“If you ask, ask Allah, and if you seek help, seek help from Allah."
[at Tirmdhi, Ahmad]

How many times have you woken up in a flurry ten minutes too late, flung your bag, lunch, heck even your shoes and socks into the back of the car and roared into gear, desperately hoping the traffic report blaring on the radio doesn’t mention the road you’re travelling on as a ‘no-go zone’?

How about the familiar ritual of blindly switching on the kettle when you need that caffeine fix, your head reeling with thoughts, concerns, fears and burdens that seem often too unbearable?

Perhaps receiving an amazing assessment mark for a task you were sure you had failed miserably?

Did you at any point stop to make Dua?

You may be thinking ‘what am I supposed to make Dua for in such a situation?’

There is not a set time or place needed to ask Allah s.w.t. for absolutely anything- no ritual bath or special words that must be used. Rather, Dua is one of a few personal communication links we have to Allah s.w.t, where one can talk intimately about absolutely anything. Dua is conversation with Allah. It is the most uplifting, liberating and empowering conversation a person can ever have.

Making Dua may allow that dreaded feeling in the pit of your stomach to become just a little more bearable as the day rolls on, or the fantastic feeling that tends to radiate warmth from your insides out to feel even warmer.

Dua- a way of hope and success

It’s not that we have forgotten Dua completely; as a matter of fact we do refer to it regularly. However, our ideas and practices regarding Dua have become almost mechanical in nature. We tend to consider making Dua when we feel that we’ve exhausted all possibilities, and all our efforts have proved fruitless. Dua has unfortunately been relegated to a ritual or last resort, employed only when times are tough.

In truth, Dua is a valuable tool that, when utilised correctly, can uplift your spirits and renew your faith and resolve to continue soldiering through life. Dua is the essence of ibadah. A person who stops to make Dua is essentially re-affirming their belief in Tawheed (monotheism). With each Dua, belief in Allah’s mercy, compassion and power grows, affirming one’s own powerlessness. We sense His mercy all around us, and feel a renewed commitment to Allah’s path, for that is the only path for success.

Dua has proven to be a successful tool in times of much difficulty. During the battle of Badr, the Prophet Muhammad p.b.u.h stood up all night in prayer seeking Allah's help in the battle. In the decisive battles against the crusaders, Sultan Salatuddin Ayyubi was busy day and night. His nights were spent making Dua, crying, seeking Allah's help.

However, making Dua during times of ease is also essential. Prophet Muhammad p.b.u.h said “Whosoever desires that Allah answers his Duas in unfavorable and difficult conditions, he should make much Dua in days of ease and comfort.”

It is during such days of ease and comfort that words of thanks and praise of Allah should be upon our lips and espoused through our actions. What better way to thank Allah s.w.t for His blessings than by stopping to make Dua to Him, asking Him to grant you success and happiness and shower blessings upon you.

Just do it!

You can begin making Dua right now. You don’t even need to turn off this screen! Ask for those certain things you’ve always wanted to achieve that may seem a little outrageous or unattainable. Be generous in making your Dua- remember to include your family, friends and teachers when supplicating to Allah s.w.t. Prophet Muhammad p.b.u.h. 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].

Begin by asking for the highest peak- Jannat Al Firdaus for yourself and your family. Thank Allah for everything, both the good and bad, and ask Him to forgive you and guide you, and to spare you from the punishment of hellfire. Ask Allah s.w.t. to protect our brothers and sisters around the world, who are in the depths of despair, and to grant our ummah the strength and resolve to be the greatest of people.
Dua can change your life. It is the most potent weapon. All that you need to do is to raise your hands and speak from your heart.
You can find specific Duas by clicking on the DUA BANK link.