The Grandeur of Dua (Supplication): A Supreme Form of Worship and its Benefits

Dua (supplication) is a supreme form of worship, an excellent devotion, and a beloved act in the sight of Allah Almighty. Dua is essentially a means of communication between the servant and their Creator and Master, an expression of intimacy and servitude. Dua is a way for the servant to connect with the Lord and present themselves before His Majesty.

The peace and solace generally achieved through Dua are rarely found in any other form of worship. Since Dua is the core of worship, it is beneficial not only for the Hereafter but is also highly advantageous in this world. For instance, Dua is a vital tool for seeking refuge from difficulties, calamities, worries, and illnesses. Numerous verses and Ahadith emphasize the grandeur and significance of Dua.

🌟 The Importance of Dua in the Holy Quran

Allah Almighty states in the Holy Quran regarding Dua:

Dua as Revealed by Allah:

• “I answer the call of the caller when he calls Me.” (Part 2, Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 186)
• “Call upon Me, I will respond to you.” (Part 24, Surah Al-Mu'min: 60)
• “So We responded to him and rescued him from the grief, and thus do We rescue the believers.” (Part 17, Surah Al-Anbiya: 88)

🌿 Sayings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: Dua is Ibadah

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

• “Dua is Ibadah (worship).” (Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith No. 1479)
• “Dua is the core (marrow) of worship.” (Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 3371)
• “The most exalted form of worship is Dua.” (Al-Adab Al-Mufrad, Hadith No. 712)
• “Dua is the weapon of the believer, the pillar of the Deen (Religion), and the light of the heavens and the earth.” (Al-Mustadrak Alaa As-Sahihain, Hadith No. 1812)
• “Dua is the key to Mercy, and Wudu (Ablution) is the key to Salah (Prayer), and Salah is the key to Paradise.” (Faydul Qadir, Hadith No. 4257)
• “Dua repels preordainment (Qadr)” (Al-Mustadrak Alaa As-Sahihain, Hadith No. 1814)
• “O my son! Be frequent in Dua, for Dua repels even a final, binding decree (Qadr Mubram).” (At-Targheeb Fi Fadhaail Al-A'mal, Hadith No. 150)

Dear readers, you have seen how many virtues are mentioned in the Quran and Hadith for supplicating, and how much Allah Almighty loves those who call upon Him. We should not deprive ourselves of the countless benefits of Dua and should supplicate frequently.

💡 A Faith-Boosting Tale: The Missing Son Returned by the Power of Dua

Sayyiduna Abu Sulaiman Rumi (may Allah have mercy on him) narrates that he heard Sayyiduna Khaleel Sayyad (may Allah have mercy on him) say that his son was lost in the fields. Overcome with grief, he approached the saint Sayyiduna Ma'roof Karkhi (may Allah have mercy on him) for help.

The saint raised his hands and appealed: “O my Lord عَزَّ وَجَلَّ! Indeed, all the heavens are Yours, the earth is Yours... My Lord! Return their child to them.”

Sayyiduna Khaleel Sayyad says: "I then came to the city gate, where I found my son present. This was the blessing of the Dua of Sayyiduna Ma'roof Karkhi that I found my son." (Uyoon Al-Hikayat, p. 278)

🛑 What Blocks the Acceptance of Dua?

While Allah accepts all Duas, sometimes our own actions can become obstacles to the acceptance of Dua.

It is narrated that during the time of Prophet Musa عَلَیْہِ السَّلَام, a famine occurred. Despite supplicating three times, it did not rain. Allah revealed: “O Musa! I will not accept your Dua or the Dua of those with you, because there is a 'Nammam' (tale-bearer/slanderer) among you.” Prophet Musa commanded everyone to repent. After their repentance, the rain immediately fell. (Ihya Ulum ad-Deen, Vol 1, p. 407)

We must protect ourselves from sins and bad habits like tale-bearing so that our misdeeds do not become a barrier to the acceptance of our Duas and those around us. May Allah grant us the ability to perform good deeds. *Aameen Bi Jah-e-Sayyidul Mursaleen Sallallahu Ta'ala Alayhi Wa Aalihi Wa Sallam.*

Further Reading: For more information, please study the book "Fadail-e-Dua" (Virtues of Dua) published by Maktabat-ul-Madinah.