Dua is the essence of all our worship
Summary & Main Points of talk by Shaykh Abdul Mueed (Hafizahullah) of Sukkur, Pakistan – Jummuah 12 June, 2020 / 20 Shawwal 1441.
Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) supplicated in the following words, “O Allah reform for me my Deen (faith) wherein lies the safety and success of my matters, reform for me my worldly life in which lies my livelihood and reform for me my Hereafter wherein lies my ultimate return and abode. And make good expand for me in this life and make death a means of ultimate peace for me from all evil.”
Every dua of Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) is a reflection of true servitude. Expressing total dependence on Allah Ta’ala with humility is the reality of servitude. Allah Ta’ala wants to see this servitude from His servants. Allah Ta’ala is independent of His creation, and Allah loves to see His servants turn to Him in servitude and supplication.
Are we calling out to Allah Ta’ala in the manner we should?
We generally limit our supplications to worldly needs and comforts. From the duas of Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) we learn that just as our worldly needs are important so are the needs of the hereafter.
First part of dua – Make my Deen a priority
In the aforementioned dua Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) asks Allah to set right and safeguard his Deen which is the essence of our life. This should be our real concern. Are we making an effort to safeguard our Deen and develop it? A person with a religious mindset will live in this world in the obedience of Allah, he will live a fulfilling life, a life of distinction between good and bad.
Today, we want material progress, but are unconcerned how we acquire it. There is little or no worry of earning lawfully. Parents also give much higher priority to the worldly pursuits of their child and neglect their religious development, which ultimately leads to the child not adopting the right path. If this child was guided correctly, giving priority to his Islamic life, then this child would earn the world with the consciousness of Allah Ta’ala. He will keep his life objective in front of him – he will have gained his focus of life.
Reality of life
This life is likened to a dream – in fact a dream is too long, like a drop of water how quickly it drips, similarly shall this life expire. The biggest reality of this life is death, this is the inevitable reality and journey of life. If a person realises that the direction of this life is death, then he will spend this life preparing for death.
Purpose of life
This life has a high and noble purpose and that is to become a true servant of Allah Ta’ala. How is this achieved? We are required to learn this lesson. Every messenger propagated this lesson. This life is temporary and passing, prepare for the real life of the hereafter. The one who lives a life of purpose will ultimately enter paradise.
Such a person will be fully aware of accountability in the court of Allah Ta’ala. Whosoever has developed this fear and reality in his life will never pander to sin and disobedience. A life of sin satiates the passion and ego but brings about the displeasure of the Creator.
A short journey
This life is a short journey of some difficulties, suppressing passions and living in keeping with Allah’s obedience. Once this is achieved then the outcome is priceless and unimaginable. This realisation comes with learning and practicing on Deen, learning the reality of life. Living life contrary to the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala is an indication that a person has not learnt the reality of life.
All success is dependent on Deen.
Once an Islamic way of life is established, then the worldly life also falls into perspective. Now that we have learnt this dua, the effort to learn and apply this life lesson should be endeavoured. Even if one has little Halaal or worldly possession, he has barkat in his life, and that is all that is needed in life for our needs to be fulfilled. Needs of poor men are also fulfilled but the desires and greed ofa wealthy person can never be satiated. Never chase desires as there is no limit to the desires of man.
Second part of dua – Set right my worldly life
Make my world good for me. What does this mean? Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasalam) did not ask for loads of wealth but asked for the world being in good condition, meaning to be allowed to live in the world in such a way that it does not affect my purpose and objective. Allah Ta’ala makes a way for a person who adopts piety – we will not find our way out of trouble if we displease Allah.
Third part of the dua – Set right my hereafter
Make my hereafter wherein lies my ultimate abode successful. It is a place that we will reside forever and so we need Allah’s help in ensuring that when we reach there, all is right. And then the dua concludes on a note of requesting Allah Ta’ala to instill all good in everything we have in this life and make our death upon faith and with ease and to protect us from the tribulations of death.
Muslims First 