Why I Love Dua as a Muslima
This article is Part 1 of a 7-part Dua series that I'm writing for Muslims. Reading all aspects of the series will help you gain maximum benefit, inshallah.
You can read Part 2 - How To Get Your Duas Accepted, Part 3 - How I Start And End My Day With Dua, Part 4 -The Duas I Say For Hardship, Part 5 - The Duas I Say For Protection, Part 6 - The Duas I Say For Illness, and Part 7 - Duas of the Prophets and the Pious.
I've come to depend on something as much as I rely on water to quench my thirst.
For many years, I would suffer the ills of my heart and mind because I didn't use the medicine that Allah SWT has prescribed for us - the medicine of dua.
Making supplication to the Most Merciful One is a powerful anecdote that makes everything you do easier and blessed.
It's you, doing what you do, only so much better!
I've felt the barakah and relief that came from saying relevant duas to a situation I was experiencing. I've noticed (sometimes the next day) how things fall into place when I beg Allah SWT through dua to guide and help me. Allah SWT says:
"Invoke Me and ask (Me for anything) I will respond to your invocation." (Quran 40:60)
He SWT also Says:
"And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor). So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright." (Quran 2:186)
The Prophet SAW said:
"Supplication is worship itself." (Tirmidhi)
And:
"Your Lord, may He be blessed and exalted, is characterized by modesty and generosity, and He is so kind to His slave that, if His slave raises his hands to Him, He does not let him take them back empty." (Abu Dawood)
And:
"Allah is Most Generous, and He dislikes to turn away empty the hands of His slave when he raises them to Him." (Tirmidhi)
Subhanallah, I now realize that duas are the way to success!
*My recommended complete dua book
The Book of Remembrance (Kitab Al-Adhkar) by Imam Yahya ibn Sharaf an-Nawawi
This is a thick, in-depth book with a compilation of words of remembrance and glorification (dhikr), and supplicatory prayer du'a, to the Lord of the Universe as related from His final messenger Prophet Muhammad PBUH.
I speak from experience when I say that my life has changed for the better by adding dua to my day. I knew about it before, but I didn't make time for it nor think it was important enough.
I had to go through tough times, which led me to understand that dua was the shield a believer needs. That's why I'm so excited to share the method I use and the duas I love, in hopes that you too experience its wonder (if you haven't already)!
Remember, you can say your duas in the language you are most comfortable with - actually, it's recommended to say it with the most understanding.
Therefore, I say all my duas in English, unless they are ones I've memorized in Arabic and know the meaning. This also helps me say more duas in a shorter period.
When I first began my duas daily, I did not say too many. I started with a few short ones because I was afraid I would find it tedious and not keep to it. Rather say a few duas every day than many and get lazy to do it. The Prophet ﷺ said,
"The most beloved of deeds to Allah are those that are most consistent, even if it is small." (Bukhari and Muslim)
The Way I Make Dua Now
Immediately when I open my eyes, I say my morning dua.
In the evening, when I get in bed, I say my evening dua.
I say the shahadah as an affirmation of my submission to Allah SWT.
I make istikhfar.
I praise Allah SWT.
I send blessings on the Prophet SAW.
I say the duas for protection.
I say the duas for tribulation.
I say the duas for anyone who is ill.
I say my personal duas, which I've written down.
Depending on whether I am going through a hard time and need more help, I say some duas of the Prophets PBUT.
Usually, I say most of my duas after fajr salah and some after isha salah. I find I'm less forgetful when I attach a new habit to an old habit.
There are days where I only say my duas in the morning as I'm an early bird and not a night owl. At night I'm more tired and forgetful. Then there are days I only say two or three powerful duas if I'm short of time.
Don't become despondent if you miss any dua because that's what shaytaan wants you to do. Just carry on and take each day as a fresh start without looking back. Honestly, that has been the number one reason I've left some good habits in the past.
You may feel that this method or the duas, are too many or too time-consuming to say twice or even once a day. However, you'll see that the more you say your duas, the more you feel your time expands from the barakah subhanallah.
We should also not have any doubt that Allah SWT will answer our duas. The scholars mention that our Lord only places dua on His servant's tongue because HE WANTS to give to that servant.
I highly recommend getting yourself a Dua Journal as it makes it so much easier to keep track of your duas, especially when you can’t remember all of them! I also use a Daily Dua Journal to make supplications consistently - sort of like writing my thoughts and wishes to Allah SWT.
I wish I had learned this sooner in my life!
In part 2 of my Dua Series, How To Get Your Duas Accepted, I will share the different ways you can incorporate dua to get them answered.
Recommended Read
The Book of Remembrance (Kitab Al-Adhkar) by Imam Yahya ibn Sharaf an-Nawawi
This is a thick, in-depth book with a compilation of words of remembrance and glorification (dhikr), and supplicatory prayer du'a, to the Lord of the Universe as related from His final messenger Prophet Muhammad PBUH.
Salam, I’m Zakeeya!
I believe that making our homes a safe haven for our families, as well as being a wife and mother, brings us great blessings, contentment, and benefits to society as a whole. Since 2011, I've been dedicated to assisting Muslimas in finding tranquility in their roles, taking better care of themselves, and achieving inner peace. Our journey in this world is not an easy one, but I pray the tools and guidance I offer will help you face life's challenges with more gratitude and mindfulness. Join me as I share wifehood, motherhood, homemaking, and lifestyle solutions that make life more fulfilling for you as a woman! Read more about me here.
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