In fact, a true believer never gives up supplicating to his Lord and imploring Him for guidance. Almighty Allah teaches us to call upon Him and seek His forgiveness all the time. In the Qur’an, Almighty Allah teaches us: “Ask Allah of His bounty. Lo! Allah is ever Knower of all things.” (An-Nisa’: 32) Also: “ And when My servant question thee concerning Me, then surely I am nigh. I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he crieth unto Me. So let them bear My call and let them trust in Me, in order that they may be led aright.” (Al-Baqarah: 186)
In His Hadith, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, guides us to the importance of Du`a and says: “Du`a is a weapon of a believer, a pillar of religion and a light of the heavens and the earth.” The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Would I guide you to what would protect you against your enemies and bring you provision?’ Supplicate to Allah by day and night, for supplication is the weapon of a believer.”
The Etiquette of Making Du`a
In His book ‘Du`a; The Shield of A Believer; Arrows of Light in The Darkness of Night’, Sheikh Salamah Abul-Kamal, a Muslim writer and Da`iyah, mentioned some manners pertaining to making Du`a:
“1-Praising Allah and sending peace to His Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him.
2-Admitting one’s sins and showing repentance.
3-During supplication, one should begin with himself.
4-Repeating one’s supplication three times.
5-Asking Allah with firm will and seriousness.
6-Using short rich expressions in supplication.
7-Observing humbleness and humility during supplication.
8-The voice of the suppliant should be neither so loud nor so low.
9-The suppliant should end his supplication with saying ‘Ameen’ meaning ‘O Allah! Accept my supplication!’
10-Gaining provision through lawful means.”
Based on the English translation of the book, published by Dar Al-Manarah, Egypt.
The Optimum Times for Making Du`a
There are many optimum times of Du`a mentioned by scholars. The late Imam Hasan Al-Banna, in his Tract of Munajaah, sheds light on some of them, as follows:
“1-Between Azan and Iqamah. It reported that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Du`a made between Azan and Iqamah is not rejected.” The Companions said: “What shall we say, O Messenger of Allah?” “Seek Allah’s grace in this world and in the afterlife”, replied the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him.” (Reported by Abu-Dawud and At-Tirmizi)
2-In prostration. Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, quotes the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, as saying: “The nearest a Muslim is to his Lord is while he is in prostration. So, make Du`a in it.” (Reported by Muslim, Abu Dawud and An-Nasa’i)
3-While on travel and while being subject to oppression. The Hadith of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, reads: “Three kinds of Du`a are surely answered; the Du`a of an oppressed, the Du`a of a traveler and the Du`a of a parent against his son or daughter.” (Reported by Abu-Dawud and At-Tirmizi)
4-In the middle of the night. Also, Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, quotes the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, as saying: “Almighty Allah manifests Himself at the first heaven, during the last third of night, and says: ‘Is there any suppliant so that I answer him? Is there anyone asking so that I fulfill his need? Is there any seeker of forgiveness so that I forgive his sins.’”
Almighty Allah knows best.