An Introduction to Du‘a
Du‘a is among the greatest acts of worship in Islam. It is the direct turning of the servant’s heart to Allah alone, expressing humility, need, hope, fear, and reliance. The Qur’an and the Sunnah establish du‘a as the essence of ‘ubudiyyah (servitude), and the early scholars understood it as a central pillar of faith and devotion.
The Meaning of Du‘a
Linguistically, du‘a means to call, to ask, or to invoke. In Islamic terminology, du‘a is the servant’s request from Allah for benefit or protection from harm, accompanied by humility and submission. It includes both asking for needs and praising Allah, for all worship in essence is a form of du‘a.
Du‘a in the Qur’an
وَقَالَ رَبُّكُمُ ادْعُونِي أَسْتَجِبْ لَكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَسْتَكْبِرُونَ عَنْ عِبَادَتِي سَيَدْخُلُونَ جَهَنَّمَ دَاخِرِينَ
Wa qala rabbukum ud‘uni astajib lakum, innalladhina yastakbiruna ‘an ‘ibadati sayadkhuluna jahannama dakhirin.
“And your Lord says: Call upon Me; I will respond to you. Indeed, those who are too arrogant to worship Me will enter Hell humiliated.”
This verse clearly shows that du‘a is worship itself. To abandon du‘a out of pride or heedlessness is a form of arrogance toward Allah. The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) understood from this verse that calling upon Allah is not optional, but an obligation of servitude.
Du‘a in the Sunnah
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) emphasized the status of du‘a repeatedly. He taught his Companions to turn to Allah in every matter, whether great or small.
الدُّعَاءُ هُوَ الْعِبَادَةُ
ad du’a huwa al ibaadah
“Du‘a is worship.”
The scholars of the Salaf explained that this hadith means du‘a gathers within it humility, hope, fear, love, and reliance upon Allah, which are the core elements of all acts of worship.
The Understanding of the Salaf-us-Saliheen
The early generations were constant in du‘a. They would ask Allah for guidance, steadfastness, forgiveness, and even the smallest worldly needs. ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) said:
“I am not concerned about whether my du‘a will be answered; rather, I am concerned about being guided to make du‘a. If I am guided to du‘a, then the response comes with it.”
This understanding reflects their certainty that Allah answers du‘a in the way that is best, whether by granting the request, delaying it, or repelling harm through it.
Conditions and Etiquettes of Du‘a
The Qur’an and Sunnah teach that du‘a should be made with sincerity, certainty, and humility. Among its etiquettes are:
- Calling upon Allah alone without partners
- Beginning with praise of Allah and sending blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)
- Having firm conviction that Allah hears and responds
- Consuming halal and avoiding oppression and sin
- Persisting without haste or despair
A Foundation for Daily Supplications
For the new Muslim, du‘a is a means of strengthening faith, building a personal connection with Allah, and learning reliance upon Him. Memorizing authentic daily supplications from the Qur’an and Sunnah protects the heart, increases mindfulness, and keeps one firmly attached to the path of the Salaf-us-Saliheen.
This book is intended to serve as a fortress of remembrance, guiding the believer to authentic supplications established by revelation and practiced by the best generations of this Ummah.