Dua: How Does it Work?

By Dr. Aslam Abdullah, TMO Editor-in-chief

Regardless of what sect, linguistic group or ethnicity we belong to, most of us pray to Allah Almighty for even the minutest things in our life. Sometimes, our dua are answered, and other times they are delayed, and some other times, we do not see the response. What does the Qur`an tell us about the right methodology of dua, and when does it get answered?

During these difficult times we all need duas and additionally a positive response to our duas.

In one of the passages of the Qur`an, Allah records the dua of the Muslims of Mecca who after the establishment of a Muslim state in Medina were left stranded, facing severe persecution. They were subject to all kinds of harassment and torture. They prayed to Allah Almighty saying,  ‘Our Lord, take us out of this city whose inhabitants are wrongdoers! Give us a protector from You! Give us a helper from You!’?  (Surat an-Nisa’: 75)

Allah has the power to whisk each of them away from Mecca without anyone knowing. Allah has the power of causing destruction to the city.

Allah has the power of punishing the oppressor in an exemplary manner. But the manner Allah chose to respond to the prayers of the Muslims of Mecca was unique and practical.

He asked the Muslims of Medina who had created a state and were in control of material resources the following; “What reason could you have for not fighting in the Way of Allah-for those men, women and children who are oppressed and say, ‘Our Lord, take us out of this city whose inhabitants are wrongdoers! Give us a protector from You! Give us a helper from You!’? (Surat an-Nisa’: 75)

The prayer was responded to. and thus Allah taught us how the prayer is responded.

He invites the people who are well established and settled to come to the rescue of those who are less fortunate.

In these difficult times, our prayers will be responded when those who are in a position of authority and influence sincerely come forward to help those who are in need of help.

Based on this model of the Qur`anic message, can those amongst us who have been blessed with knowledge and resources create an alternative to help overcome their economic woes and can they be the ones inspired by Allah to help people get a response to their du’a.

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