(Du‘aa Series – Part Three)
Imagine a person who applies for a certain work position. However, when asked to fill in the application form, he does so incorrectly. He writes only his first name and leaves the section for his surname blank. He only writes half his ID number. He is told to write in pen, but instead uses a pencil. Finally, he completes only half the form, submitting it partially completed.
Will this person receive the job? Highly unlikely! In fact, it is most probable that his application form will not even be considered, as he failed to adhere to the prescribed procedure when filling in the form.
In the very same way, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) has taught us the sunnah procedure of engaging in du‘aa. By adhering to the sunnah procedure, insha-Allah our du‘aas will be received with acceptance. Below follows a brief description of the sunnah method of du‘aa:
When making du‘aa to Allah Ta‘ala, it is preferable for us to face the qiblah and be in the state of wudhu. If possible, we should perform two rakaats of salaah before engaging in du‘aa. It is reported that whenever Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had some worry or concern, he resorted to performing salaah. (Sunan Abi Dawood #1319) Likewise, there are numerous incidents of the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) resorting to salaah together with du‘aa.
Thereafter, we should raise our hands, with our palms facing up towards the sky, leaving a slight gap between our palms. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned in the hadeeth that Allah Ta‘ala ‘feels shy’ to turn His servant away (i.e. does not turn him away) empty-handed when he raises his hands to Him in du‘aa. (Sunan Tirmizi #3556)
After raising our hands, we should commence the du‘aa by praising Allah Ta‘ala, after which we should recite durood upon Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).
It is reported that on one occasion, while Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was seated in the masjid, a Sahaabi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) entered and performed salaah. He then made du‘aa to Allah Ta‘ala saying, “O Allah! Forgive me and have mercy on me!” Observing this, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “O musalli (one who performed salaah)! You have been hasty!” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) then taught him that when making du‘aa, he should commence by praising Allah Ta‘ala and reciting durood. Thereafter, another Sahaabi (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) entered and performed salaah. He then praised Allah Ta‘ala and recited durood upon Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Observing this, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “O musalli! Ask from Allah, for indeed your du‘aa will be answered!” (Sunan Tirmizi #3476)
After praising Allah Ta ‘ala and reciting durood, we should place our needs before Allah Ta‘ala and beg him to assist us. We should beg Him for all our needs – whether big or small. In the hadeeth, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) has encouraged us to turn to Allah Ta‘ala for every need, even if it is something as small as the broken strap of a sandal or the need for salt. (Sunan Tirmizi #3604)
Furthermore, we should not forget to beg Allah Ta‘ala for our needs of the Hereafter. Beginning with a good death upon imaan, to being saved from the punishment in the grave and in all the stages that follow – all these needs must be included in the du‘aa. Likewise, we must beg Allah Ta‘ala to admit us into Jannah, and when begging for Jannah, we must beg for the best – Jannatul Firdaus.
After placing all our needs before Allah Ta‘ala, when we wish to conclude the du‘aa, then we should recite durood upon Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). In this regard, Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) has mentioned that a person’s du‘aa remains suspended between the sky and the earth until durood is recited. (Sunan Tirmizi #486) Hence, reciting durood when concluding the du‘aa is vital for the du‘aa to gain acceptance.
Finally, we should recite “aameen” and wipe our hands over our faces. Thereafter, we should remain hopeful of our du‘aa being answered, and should bear in mind that our du‘aa being answered does not necessitate that we will get exactly what we asked for (as mentioned previously).
Likewise, we should not suffice on making du‘aa once, but should continue to make du‘aa as frequently as we can. Sayyiduna Abud Dardaa (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) used to mention, “Continue to exert yourselves in du‘aa, for when a person persistently knocks at a door, then it is highly-likely that the door will be opened for him.” (Musannaf Ibni Abi Shaibah #29785)
May Allah Ta‘ala bless us all with the ability to make du‘aa in the sunnah manner, aameen.