(Du‘aa Series – Part Four)

The driver is seated in his car, but cannot move forward as he is gridlocked in rush hour traffic… The passengers are aboard the aircraft, but it cannot take off due to the runway being obstructed…

Indeed, encountering an obstruction or obstacle is among the most frustrating and disruptive experiences that one can suffer.

As discussed previously, by adhering to the sunnah method and etiquettes of making du‘aa, it is more likely that one’s du‘aas will be accepted. However, at the same time, it is necessary to understand that there are also certain obstructions that impede the acceptance of du‘aas.

In one hadeeth, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) explained the condition of a person who had undertaken a long, arduous journey. His hair was dishevelled and his clothing was covered in dust. He raised his hands to the sky crying in supplication saying, “O my Rabb! O my Rabb (help me in my difficulty)!” However, his food and drink were haraam, his clothing was obtained from haraam sources, and his body was nourished with haraam. Thus, even though his condition was so pitiable and portrayed such desperation, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned, “How can his du‘aas ever be answered?” (Saheeh Muslim #2346)

Since consuming halaal has a direct link on the acceptance of du‘aas, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) once advised Sayyiduna Sa’d bin Abi Waqqaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) saying, “O Sa’d! Ensure that your food is pure (i.e. halaal), and your du‘aas will certainly be accepted.” (Tabraani – Majma‘uz Zawaaid #18045) The du‘aas of Sayyiduna Sa’d (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) were indeed readily accepted, and there are many incidents reported regarding the du‘aas he made and the manner in which they rapidly materialized.

Hence, we understand that in order for our du‘aas to gain acceptance by Allah Ta‘ala, we must ensure that we refrain from consuming anything that is haraam or even doubtful. Likewise, we must be particular regarding our income.

Nevertheless, just as our food and income has a direct effect on the acceptance of our du‘aas, our deeds also have a similar impact. If we lead lives of sin and indulge in evils and vices such as watching movies, listening to music, not observing purdah, etc., then these evil actions ruin our relationship with Allah Ta‘ala.

Can we honestly expect to be among those whose du‘aas are readily and rapidly answered by Allah Ta‘ala when we continuously defy His commands and disobey Him? 

Thus, we must sincerely repent from all sins and make an effort to reform our lives, improve our condition and repair our relationship with Allah Ta‘ala.

Finally, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) warned that if we neglect our Deeni responsibility of inviting people towards righteousness and discouraging them from evil, we will find that our du‘aas will not enjoy acceptance. (Sunan Tirmizi #2169) In other words, we must, at all times, have a concern for Deen and for the condition of the Ummah – not just for ourselves.

In our individual capacity, each of us is able to uphold this responsibility to some degree. As a parent, one will ensure that one’s children remain committed to Deen, perform their salaah, etc. As a wife, she will encourage her husband towards Deen (just as a husband will also have concern for the Deen of his wife). As an employer, he will make an effort on his staff. The crux of the matter is that one should not, at any point, fall into a state of complacency where people around him are indulging in evils and are leading lives of sin, yet one remains completely unconcerned and his heart is unaffected. At the very least, if we cannot do anything to rectify the situation, then we should make du‘aa to Allah Ta‘ala and ask Him to turn people’s hearts and inspire them to abandon their evil ways.

May Allah Ta‘ala make us all among His special servants whose du‘aas are readily accepted, aameen