Supplication: the Weapon of the Believer

In the fast-paced, demanding world of today, we often find ourselves in tight situations, and it is in these situations that we are in need of many things. Problem is, we don’t do anything to achieve them. We may sit around and dream about that new car, or the money that we long to earn, and we may even speak of these desires, but that’s it. And after it seems like every solution, every plan of action has been through with, we give up and believe that what we seek will never be attained, what we long for will only remain a dream.

It is sad that we don’t even stop to think about making supplication (dua) to Allah (SWT) for these things, Allah (SWT) who is the All-Mighty, the All-Powerful. And even if we do, it’s always seen as a last resort, after every possible attempt has failed. Or even worse: we believe that we are self-sufficient enough to make things happen ourselves and simply neglect supplication altogether.

My sisters in Islam, supplication isn’t just a prayer that we perform whenever we are in need of something. It isn’t just a religious ritual that is practiced from time to time. Supplication is a personal conversation with Allah (SWT), the most uplifting, powerful, and transforming conversation we could ever have. Whenever we are lonely and need of someone, He is there; whenever we don’t know who to turn to for our problems, He is there. Allah (SWT) is the All-Knowing and the Most Merciful, and He will ALWAYS be around to listen to us. “And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad SAW) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor). So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright.” (Surat Al-Baqarah, verse 186). How simple and beautiful could supplication possibly get?

Supplication is the weapon of the believer and the essence of worship. Supplication could help change fate, while we cannot; it solidifies a Muslim’s belief in the power and oneness of Allah (SWT), and shuns away all other false entities and doubts. Supplication cleanses our heart from anxiety, worry, and hatred, and makes us feel at peace with ourselves; we come out of it as stronger and happier people. In fact, the best supplication is probably one of repentance, for Allah (SWT) is the Most Gracious and Most Merciful, and He loves those who seek for His forgiveness. After all, one could never repent too much!

With supplication we should not just ask for big things that matter to us, but the little things as well, for there is nothing too big or small for Allah (SWT) to handle. We should also make supplication in times of happiness and comfort, as we do during those of distress and worry. In fact, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) states in a hadith: “Whosoever desires that Allah answers his supplications in unfavorable and difficult conditions, he should make plentiful supplication in days of ease and comfort.” We should always thank Allah (SWT) for the wonderful blessings He gave us, like family and shelter, because it is too often that we take them for granted and don’t appreciate them until they’re gone.

While we may make supplication for the things that we want in this world, we should also seek for those in the hereafter. After all, we are continuously on a journey, as our life on Earth is only temporary, while our life in the hereafter will be everlasting. This situation is like going to a king who gives you the chance to ask him for whatever you want, only to tell him, “I wish you could show me the way to the bathroom!” However, we should always balance our supplications, because as important as the hereafter is, we also need Allah (SWT)’s help to live a good life here as well.

Never neglect supplication. Don’t ever feel like it’s a burden to do, asking Allah (SWT) for help at all times, because supplication is truly a powerful form of worship and could transform your outlook on life completely. At some times, whenever I’m stressed or filled with anxiety, I make supplication and my emotions suddenly sink into a more peaceful mood – its like I never had any problems to begin with. Not only do you have a conversation with Allah (SWT) directly, but you also build up a closer relationship with Him. I believe that if we all put in the effort to make supplication a daily practice in our lives, we will see a positive change in ourselves and our connection with Islam.

Ramadan is less than three weeks away, so let’s all aim to make supplication as much as possible during this blessed month, so we could gain as many rewards as we can and get into the habit of this beautiful practice, insha Allah.

And as always, I remind myself before I remind anyone else.

May Allah (SWT) accept all our supplications. Ameen.