism. Muslims begin to deal with the hardship of life by learning patience and resilience, by keeping trust in Allah’s blessings. This positive feeling makes their life fulfilling and purposeful.

Guidance/Clarity

Muslims, while making important decisions in life, seek help and clarity from Allah Almighty. They always prefer to make dua for ease while choosing a spouse, resolving conflicts and selecting a career. Due to relying on Dua, it protects them from sudden and wrong decisions in life. For clarity in decisions, Dua serves as a source of guidance.

Spiritual growth 

When believers make regular Dua with sincere intentions, they become aware of their actions, deeds, and wishes. This self-reflection fosters spiritual growth in them. This self-examination through dua encourages them to live their lives according to Islamic rules, which make a pious and righteous person. The act of supplications also strengthens their commitment toward their Lord. Their trust in Allah Almighty increases when they notice the positive change in their lives by making duas. This fulfilment of duas reinforced their trust in Allah's plans and strengthened their faith.

Protection from Evil

Muslims get protection and guidance in all aspects of life through supplications. There are a lot of supplications for defence against evil deeds, misery, and sudden hardships. These duas taught by our Prophet (PBUH) give us a feeling of safety and protection against calamities.

Channel for blessings

For seeking blessings in every matter of life, such as work, health and family, Dua acts as a channel for seeking blessings in these matters. This regular cycle of Dua brings Barakah, such as increased happiness, success and blessings.

Reflection of Humility

Through Dua, Muslims confess their weaknesses in front of the infinite power of Allah Almighty. When they make dua with pure intention, it teaches them humility. Dua is the way of expressing emotions, relying on tawakkul on Allah. As Prophet (PBUH) said,

"Dua is the essence of worship."

(Tirmidhi)

Dua in Hardship Times

There are Duas of the Prophets in times of hardship. Dua of Hazrat Yunus (A.S.) when he was in the belly of the whale 

“There is no god but You; glory to You! Indeed, I have been one of the wrongdoers."

(Al-Anbiya 21:87)

Dua of Prophet Ayyub (A.S)

Indeed, adversity has touched me, and You are the Most Merciful of the merciful.

(Surah Al-Anbiya 21:83)

Dua for Ease

True believers remember Allah not only in times of hardship but also in times of ease. This feeling makes them closer to Allah Almighty and fills their heart with gratitude.

How to make dua?

• Start with Salawat: Start Dua by sending Salam on the beloved Prophet (PBUH) (Allahdullilahi Rabbil alamin, Allahumma salli ala Muhammad).
• Raise both your hands and face the Kaaba. This represents an act of kindness and humility, which increases the acceptance of Dua.
• Make Dua sincerely 
• Avoid making fast Duas
• Concludes praise.

End your Dua by using beautiful names of Allah.

"To Allah belong the most beautiful names, so call upon Him by them."