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The Essential Guide to Du'a

Strengthen your supplication

Ramadan 2017/1438

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Making Du'a is an act of true submission by the believer. It is the principle of imploring Allah (swt) Most High for His help, His sustenance and His guidance. When the Muslim makes Du'a, he begins a truly personal conversation with his Lord which is always heard and never ignored.

This Ramadan, we have put together this essential guide to help you learn how to make the most of your Du'a, strengthen your supplication and gain the most reward, insha’Allah.

We pray that this guide delivers the best of knowledge to help you with understanding this wonderful action and how it can truly benefit you and those around you.

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'Call upon Me, and I will answer you’ (Surah Ghafir 40:60)

Verily, your Lord has said:

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The Importance, Benefits and Excellence of Du'a 5Good times to make Du'a 6The Etiquettes of Du'a 8Prerequisites of Du'a being accepted 10Signs of accepted Du'a 11Tests and Trials 12The relationship between Du'a and Sadaqah 13Quranic Du'a 14Prophetic Du'a 18From the Ahadith 19Useful Du'a 20The Story of Prophet Yunus (as) 24Your Ramadan Checklist 26Thank you 28

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Contents

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Du'a is the action of calling out to Allah (swt), seeking His help and requesting for that which your heart desires and your body requires. It is the opportunity and action to speak personally, one-to-one with Allah (swt) in complete confidence and with complete trust.

In addition to fulfilling our obligatory duties, Du'a is regarded as complete submission to Allah (swt) by turning to Him and Him alone to help us and fulfil our needs. To make Du'a is to enter a state of humility and acceptance of our own helplessness and of His Lordship.

The very action of making Du'a brings its own reward for the Muslim. Throughout the Qur’an, Allah tells us many times to call upon him and that He will listen. Indeed, some of His most treasured names are Most Merciful and Most Generous, for He loves to be asked.

“He is the Hayy (Ever-Living), there is no deity except Him. So make Du'a to Him, to Him is the Deen.” (Surah Ghafir 40:65)

The Importance, Benefits and Excellence of Du'a

Whilst Du'a can be made at any time, there are some specific times which will bring extra reward and the promise of being responded.

Good times to make Du'a

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During Tashahud:

It was reported that Abu Hurayrah (ra) said: the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “When any one of you recites the Tashahud, let him seek refuge with Allah from four things, let him say: O Allah, I seek refuge with You from the punishment of Hell and the punishment of the grave, and from the trials of life and death and from the worst of the turmoil of the Dajjal.” (Muslim)

Between Adhan and Iqamah:

The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) “The Du'a is not rejected between Adhan (call to prayer) and Iqamah (establishment of prayer) so make Du'a.” (Abu Dawud)

The Night of Decree (Lailat ul Qadr):

“The night of Al-Qadar (Decree) is better than a thousand months." (Surah al-Qadr, 97: 3)

When fasting:

The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said; Three supplications will not be rejected (by Allah (SWT)), the supplication of the parent for his child, the supplication of the one who is fasting, and the supplication of the traveller. (Tirmidhi)

At the time of breaking fast:

The Prophet (pbuh) said “Three men whose Du'a are never rejected (by Allah) are: when a fasting person breaks fast, the just ruler and the one who is oppressed.' (Ahmad, Tirmidhi)

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There are many ways in which we can fulfil the correct etiquette of Du'a. Learning the correct etiquette enables us to ensure that our Du'a are pure and in accordance with the Sunnah.

The Etiquettes of Du'a

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“When one of you makes Du'a, let him start by glorifying his Lord, praising Him and then let him send blessings upon the Prophet (pbuh) and then pray for whatever he wants.” (Tirmidhi)

“The Du'a of any worshipper will continue to receive response provided he does not ask for sin, break the ties of kinship and as long as he is not hasty.” (Abu Dawud)

Correct etiquette:

• Make wudu

• Praise Allah (swt) and pray for the Prophet (pbuh)

• Raise the hands and face the qibla

• Expect the best from Allah (swt)

• Use the correct names and attributes of Allah (swt)

• Ask for forgiveness

• Make Du'a for one self sincerely and ask three times

• Supplicate for others and for the Ummah

• Only ask for permissible things

• End the Du'a by saying “Ameen.”

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In order for our Du'a to be accepted, there are some actions which are essential.

Realising that only Allah (swt) can and will respond to our Du'aThis is the essence of our submission. By seeking only His help we affirm our belief in His Lordship in all affairs.

Pure intention to seek only the benefit of His help.

Making Du'a to impress others or for the sake of ‘going through the motions’ may result in our Du'a not being accepted. Purify your intention before beginning your Du'a in order to maximise the benefit.

Sincerity in our actions and complete submission to Him in His Lordship. Sincere, genuine Du'a where we pour out our hearts, our innermost feelings, hopes, desires and fears enables us to strengthen not only our connection with Allah (swt) but also our supplication.

Prerequisites of Du'a being accepted

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It is easy to expect that our Du'a will be answered quickly and exactly as requested. However, Allah (swt) is the Best of Planners and He knows what we do not.

Whilst realising that our Du'a has been accepted is most obvious when we find ourselves with the help that we have requested, sometimes it may not be so straight forward. Becoming closer to Allah (swt) in our Deen is also a sign that our Du'a has been accepted.

It is also important for the believer to realise that Du'a may not be responded to immediately or in the way in which we expect; therefore having sabr (patience) and repeatedly asking is essential. Having full trust in His wisdom and mercy will enable us to understand how, why and when our Du'as are answered.

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Signs of accepted Du'a

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One of the most common mistakes that we can make is making Du'a only in times of trial and difficulty.

Whilst calling upon Allah (swt) and imploring His help when we go through hardship is a wise and commendable act of worship, it is important to remember that tests and trials are part of life for every Muslim.

‘And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient, Who, when disaster strikes them, say, "Indeed we belong to Allah , and indeed to Him we will return. Those are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is those who are the [rightly] guided.’ (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:155-157)

Allah (swt) teaches us to respond to tests and difficulties by practicing patience and perseverance and by seeking His reward.

However, we should also remember to make Du'a when we are not experiencing hardship as this is the mark of true remembrance of Allah (swt). Expressing gratitude and requesting guidance when we have been blessed with comfort and sustenance are essential Du'as to make in seeking His pleasure, whatever our situation.

‘The one who likes Allah to answer him in times of adversity and hardship, then let him increase in Du'a in times of ease.’ (Tirmidhi)

Tests and Trials

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There exists between the actions of Du'a and sadaqah a very special relationship. Both actions are a means to increasing in rizq (provision) and barakah (increasing in benefit) both in this life and the Hereafter.

'The rizq of a giver of sadaqah increases, and his Du'a is accepted.’ (Ibn Majah)

‘Charity does not reduce wealth.’ (Muslim)

It is therefore easy to see that giving in charity does not reduce the chances of our Du'a being granted, rather by doing so, we can hope to see increase in our Du'a being

granted. Fulfilling our duties and acts of worship, including the giving of zakat and sadaqah, will strengthen our relationship with Allah (swt) and therefore our supplications to Him.

‘Give Sadaqah without delay, for it stands in the way of calamities.’ (Tirmidhi)

The relationship between Du'a and Sadaqah

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Du'a from the Holy Qur’an are often referred to as Rabbana Du'a and bring extra reward for the one who performs them. You can gain extra benefit with these Du'a as you earn the reward of supplicating and of reciting words from the Holy Qur’an.

Oh Lord! Accept (this service) from us: For Thou art the All-Hearing, the All-knowing.

Rabbana taqabbal minna innaka antas Sameeaul Aleem.

Oh Lord! Condemn us not if we forget or fall into error.

Rabbana la tu'akhidhna in-nasina aw akhta'na.

Oh Lord! Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins, and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. Thou art our Protector; Help us against those who stand against faith.

Rabbana wala tuhammilna ma la taqata lana bihi wa'fu anna waghfir lana wairhamna anta mawlana fansurna 'alal-qawmil kafireen.

Oh Lord! Forgive us our sins, blot out from us our iniquities, and take to Thyself our souls in the company of the righteous.

Rabbana faghfir lana dhunoobana wa kaffir 'ana saiyi'aatina wa tawaffana ma'al Abrar.

Quranic Du'a

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Oh Lord! Cover (us) with Thy Forgiveness - me, my parents, and (all) Believers, on the Day that the Reckoning will be established!

Rabbana ghfir li wa li wallidayya wa lil Mu'mineena yawma yaqumul hisaab.

Oh Lord! Bestow on us Mercy from Thyself, and dispose of our affair for us in the right way!

Rabbana 'atina mil-ladunka Rahmataw wa haiyi lana min amrina rashada.

And grant, oh Lord! that they enter the Gardens of Eternity, which Thou hast promised to them, and to the righteous among their fathers, their wives, and their posterity! For Thou art (He), the Exalted in Might, Full of Wisdom. And preserve them from (all) ills; and any whom Thou dost preserve from ills that Day,- on them wilt Thou have bestowed Mercy indeed: and that will be truly (for them) the highest Achievement [40:8-9]

Rabbana wa adhkhilhum Jannati 'adninil-lati wa'attahum wa man salaha min aba'ihim wa azwajihim wa dhuriyyatihim innaka antal 'Azizul-Hakim, waqihimus saiyi'at wa man taqis-saiyi'ati yawma'idhin faqad rahimatahu wa dhalika huwal fawzul-'Adheem.

Oh Lord! And accept my Prayer.

Rabbana wa taqabbal Du'a.

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Oh Lord! In Thee do we trust, and to Thee do we turn in repentance: to Thee is (our) Final Goal.

Rabbana 'alaika tawakkalna wa-ilaika anabna wa-ilaikal masir.

Oh Lord! Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins, and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. Thou art our Protector; Help us against those who stand against faith.

Rabbana wala tuhammilna ma la taqata lana bihi wa'fu anna waghfir lana wairhamna anta mawlana fansurna 'alal-qawmil kafireen.

Oh Lord! We believe in what Thou hast revealed, and we follow the Messenger. Then write us down among those who bear witness.

Rabbana amanna bima anzalta wattaba 'nar-Rusula fak-tubna ma'ash-Shahideen.

Oh Lord! Pour out on us patience and constancy, and take our souls unto thee as Muslims (who bow to thy will).

Rabbana afrigh 'alaina sabraw wa tawaffana Muslimeen.

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Oh Lord! Make us not a trial for those who practise oppression; And deliver us by Thy Mercy from those who reject (Thee).

Rabbana la taj'alna fitnatal lil-qawmidh-Dhalimeen wa najjina bi-Rahmatika minal qawmil kafireen.

Oh Lord! Truly Thou dost know what we conceal and what we reveal: for nothing whatever is hidden from Allah, whether on earth or in heaven.

Rabbana innaka ta'lamu ma nukhfi wa ma nu'lin wa ma yakhfa 'alal-lahi min shai'in fil-ardi wa la fis-Sama'.

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The famous Du'a of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh

Shahr bin Hawshab said: “I said to Umm Salamah (wife of Prophet Muhammad pbuh): ‘O Mother of the Believers! What was the supplication that the Messenger of Allah (swt) said most frequently when he was with you?”She said: ‘The supplication he said most frequently was: “O Changer of the hearts, make my heart firm upon Your religion (Yā Muqallibal-qulūb, thabbit qalbī `alā dīnik).’”She said: ‘So I said: “O Messenger of Allah, why do you supplicate so frequently: ‘O Changer of the hearts, make my heart firm upon Your religion.’ He said: ‘O Umm Salamah! Verily, there is no human being except that his heart is between Two Fingers of the Fingers of Allah, so whomsoever He wills He makes steadfast, and whomever He wills He causes to deviate.’” (Tirmidhi)

Prophetic Du'a

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“There is nothing more dear to Allah Ta’ala than a servant making dua to him.” (Tirmidhi)

“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”. (Muslim)

“If you ask, ask Allah and if you seek help, seek help from Allah.” (Tirmidhi, Ahmad)

“O my servants, were the first of you and last of you, the human of you and jinn of you to rise up in one place and make a request from me, and were I to give everyone what they requested, that would not decrease what I have any more than a needle decreases the sea if put into it.” (Muslim)

“The Prophet (pbuh), said to him while Ibn-Abbas was riding behind him on the same mount: “Young man, I shall teach you some words: Be mindful of Allah and you will find him in front of you. If you ask, ask only Allah and if you seek help, seek help only from Allah. And know that if all the nations were to gather together to benefit you, they would benefit you only with something that Allah had already prescribed for you, and if they gather together to harm you, they would harm you only with something that Allah had already prescribed for you. The pens have been lifted and the pages are dry.” (Tirmidhi)

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From the Ahadith

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At Suhoor:

I intend to keep the fast for tomorrow in the month of Ramadan.

Wa bi-sawmi ghadin nawaytu min shahri Ramadan.

At Iftar:

Oh my Allah, for Thee, I fast, and with the food Thou gives me I break the fast, and I rely on Thee.

Allahumma laka s’umtu wa a’laa rizqika aftartuwa a’layka tawawkaltu.

Between the final Tashahud and before Tasleem:

Oh Allah! I seek refuge with you from the punishment of the grave and from the punishment of the hell-fire and from the trials of life and death and from the evil of the trial of the False Messiah.

Allahumma inne au’hudu bika min adhaabil qabri, wa min adhabi jahannama, wa min fitnatil – mahyaa walamaati wa min shari fitnatil-maseehid-dajjaal.

Before sleeping:

O Allah (swt)! With your name I die and I live.

Allahumma bismika amuutu wa ahyaa.

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Useful Du'a

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To increase knowledge:

My Lord, increase me in Knowledge.

Rabbi Zid-Nee 'iL-Maa.

In times of distress:

Allah (swt) is sufficient for me and He is the Best Helper.

Has -bi -yal-laa-hu wa ni'- mal wa-keel.

To give thanks:

O my Lord, all praises be to You as it should be due to Your Might and the Greatness of Your Power.

Yaa rabbil lakal"hamdu kama yanbaghii lijalaali wajhika, wa'aziimi sultaanik.

For parents:

O Lord, forgive me, my parents and Muslims in the Hereafter. O Lord, show mercy on them as they have nourished me when I was young.

Rabbighfir lii wa liwaalidayya wa lilmu"miniina yauma yaquumul'hisaab, Rabbirhamhumaa kamaa rabbayaanii shaghiiraa.

Upon waking:

All praise to Allah (swt), Who revived us to life after giving us death, and to him we shall have to return.

Alhamdulillaahillazi ahyaanaa ba'da maa amaata-naa wa ilaihinnushuur.

To seek protection from ill affairs:

O Allah, I seek refuge with You from anxiety, and sorrow, and weakness, and laziness, and miserliness, and cowardice, and the burden of debts and from being overpowered by men. (Bukhari)

Allahumma innee a‛oodhu bika mi-nal-ham-mi wal-ḥazan, wal-‛ajzi wal-kasal, wal-bukhli wal-jubn, wa ḍa-la‛id-dai-ni, wa ghalaba-tir-rijaal.

To increase in love:

Oh Allah I ask thee Thy love. The love of those who love Thee, and doing good deeds which may bring thy love to me. (Tirmidhi)

Allahumma inni as aluka hubbaka, wa hubba maiyuhibbukka, wa hubba amalin yukarribu ila hubbika.

To perfect one's character:

Oh Allah you have the best mannerisms, make my mannerisms beautiful.

Allhumma Antha hussantha Khalqi fa hassin Khuluqi.

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For protection from bad manners:

Oh Allah! I seek refuge with you from reprehensible manners, deeds and whims.

Allahumma inne aud’hu bika min mun-karaatil akhlaaq wal-a maali wal ahwaa.

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Seeking Laylatul Qadr:

O Allah! You are forgiving, and you love forgiveness. So forgive me.

Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuh.ibbul `afwa fa fu `annee.

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The Story of the Prophet Yunus (as)

There are many lessons we can learn from the story of Prophet Yunus (as), especially the power of Du'a.

Prophet Yunus (as) was sent by Allah to the people of Nineveh, a town in northern Iraq. He called the people to the message of Allah (swt) but they rejected his message and continued to disbelieve. Disappointed, he left them in anger, threatening them with punishment after three days. However, the hearts of the people soon changed and they realized their mistakes, and they went out into the desert to ask Allah's forgiveness.

Whilst feeling frustrated, Prophet Yunus boarded a ship which was caught up in a terrible storm soon after. All on board feared that they would drown. In desperation, they drew lots to decide who to throw overboard in order to lighten the load. Yunus lost the draw three times but the people of the ship did not want to throw him in to the water. Although they tried to stop him, he took off his garment and threw himself in to the water.

Whilst he was in the turbulent water, Allah (swt) sent a large fish which swallowed him whole. Once he was inside the belly of the fish, he realised the mistake he had made and cried out in Du'a:

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“There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the unjust.”

‘La ilaha illa anta subhanak, inni kuntu min althaalimeen.’

Allah (swt) heard his Du'a and answered him, casting him out on to the shore, protecting him from harm and forgiving him his anger and impatience.

"The man of the fish, when he went off in anger and thought that We would never straiten [the provision] over him. And he called out within the darkness, “There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the unjust.” So We responded to him and saved him from the distress. And thus do We save the believers.” (Al-Anbya :87-88)

The Du'a of Yunus is a precious and powerful example of how Du'a, truly imploring Allah (swt) for forgiveness and help, will bring with it great reward insha’Allah.

“No Muslim ever prays to his Lord with these words for anything, but He will answer his prayer.” (Tirmidhi)

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30WorshipPrayed my five daily Salaat

Prayed Qiyam-ul-layl (Tahajjud)

Made morning Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah*) after Salaat ul-Fajr

Prayed Taraweeh

Prayed Nafl (optional) Salaat

Read and memorised at least 2 duas in this booklet

Qur’anReading translation (Tilawat) & commentary (Tafseer)

Reflection

Memorisation

CharityPaid Zakat (if applicable)

Paid Zakat ul-Fitr (for the month)

Paid Sadaqah

SunnahPractise at least one Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh)

My ActionsDid some exercise & tried my best to take care of my body

Did something special for my parents

Made one person smile

Removed harm from the path of at least one person

Reflected upon myself and my actions

Increased knowledge through reading or listening to a talk

Read Surah Mulk before going to sleep

Went to sleep in state of Wudhu

*(swt)

Your Ramadan Checklist

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30WorshipPrayed my five daily Salaat

Prayed Qiyam-ul-layl (Tahajjud)

Made morning Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah*) after Salaat ul-Fajr

Prayed Taraweeh

Prayed Nafl (optional) Salaat

Read and memorised at least 2 duas in this booklet

Qur’anReading translation (Tilawat) & commentary (Tafseer)

Reflection

Memorisation

CharityPaid Zakat (if applicable)

Paid Zakat ul-Fitr (for the month)

Paid Sadaqah

SunnahPractise at least one Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh)

My ActionsDid some exercise & tried my best to take care of my body

Did something special for my parents

Made one person smile

Removed harm from the path of at least one person

Reflected upon myself and my actions

Increased knowledge through reading or listening to a talk

Read Surah Mulk before going to sleep

Went to sleep in state of Wudhu

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This Ramadan. We ask you to remember those suffering across the world.

#zakatpaid

At Muslim Aid, our work in delivering life-saving help does not stop. Thanks to your charitable donations – and your Du'a, last year over £5 million was raised in Zakat donations as thousands of you paid with Muslim Aid.

But we need more help. Across the globe, from Somalia to Myanmar, from

Africa to Yemen, across Afghanistan, Burma, Syria and beyond, there are millions of people who are still innocent victims of war, famine, illness and poverty. Please give generously and remember them in your Du'a.

Thank you.

Donate Now 020 7377 4200 Muslimaid.org

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