“A supplicant (who prays) without effort and endeavour is...

“A supplicant (who prays) without effort and endeavour is like an archer without a bowstring!”[^5] In view of the fact that the bowstring is a means to propel the arrow towards the target, the influence of 'effort' in the effectiveness of du'a becomes evident.

The above five conditions are illustrative of the reality that not only should du'a not become a substitute for the natural means and ordinary measures with the purpose of achieving an objective but rather, in order for it to be answered, there ought to occur a complete transformation in the life of the supplicant - his outlook ought to be overhauled and his past deeds reviewed.

In view of the above, does it not appear that characterizing du'a as being narcotic and soporific indicates either a lack of knowledge or a sinister motive?[^6] [^1]: Safinatul Bihar, vol. 1, pg. 448, 449 [^4]: Safinatul Bihar, vol. 1, pg. 448 [^5]: Nahjul Balagha, Short Sayings 337 [^6]: Tafsir-e-Namuna, vol. 1, pg. 643 Previous…