For example...

For example, when making du’a raise your hands for supplication, start and end with salawat (invocation of peace upon and his family), say Ya Allah ten times, and your intention should be clear and you should not have hypocrisy in your heart (no matter what you receive). Also, whatever Allah chooses for you accept it, do not delay prayer ( salat ), and give charity.

Furthermore, there is a beautiful hadith (tradition) from Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (peace be upon him and his family) in which someone asked him why his du’a was not answered and Imam Ali said that you know Allah but you do not obey Him, you know the messenger but you do not follow him, you know the Qur’an but you do not follow it, you feel the fire of Hell but you do not prepare to avoid it, you want to enter Paradise but you do not prepare to enter it, you receive favors but you are not thankful .

If we are truly sincere (just not with our tongues, but with our whole being), then Allah (the All-Merciful) may answer us. Du’a is truly a spiritual experience. It is one of the best remedies, and it gives comfort. For example, if you are stressed and worrying about many things, you can use du’a as a stress reliever. Personally, when I am upset or worried, I like going to a quiet area in my house to make du’a . I open up to the Lord and have an intimate moment.

By doing this, I truly feel more relaxed afterwards. Just knowing that God is there listening to me really brings me comfort. (peace be upon him and his family) said that du’a is the essence of worship . He also said that whoever does not know how to do du’a is a loser . Additionally, Imam Ali (peace be upon him and his family) said that who does du’a but does not act is fooling himself . So worship Allah by doing du’a , but act accordingly to be worthy of receiving an answer.

📌In connection with the concept of du’a , there is the concept of dhikr (remembrance [of God]). The Qur’an (7:205) states, “And remember your Lord within your heart beseechingly and reverentially, without being loud, morning and evening, and do not be among the heedless.” You see, when you remember Allah (the All-Beneficent) you become calm and relaxed. When one gets nervous, that is when Shaytan (Satan) attacks. Remember Allah to keep control and to be in a comfortable state.

Now, what does it mean to remember the Lord? (peace be upon him and his family) said that whoever obeys Allah, he is in remembrance of Allah (the All-Generous).

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