The Middle Prayer

حَافِظُوا عَلَى الصَّلَوَاتِ وَالصَّلَاةِ الْوُسْطَىٰ وَقُومُوا لِلَّـهِ قَانِتِينَ

Guard strictly As-Salawat (the prayers) especially the Middle Salah. And stand before Allah with obedience. (2: 238)

Tafsir (Ibn Kathir)

Allah commands that the prayer should be performed properly and on time. It is reported in the Two Sahihs that Ibn Mas`ud said, "I asked the Prophet , `Which deed is the dearest (to Allah)' He replied: To offer the prayers at their fixed times.  I asked, `What is the next (in goodness)' He replied: To participate in Jihad (religious fighting) in Allah's cause.'' I again asked, `What is the next (in goodness)' He replied: To be good and dutiful to your parents.”

The Middle Prayer

Furthermore, Allah has specifically mentioned the Middle prayer, which is the `Asr prayer according to the majority of the scholars among the Companions, as At-Tirmidhi and Al-Baghawi have stated.

The Proof that the `Asr Prayer is the Middle Prayer

Imam Ahmad reported that Samurah bin Jundub said that Allah's Messenger said: The Middle prayer is the `Asr prayer.

In another narration, Allah's Messenger mentioned:

(Guard strictly  As-Salawat (the prayers) especially the Middle Salah) and stated that it is the `Asr prayer. In another narration, Allah's Messenger said: It is the `Asr prayer.

At-Tirmidhi reported that Ibn Mas`ud narrated that Allah's Messenger said: The `Asr prayer is the Middle prayer.

At-Tirmidhi then stated that this Hadith is of a Hasan, Sahih type. Muslim reported the Hadith in his Sahih and his wordings are: They (disbelievers) busied us from performing the Middle prayer, the `Asr prayer.

These texts emphasize the fact (that the `Asr prayer is the Middle prayer).

Buraidahu (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "He who misses the `Asr Salat (deliberately), his deeds will be rendered nul and void.'' (Al-Bukhari)

The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, said: Whoever misses the `Asr prayer, it is as if he has lost his family and wealth. (Bukhari)

The Prohibition of speaking during the Prayer

Allah said:

(And stand before Allah with obedience.) meaning, with humbleness and humility before Him (i.e., during the prayer). This command indicates that it is not allowed to speak during the prayer, as speaking contradicts the nature of the prayer. This is why the Prophet refused to answer Ibn Mas`ud when he greeted him while he was praying and said afterwards:

The prayer makes one sufficiently busy (i.e., by the various actions of the body, tongue and heart involved during the prayer.)

Muslim reported that the Prophet said to Mu`awiyah bin Hakam As-Sulami when he spoke during the prayer: The ordinary speech people indulge in is not appropriate during the prayer. The prayer involves only Tasbih (praising Allah), Takbir (saying Allahu Akbar, i.e., Allah is the Most Great) and remembering Allah.

10 March 2011 10:46 by Umm Sahl | Comments (0) | Permalink

The Support that comes with Patience and Prayer

When we are down, sad, pained and dejected, don't we feel how nice it would be if someone was there by our side supporting us?

Who can be a better support than our own Creator?

and He promised His support.. provided we ask for it in Patience and Prayer...

Read further to learn more about the support that comes with Patience and Prayer.

وَٱسۡتَعِينُواْ بِٱلصَّبۡرِ وَٱلصَّلَوٰةِ‌ۚ وَإِنَّہَا لَكَبِيرَةٌ إِلَّا عَلَى

ٱلۡخَـٰشِعِينَ.

ٱلَّذِينَ يَظُنُّونَ أَنَّہُم مُّلَـٰقُواْ رَبِّہِمۡ وَأَنَّهُمۡ إِلَيۡهِ رَٲجِعُونَ 

 

And seek help in patience and As-Salat (the prayer) and truly, it is extremely heavy and hard except for Al Kashi'un (those who are humble). (They are those) who are certain that they are going to meet their Lord, and that unto Him they are going to return. (2:45-46)

The Support that comes with Patience and Prayer

Allah commanded His servants to use patience and prayer to acquire the good of this life and the Hereafter.

"Utilize patience and the obligatory prayer in seeking the Hereafter. As for patience (here), they say that it means fasting.''

"This is why Ramadan is called the month of patience,''

It was also said that `patience' in the Ayah means, refraining from evil, and this is why `patience' was mentioned along with practicing acts of worship, especially and foremost, the prayer.

`Umar bin Al-Khattab said, "There are two types of patience: good patience when the disaster strikes, and a better patience while avoiding the prohibitions of Allah.'

Allah then said,

(And As-Salah (the prayer). The prayer is one of the best means of assistance for firmly adhering to Allah's orders, just as Allah said;

(Recite (O Muhammad ) what has been revealed to you of the Book (the Qur'an), and perform As-Salah. Verily, As-Salah (the prayer) prevents from Al-Fahsha' (i.e. great sins of every kind), and Al-Munkar and the remembrance of (praising) of (you by) Allah is greater indeed) (29:45).

(And truly, it is extremely heavy and hard) refers to prayer

Allah says:

(But those who had been given (religious) knowledge said: "Woe to you! The reward of Allah (in the Hereafter) is better for those who believe and do righteous good deeds, and this, none shall attain except As-Sabirun (the patient).'') (28:80).

(The good deed and the evil deed cannot be equal. Repel (the evil) with one which is better then verily he, between whom and you there was enmity, (will become) as though he was a close friend. But none is granted it (the above quality) except those who are patient ـ and none is granted it except the owner of the great portion (of happiness in the Hereafter and) in this world.) (41:34-35)

Allah's statement,

(except for Al-Khashi`in. (They are those) who are certain that they are going to meet their Lord,) meaning, they know that they will be gathered and face their Lord on the Day of Resurrection,

(and that unto Him they are going to return.) meaning, their affairs are all subject to His will and He justly decides what He wills. Since they are certain that they will be returned to Allah and be reckoned, it is easy for them to perform the acts of obedience and refrain from the prohibitions. (Tafsir ibn Kathir)

Share your personal stories, here

Read more about Patience:

The Virtue of Patience
Sabr or Shukr

17 June 2010 10:08 by Umm Sahl | Comments (4) | Permalink

Al Qa'im (The Self Sustaining)

To read the explanation of the previous name, click Here

By Harun Yahya

The Self-Sustaining

Allah, there is no deity but Him, the Living, the Self-Sustaining . (Surah Al ‘Imran, 3:2)

Some people believe that Allah created the universe's flawless system and then left it to its own devices. Though not often expressed, people harbor this mistaken belief in their subconscious. Those who do not want to acknowledge their responsibility to Allah and do not perform the deeds that He demands from them believe that this belief provides a way to escape their responsibilities.

However, there are such causes and laws adorned with delicate details underlying all of existence that, such complex systems cannot proceed without a superior power supervising them. People who can hear, see, and deduce from these experiences recognize this fact immediately. Indeed, Allah relates that He is the One Who holds the heavens, Earth, and everything in between, as follows:

Allah keeps a firm hold on the heavens and Earth, preventing them from vanishing. And if they vanished, no one could then keep hold of them. Certainly He is Lenient, Ever-Forgiving. (Surah Fatir, 35:41)

As this verse states, Allah created the universe and keeps a firm hold on it. Life exists only because He holds sway over it. This is also true for the stability of the universe's extraordinarily intricate balances and the existence of the subtleties inherent in those systems. The Qur'an relates these facts, as follows:

Allah, there is no deity but Him, the Living, the Self-Sustaining. He is not subject to drowsiness or sleep. Everything in the heavens and Earth belongs to Him. Who can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is before them and what is behind them, but they cannot grasp any of His knowledge save what He wills. His Footstool encompasses the heavens and Earth, and their preservation does not tire Him. He is the Most High, the Magnificent. (Surat al-Baqara, 2:255)

Faces will be humbled to the Living, the All-Sustaining. And anyone weighed down with wrongdoing will have failed. (Surah Ta Ha, 20:111)

Source: www.harunyahya.com

The explanation of the next name shall be published soon, insha Allah...

16 April 2010 08:29 by Umm Sahl | Comments (0) | Permalink

Al Hayy (The Living)

To read the explanation of the previous name, click Here

By Harun Yahya

The Living

He is the Living —there is no deity but Him—so call upon Him, making your religion sincerely His. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. (Surah Ghafir, 40:65)

Being weak, what we can actually do is very limited. After we are born, we spend 5-10 years developing our intelligence through education and need constant care. Later on, we spend a great deal of time meeting our bodily needs (e.g., sleeping, and working to acquire food, clothing, and a place to live) and keeping ourselves clean and fresh.

Almost one-quarter of our life is spent in sleep. No matter how much we resist the need to sleep and use that time to engage in other activities, we cannot endure sleep deprivation for more than a few days. Indeed, such a lack of sleep affects our nervous systems by leaving us drowsy and unable to concentrate, and leads to poor memory and physical performance. If sleep deprivation continues, mood swings may develop.

All creatures have a fragile nature. Allah, the Creator of all beings, is al-Hayy (The Living). He controls everything at every moment, knows everything, and has power over all things. He is not subject to drowsiness or sleep, and is exalted above all forms of weakness. He gives various weaknesses to His servants, and commands them to recognize these weaknesses, serve Him, and ask Him for everything. Given these inherent weaknesses, we turn to our Lord, aware that we cannot live for another second unless He wills it. Several verses inform us about this attribute, as follows:

Allah, there is no deity but Him, the Living, the Self-Sustaining. (Surah Al ‘Imran, 3:2)

Put your trust in the Living, Who does not die, and glorify Him with praise. He is well aware of the wrong actions of His servants. (Surat al-Furqan, 25:58)

Faces will be humbled to the Living, the All-Sustaining, and anyone weighed down with wrongdoing will have failed. (Surah Ta Ha, 20:111)

Source: www.harunyahya.com

To read the explanation of the next name, click Here

4 March 2010 16:48 by Umm Sahl | Comments (0) | Permalink

Al- Fattah

To read the explantion of the previous name: Click Here

By Harun Yahya

The Opener

If only the people of the cities had had faith and fear, We would have opened up to them blessings from heaven and Earth. But they denied the truth, so We seized them for what they earned. (Surat al-A‘raf, 7:96)

As the Opener, Allah tests people with hardship. However, He does not impose an unbearable burden on anyone. When Allah sends difficulty to His sincere servants, He also opens a way out. Moreover, after each test He sends ease. Indeed, Allah cites the hardships that our Prophet (saas) encountered, as follows:

Did We not expand your breast and remove your load, which weighed down your back? Did We not raise your renown high? For truly with hardship comes ease; truly with hardship comes ease. (Surat al-Inshirah, 94:1-6)

Allah gives many examples of the help He offers to believers. For example, He supported Prophet Musa (as) during his troubles and eased his way. When he asked Allah to let his brother Harun (as) accompany him on his mission to Pharaoh, Allah granted his request.

This is only one example of Allah's continuous support and help for believers. He eventually removes their hardships, even those that seem impossible to overcome. Yet, He makes the unbelievers' hearts narrow and constricted and withholds His blessings from them. No power can restore these blessings, for only Allah can grant them.

This aside, Allah opens the gates of torment for unbelievers, as follows:

... nor will they humble themselves until We open to them a gate to a harsh punishment in which they will at once be crushed by despair. (Surat al-Mu'minun, 23:76-77)

Source: www.harunyahya.com

To read the explanation of the next name: Click Here

6 February 2010 17:27 by Umm Sahl | Comments (0) | Permalink

The Importance of Salat (Prayer) in the Life of a Muslim

Harun Yahya

The scrupulousness which a believer displays towards his religious observance makes his faith apparent. He enthusiastically establishes salat, fasts and performs ritual washing made compulsory by Allah throughout the course of his life. Allah has described sincere Muslims' enthusiasm for religious observances in many verses. One of these reads:

Those who are steadfast in seeking the face of their Lord, and establish salat and give from the provision We have given them, secretly and openly, and stave off evil with good, it is they who will have the ultimate Abode. (Surat ar-Ra'd, 22)

The salat is a religious observance that believers are commanded to perform throughout the course of their lives, the times of which have been stipulated. Human beings are prone to forgetfulness and heedlessness. If they fail to use their will and become caught up in the flow of daily life, they move away from subjects to which they should actually turn their attention and cling to. They forget that Allah enfolds and surrounds them in all ways, that He sees and hears them at every moment, that they will have to account to Allah for all they do; they forget death, the existence of Paradise and Hell, that nothing can happen that is not destined, and that there is something auspicious in everything and every event. By falling into heedlessness they can forget the true purpose of life.

The salat performed five times a day eradicates that forgetfulness and heedlessness, and keeps the believer's will and awareness alive. It ensures that the believer constantly turns to Allah and assists him in living in the light of our Lord's commandments. The believer who stands in the presence of Allah in order to pray establishes a powerful spiritual bond with our Lord. It is revealed in one verse that the salat reminds people of Allah and keeps them from all forms of evil:

Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish salat. Salat precludes indecency and wrongdoing. And remembrance of Allah is greater still. Allah knows what you do.
(Surat al-'Ankabut, 45)

Throughout history the prophets have communicated the salat made compulsory by Allah to their respective peoples, and have been role models for all believers by abiding by this observance in the best and most correct manner. Some verses on this subject read:

- For Prophet Ibrahim (as):

 [Ibrahim said:] "My Lord! Make me and my descendants people who establish salat. My Lord! Accept my prayer." (Surah Ibrahim, 40)

- For Prophet Isma'il (as):

Mention Isma'il in the Book. He was true to his promise and was a messenger and a prophet. He used to command his people to do salat and give the alms and he was pleasing to his Lord. (Surah Maryam, 54-55)

- For Prophet Musa (as):

I am Allah. There is no god but Me, so worship Me and establish salat to remember Me. (Surah Ta Ha, 14)

- For Prophet Isa (as):

He said: "I am the servant of Allah, He has given me the Book and made me a prophet. He has made me blessed wherever I am and directed me to do salat and give the alms as long as I live." (Surah Maryam, 30-31)

- Maryam, depicted as a role model for all women, was also commanded to establish salat:


Maryam, obey your Lord and prostrate and bow with those who bow. (Surah al 'Imran, 43)

At what times has the salat been made obligatory?

In the Qur'an it is revealed that the times of the salat have been set out for believers as a religious observance:

When you have finished salat remember Allah standing, sitting and lying on your sides. When you are safe again do salat in the normal way. The salat is prescribed for the believers at specific times.(Surat an-Nisa', 103)

The timings of the salat are "dawn," "noon," "afternoon," "evening," and "late evening." The salat timings are clearly set out in several verses of the Qur'an. Some of these verses read:

So be steadfast in the face of what they say and glorify your Lord with praise before the rising of the Sun and before its setting. And glorify Him during part of the night and at both ends of the day, so that hopefully you will be pleased.
(Surah Ta Ha, 130)

So glory be to Allah when you start the night and when you greet the day. Praise be to Him in the heavens and the Earth, in the afternoon and when you reach midday. (Surat ar-Rum, 17-18)

Our Prophet (saas) who, by the revelation and inspiration of Allah, best understood and interpreted the Qur'an, described for believers the times of day when the five salat prayers begin and finish. One of the best known hadith in which the timings of the salat are set out is that narrated by Jarir ibn 'Abdullah:

The angel Gabriel came to the Messenger of Allah and said to him, "Stand and pray," and they prayed the noon prayer when the sun had passed its meridian. He then came to him for the afternoon prayer and said, "Stand and pray," and they prayed the afternoon prayer while the length of a shadow of something was similar to the length of the object. Then he came at sunset and said, "Stand and pray," and they prayed the sunset prayer when the sun had just disappeared. Then he came at night and said, "Stand and pray," and they prayed the night prayer when the twilight had disappeared. He came again when dawn broke (and they prayed the morning prayer). Then Gabriel came on the next day at noon and said (to the Messenger of Allah), "Stand and pray," and they prayed the noon prayer when the length of the shadow of something was close to the length of the object. Then he came for the afternoon prayer and said, "Stand and pray," and they prayed when the shadow of something was twice as long as the length of the object. Then he came at the same time (as the previous day) for the sunset prayer, without any change. Then he came for the night prayer after half of the night had passed ("or," he said, "one-third of the night"). Then he came when the sky was very yellow and said, "Stand and pray," and they prayed the morning prayer. Then Gabriel said, "Between these times are the times for the prayers." (*)

Establishing salat in awe means performing this religious observance in the presence of our Almighty Lord by feeling His might and grandeur, with fear and respect. A believer who wishes to properly fulfill this obligation must take measures against everything that might prevent this awed awareness and display the maximum scrupulousness to ensure the concentration and attention required in salat.

The correct performance of these prayers is a great opportunity to remember our Lord, praise Him, and worship Him as one god in the knowledge He is free of all imperfections. Indeed, in one verse Allah commands to do salat in order to remember Him:

I am Allah. There is no god but Me, so worship Me and establish salat to remember Me.
(Surah Ta Ha, 14)

Source: www.idealmuslimah.com
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(*)As to the authenticity of the report, it is recorded by Ahmad, an-Nasa'i and at-Tirmizhi. Al-Bukhari observes, "It is the most authentic report concerning the prayer times."

5 September 2009 15:19 by Umm Sahl | Comments (1) | Permalink

Signs of Weak Iman and How to Increase It

Signs of weak Faith:

  1. Committing sins and not feeling any guilt.
  2. Having a hard heart and no desire to read the Quran.
  3. Feeling too lazy to do good deeds, e.g. being late for salat
  4. Neglecting the Sunnah. 
  5. Having mood swings, for instance being upset about petty things and bothered and irritated most of the time.
  6. Not feeling anything when hearing verses from the Quran, for example when Allah warns us of punishments and His promise of glad tidings.
  7. Finding difficulty in remembering Allah and making dhikr. 
  8. Not feeling bad when things are done against the Shariah.
  9. Desiring status and wealth.
  10. Being mean and miserly, i.e. not wanting to part with wealth.
  11. Ordering others to do good deeds when not practising them ourselves.
  12. Feeling pleased when things are not progressing for others.
  13. Being concerned with whether something is haram or halal only; and not avoiding makroo (not recommended) things.
  14. Making fun of people who do simple good deeds, like cleaning the mosque.
  15. Not feeling concerned about the situation of Muslims.
  16. Not feeling the responsibility to do something to promote Islam.
  17. Liking to argue just for the sake of arguing without any proof.
  18. Becoming engrossed and very involved with dunya, worldly things, i.e. feeling bad only when losing something in terms of material wealth.
  19. Becoming engrossed and obsessive about ourselves. 

How to increase our faith then ?

  1. Recite and ponder on the meanings of the Quran. Tranquility then descends and our hearts become soft. To get optimum benefit, remind yourself that Allah is speaking to you. People are described in different categories in the Quran; think of which one you find yourself in. 
  2. Realize the greatness of Allah. Everything is under His control. There are signs in everything we see that points us to His greatness. Everything happens according to His permission. Allah keeps track and looks after everything, even a black ant on a black rock on a black moonless night.   
  3. Make an effort to gain knowledge, for at least the basic things in daily life e.g. how to make wudu properly. Know the meanings behind Allah's names and attributes. People who have taqwa are those who have knowledge.   
  4. Attend gatherings where Allah is remembered. In such gatherings we are surrounded by angels.  
  5. We have to increase our good deeds. One good deed leads to another good deed. Allah will make the way easy for someone who gives charity and also make it easy for him or her to do good deeds. Good deeds must be done continuously, not in spurts.
  6. We must fear the miserable end to our lives; the remembrance of death is the destroyer of pleasures.   
  7. Remember the different levels of akhirah, for instance when we are put in our graves, when we are judged, whether we will be in paradise or hell.   
  8. Make dua, realize that we need Allah. Be humble. Don't covet material things in this life.   
  9. Our love for Subhana Wa Ta'Ala must be shown in actions. We must hope Allah will accept our prayers, and be in constant fear that we do wrong. At night before going to sleep, we must think about what good we did during that day.   
  10. Realize the effects of sins and disobedience- one's faith is increased with good deeds and our faith is decreased by bad deeds. Everything that happens is because Allah wanted it. When calamity befalls us- it is also from Allah. It is a direct result of our disobedience to Allah. 

Source: www.missionislam.com

 

15 July 2009 14:43 by Umm Sahl | Comments (4) | Permalink

Paradise and Hell

Narrated Abu Huraira (RA): The Prophet (upon whom be Allah's blessings and peace) said, "Paradise and Hell (Fire) quarrelled in the presence of their Lord. Paradise said, 'O Lord! What is wrong with me that only the poor and humble people enter me ?' Hell (Fire) said, I have been favored with the arrogant people.' So Allah said to Paradise, 'You are My Mercy,' and said to Hell, 'You are My Punishment which I inflict upon whom I wish, and I shall fill both of you.'" The Prophet added, "As for Paradise, (it will be filled with good people) because Allah does not wrong any of His created things, and He creates for Hell (Fire) whomever He will, and they will be thrown into it, and it will say thrice, 'Is there any more, till Allah (will put) His Foot over it and it will become full and its sides will come close to each other and it will say, 'Qat! Qat! Qat! (Enough! Enough! Enough!) . (Bukhari, 6968)

15 July 2009 10:37 by Umm Sahl | Comments (0) | Permalink

"My Lord, My Lord"

Meaning of Duà: In Arabic, it means Request.

The word Dua is used in various shades of meaning in the Quràn:

  1. An Act of Worship (Ibadah)

    Allah says in the Quràn:

    "And invoke not besides Allâh, any that will neither profit you, nor hurt you..." (10:106)

  2. Seeking Help

    Allah says in the Quràn:

    "...and call your witnesses or helpers (if there are any) besides Allah, if your (doubts) are true..." (2:23)

  3. Asking for something

    Allah says in the Quràn:

    "And your Lord says: Call on Me; I will answer your (Prayer)" (40:60)

  4. A Statement

    Allah says in the Quràn:

    "Their statement therein will be: `Glory be to You, O Allah..." (10:10)

  5. Calling someone

    Allah says in the Quràn:

    "On the day when He will call you, and you will answer...." (17:52)

  6. Praising Highly Off

    Allah says in the Quràn:

    "Say: `Invoke Allah, or invoke the Most Gracious." (17:110)

Why make Duà? If Allah knows everything what will happen in our future, then why should we make Dua? If something in not decreed for us, then why should we make Dua because it won`t be answered. Then Why make Duà?

  1. The Manifestation of humility, humbleness and dependency on Allah: A person reaches the highest level of humility while making Duà. Humility is the key to surrender to Allah. If we are proud, we would not want to humble our self in front of Allah. Jannah is not a place for arrogant people. Pride is a barrier to humble oneself in front of Allah. That is why Satan was thrown out from heaven. It Is narrated on the authority of Abdullah b. Mas'ud that the Prophet of Allaah (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam), observed: "He who has in his heart the weight of a mustard seed of pride shall not enter Paradise." (Muslim)

  2. Getting the reward by obeying the order: We are commanded to make Duà. So even if our Duà is answered or not, we shall get the reward for it because we obeyed Allah. When women during their menstrual cycle do not pray, they are getting rewarded because they are obeying the commands of Allah, Subhan Allah. Ladies can do a lot of Du`as during those days. Duà is an Ibadah (Worship).

  3. We truly acknowledge that Allah has power: When we make Duà we are acknowledging that we are helpless and only Allah has the power to accept our Duàs. We know that without Allah's Mercy and Help our Du`as will not be answered. If we make Duà and we believe firmly that only if Allah wills, our Duà will be answered, then making Duà is a form of submission to Allah.

  4. The possibility that the thing asked for is dependent on the Duà: What if Allah has decided that unless we do not make Du`a, He will not grant it for us. So only if we make Duà, it might be answered. Allah is the creator of the causes and the effects, so maybe only if we make Du`a it will be answered.

How is Duà Answered?

We should always believe that our Duà is answered in some way or the other. Duà is always answered in one of the following ways:

  1. Allah grants the person what he asks for as he asks for it right away.
  2. Allah, instead, removes a calamity in the future of that person, similar to what he asked for.
  3. Allah saves it for him for the Hereafter.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Any Muslim who makes a supplication containing nothing which is sinful, or which involves breaking ties of relationship, will be given for it by Allah one of three things:
  1. He will give him swift answer,
  2. or store it up for him in the next world,
  3. or turn away from him an equivalent amount of evil."

Those who heard it said they would then make many supplications and he (peace be upon him) replied that Allah was more ready to answer than they were to ask! (Al-Tirmidhi Hadith)

Instead of asking why Allah did not answer our Duàs, we should think that Allah is removing any calamity from us or Allah is saving it for us to enter Jannah. Maybe it might be that one Duà of ours unanswered in this world that can save us from the Hell-fire, Subhan Allah.

We should always ask for beneficial things for this worldly life and for the Hereafter.

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

``Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the hereafter, and save us from the chastisement of the fire.`` (2:201)

Barriers to Duà being accepted

  1. Asking for something sinful and asking for the severing of family ties.

    The Prophet(SAW) said, “ The Dua’a of anyone of you maybe answered by Allah as long as his does not involve a bad deed or severing kinship ties.” (Tirmidhi)

  2. Food, drink and dress not being halal.

  3. The Prophet, peace be upon him, then made mention of a person who travels widely, his hair dishevelled, and covered with dust."He lifts his hands and makes supplication, 'O Lord, O Lord,' but his diet is unlawful, his drink is unlawful, and his clothes are unlawful, and his nourishment is unlawful. How then can his supplication be accepted?" (Muslim and Ahmad)

  4. Being Impatient or hasty in wanting an answer as soon as possible.

  5. Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "The invocation of anyone of you is granted (by Allah) if he does not show impatience (by saying, "I invoked Allah but my request has not been granted.") (Bukhari)

    The Prophet(SAW) said: “You should know that Allah does not answer the Dua’a that comes from a heedless heart.” (Tirmidhi)

Etiquettes of Duà

Prophet(SAW) taught ”Make Dua’a while being certain of the response.” (Tirmidhi)

  1. Be Sincere.
  2. Begin by praising Allah and sending peace and blessings upon our Prophet (saw).
  3. Be patient with conviction that Allah hears and will answer.
  4. Seek out the appropriate times like sujood, after azaan, etc.
  5. Raise hands.
  6. Being in a state of Wodhu.
  7. Facing the Qiblah.
  8. Making tawbah and istigfaar before asking for what we want.
  9. Ask Allah using His names and Attributes.
  10. Pour our feelings out, say exactly how we feel.
  11. Be firm/positive in asking.
  12. Narrated Anas: Allah's Apostle said, "When anyone of you appeal to Allah for something, he should ask with determination and should not say, 'O Allah, if You wish, give me.', for nobody can force Allah to do something against His Will." (Bukhari)

13 April 2009 15:17 by Umm Sahl | Comments (11) | Permalink

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Umm Sahl, your sister in Islam, a wife and  mother of 2 beautiful blessed babies Sahl Ozman  and Du'aa Ozman.
I live in Toronto, a city which gives me immense opportunities to nurture my knowledge in Islam.
I spare my time learning and sharing the knowledge of truth and peace.
Please feel free to write to me.

 

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