01-06-2005, 10:55 AM
Assalamu aleikum,
Want to share with you the following.
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
The Power of Du'a
(Islamweb) By: Khalid Baig
Dua is so powerful that Dua has the power to create and alter fate!!
The Dua can change our life, our outlook, and our fate. It is the most potent weapon of a believer.
Once Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) passed by a people who were suffering from some affliction. "Why don't they make Dua (pray ) to Allah for protection," he said. With all the suffering and disasters Muslims are facing in various parts of the world, the question can be directed to all of us today.
Generally Dua is considered when all our efforts have failed -- an act of last resort!!
Dua is conversation with Allah (SWT), our Creator, our Lord and Master, the All Knowing, the All Powerful. We turn to Him because we know that Allah alone can lift our sufferings and solve our problems. Allah (SWT) listens and already knows what is in your heart, but He wants you to ask Him for what you want. The Prophet said: Allah is angry with those who do not ask Him for anything (Tirmidhi).
We feel relieved after describing our difficulties to our Creator. We sense His mercy all around us after talking to the Most Merciful.
When we fall sick, we know that we cannot find the right doctor without His Will; that the best doctor may not be able to diagnose our condition without His Command; that the best treatment plan will not succeed without His Permission. We make Dua for all of these.
A person engaged in Dua affirms his belief in Tawheed (monotheism) and shuns belief in all false gods. With each Dua his belief in Allah (SWT) grows. Additionally, such a person can never become arrogant or proud, a logical result of true worship.
During the battle of Badr, the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) stood up all night in prayer seeking Allah's help in the battle between unequal armies that would follow the next day.
In the decisive battles against the crusaders, Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi was busy day and night. His days were devoted to Jihad. His nights were spent making Dua, crying, seeking Allah's help.
That is why we have been taught to ask Allah (SWT) when we need something as small as shoelaces. We should ask as a beggar, as a destitute person, for that is what we in reality are in relationship to Allah (SWT).
We should remember the Hadith: "There is nothing more dear to Allah than a servant making Dua to Him." On the other hand, a prayer lacking concentration and conviction is no prayer at all.
We should make Dua at all times, not only during times of distress. The Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) said: "Whosoever desires that Allah answers his Duas in unfavorable and difficult conditions, he should make plentiful Dua in days of ease and comfort." Also he said: "The person who does not ask from Allah, Allah becomes angry with him."
We should make Dua not only for ourselves but also for our parents, brothers and sisters, spouses and children, relatives and friends, teachers and other benefactors, and destitute and struggling Muslims everywhere. We should pray for them for the good in this world as well as in the Hereafter.
A believer who makes Dua receives one of three things:
1. Either he will quickly have his Dua answered
2. or he will get in the Hereafter
3. or something bad will be prevented from him equal to the value of his Dua.
The Prophet (SWAS) said: "The Dua of a Muslim for his brother (in Islam) in his absence is readily accepted. An angel is appointed to his side. Whenever he makes a beneficial Dua for his brother the appointed angel says, 'Aameen. And may you also be blessed with the same.'" (Sahih Muslim)
Praying for others connects you with them and helps you understand their suffering. This in itself has a healing component to it. The Prophet has said that praying for someone who is not present increases love.
http://islamweb.net
"When you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah"
(Quran 3: 159).
