Dua: be specific?

Precious Star

Junior Member
IS it better to make dua for circumstances you know are unlikely to happen OR to simply just ask Allah to give you ease in your affairs.
I am not speaking of material matters like cars, technological gadgets or even physical beauty.
 

Abu-Talha

Brother in Deen
assalam alaykum

generaly according to sunah of the Prophet alayhi salam, dua are made for something specifik, but in some duas there i a general meaning to ask from Allah to protect us from all evil, the best thing to know how to make dua and when, read book " Fortres of Muslim", from shaykh Qatani

generaly we pray to Allah to give us easy afairs, but there are different dua wich specify some importen things in our life, but if have a need to pray to Allah to protect from something wich we see as a danger for us, you can pray to protect you from that, or if you have a need for a specific thing, you can pray to have that or to have success to achive that, one of the sahaba-companion said " i pray in sujud (prostration) even for salt" , so its ok to pray for anything you have a need, and wich is good for your faith and for you worldly afairs

find that book, i think you can find it online in net and downloud it
 

Aapa

Mirajmom
Assalaam alaikum,

It is written that we need to compel Allah subhana wa taala when we supplicate. We are to use His Beautiful Names and Attributes. We have to be specific and we have to be direct. Also, it was related to me by a shayka that if we pray prior to fajr it makes a difference. I know this for a fact. I did not believe it at first but it makes a difference.

In simple words our intention must relay our total dependence on Allah. One of my favorites roughly translated is: O Allah, it is Your Mercy that I hope for, so do not leave me in charge of my affairs even for a blink of an eye, and rectify for me all of my affairs. None has the right to be Worshiped except you.

Sister, it is amazing how simple life becomes. The stress is removed. You know He will respond. Someone told me they thought I had the golden touch. It is not that life things stop happening; rather it is the way life-things get resolved. You start to have long term vision and no stress.

Hope this helps.
 

Abu Talib

Feeling low
You can ask Allah what ever you want Allah loves you ask him so keep asking and have patience.

Sometimes we don't know whats better for us but we can ask Allah if its good for us so grant us that.

Have a look at this thread too http://www.turntoislam.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15145

[video=youtube;4pZGkzqyOGs]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=4pZGkzqyOGs[/video]
 

Precious Star

Junior Member
if we pray prior to fajr it makes a difference. I know this for a fact. I did not believe it at first but it makes a difference.
.

What do you mean, it makes a difference? In the outcome? I've performed tahajjud many times, for years. What do you mean it makes a difference? Isn't that something we will only know after death?


Sorry, I dont know how that pirates symbol appeared at the top of this reply :(
 

sultanb

Junior Member
Fajr and evening are times mentioned in the Qur'an in more than one ayat. 76:25 is one example. "Remember your Lord at morning and evening." Also""Establish worship at going down of the sun until the dark of night, and (the recital of) the Qur'an at dawn. Lo! (the recital of the Qur'an at dawn is ever witnessed." 17:78.

So, it can be said that fajr and night are special times of rememberance.

Also, I think du'a should be detailed. Like as mentioned we should pray for dunia, but not forget for akhirat, or it will be counted that we did not ask for akhirat, and we will have no share of it (applies to vice versa). 2:198-202 So do want help on a specific problem, then what problem, what do you want out of it, etc.

So, if it's detailed, we are praying for something we don't know if it is good or bad for us.

Nuh said"O my Lord! I seek refuge with You from asking You that of which I have no knowledge. And unless You forgive me and have Mercy on me, I would indeed be one of the losers." 11:47
 

Aapa

Mirajmom
Asalaam alaikum,

I ask and it happens. I need and I ask and it is answered that is what I mean.
 

strive-may-i

Junior Member
IS it better to make dua for circumstances you know are unlikely to happen OR to simply just ask Allah to give you ease in your affairs.
I am not speaking of material matters like cars, technological gadgets or even physical beauty.
Assalaamu Alaikum Sister,

Ask for something that will eventually work just right for you. May Allah show and give you that which is best for you... Ameen.

I understand. In your case, 'Asking abstractly for an outcome you think is likely, and letting Allah show the specifics'. Keep that heart clear. Let there be no bitterness and Make your Dua. Often we fail to recognize it later, but a sincere prayer to the creator at moment of distress, is fulfilled. Miracles happen.
 

Precious Star

Junior Member
Assalaamu Alaikum Sister,

Ask for something that will eventually work just right for you. May Allah show and give you that which is best for you... Ameen.

I understand. In your case, 'Asking abstractly for an outcome you think is likely, and letting Allah show the specifics'. Keep that heart clear. Let there be no bitterness and Make your Dua. Often we fail to recognize it later, but a sincere prayer to the creator at moment of distress, is fulfilled. Miracles happen.

Thank you for that beautiful reply, brother.

I think it is a very fine line, asking for something where God has already shown you the signs that He will not provide. Because if you ignore those signs, then you are living in la-la land, expecting a miracle. But, then there is hadith that says, those who stop praying for something they previously prayed for because of the delay, means they lack patience.

Sometimes, it is better to just forget about it all and simply pray for "the best in this life and in the hereafter." But what is "the best in this life", really? If I am sick and I'm not getting better, is "the best in this life" = getting better, or, a quick death? (I'm not saying that that is my current problem, lol - it was just an example).

After all these years, it makes it a lot easier to stop having specific expectations. At mid-life, death is closer than youth!
 

Aapa

Mirajmom
Assalaam alaikum,

Why do you have to always say it is what you think. That is the problem. You have to stop reducing everything to what you think. That is not the way faith works.

What's up with this mid-life is closer to death. Death is always around and death has no age. Mid-life is a non-Muslim concept to make someone feel old and useless.

And why do you come down so hard on those who have their dua answered. What gives you the right to say they live in lala land. Could it not be the other way around. The Path is wider than the avenues of the dunya.

It is quite simple: You ask Allah and He gives. You ask believing that He will and He does.
 

Abd_Al_Hadi

لبيك يا الله
It is quite simple: You ask Allah and He gives. You ask believing that He will and He does.


You solved the mystery to life! Now, book a flight to Africa and tell those starving kids that all they need to do is ask for a tasty cheeseburger, and Allah will rain down happy meals.
 

Precious Star

Junior Member
Assalaam alaikum,

Why do you have to always say it is what you think. That is the problem. You have to stop reducing everything to what you think. That is not the way faith works.

And why do you come down so hard on those who have their dua answered. What gives you the right to say they live in lala land. Could it not be the other way around.

Aapa,
Couple of things.

I will "think". It's not up to you to criticize. I have poured my heart into each of my posts. And what do i get in return " why do you ..." "why do you..." why do you ...".

I will not be criticisized by you or anyone else for the manner in which I express myself. If I choose to premise my sentence with "I think", then I should be permitted to do so without a rude email from you.

Secondly, "why do you come down so hard on those who..."... Who am I coming down hard on? I was speaking about my own internal struggles -- not your's, nor anyone else's.

Brother Strive-may-I triggered further questions, and I was hoping he would respond. I really have no idea what you are getting at in your most recent response. Maybe it s YOU who should stop thinking. But I will never stop using my brain.

Can you do me a big favor? If you don't like my choice of words, or you don't like my post, can you give me the courtesy of simply not responding? I come on this forum from time time to time to seek a balm to my internal struggles, and try to express myself the best i can, and instead you have to make it all about your own personal criticisms. "why do you think" "why do say this" "why do you come down so hard on others" and of course your statement that what I say is not of someone who has faith.

This is a public forum. We are permitted to write as we wish, seek answers to those questions we wish answered -- without impunity.

I don't want you to respond to my posts anymore. I am totally ok with the Glorious Creator, Allah SWT, making the decision as to whether or not I am of the faith -- Allah alone. Please stop responding to my posts. Thank you.
 

Abd_Al_Hadi

لبيك يا الله
Aapa,
Couple of things.

I will "think". It's not up to you to criticize. I have poured my heart into each of my posts. And what do i get in return " why do you ..." "why do you..." why do you ...".

I will not be criticisized by you or anyone else for the manner in which I express myself. If I choose to premise my sentence with "I think", then I should be permitted to do so without a rude email from you.

Secondly, "why do you come down so hard on those who..."... Who am I coming down hard on? I was speaking about my own internal struggles -- not your's, nor anyone else's.

Brother Strive-may-I triggered further questions, and I was hoping he would respond. I really have no idea what you are getting at in your most recent response. Maybe it s YOU who should stop thinking. But I will never stop using my brain.

Can you do me a big favor? If you don't like my choice of words, or you don't like my post, can you give me the courtesy of simply not responding? I come on this forum from time time to time to seek a balm to my internal struggles, and try to express myself the best i can, and instead you have to make it all about your own personal criticisms. "why do you think" "why do say this" "why do you come down so hard on others" and of course your statement that what I say is not of someone who has faith.

This is a public forum. We are permitted to write as we wish, seek answers to those questions we wish answered -- without impunity.

I don't want you to respond to my posts anymore. I am totally ok with the Glorious Creator, Allah SWT, making the decision as to whether or not I am of the faith -- Allah alone. Please stop responding to my posts. Thank you.

She actually has every right to respond. Its the core essence of a forum. How do you expect Allah to listen to you, when you wouldn't listen to others? You're mean, and you hurt my feelings for scolding at our sister Aapa. You owe her a public apology--no less than 500 words.
 

Precious Star

Junior Member
She actually has every right to respond. Its the core essence of a forum. How do you expect Allah to listen to you, when you wouldn't listen to others? You're mean, and you hurt my feelings for scolding at our sister Aapa. You owe her a public apology--no less than 500 words.

I am not saying she does not have a right to respond. I did not say that at all. I asked her to please refrain from answering my posts in the future. It is her right to respect that request, or to ignore it.

The purpose of the forum is to discuss issues. It is not to fling personal criticisms directed to the author. Unless, of course, the author's post is inherently offensive or malicious, contains inappropriate content, or contains similar barbs against other forum members.
 

Abd_Al_Hadi

لبيك يا الله
I agree with you and all, but word on the street is they're trying to make her a mod. I'd suck up now if I were you. She'll have the power to excommunicate you.

On a serious note, I don't appreciate when people say things like "ask Allah for help". Although Allah is Omnipotent and Has the Ability to grant whatever He wishes, sometimes it's best we assume that we can accomplish goals on our own, and just ask Allah to guide us through it. Imagine teaching your kids the concept of "Allah will give you what you desire." What if your kid grows up waiting for Allah to give him or her what they asked for, and never receiving it? They might reject Allah afterwards, because you implanted in their heads the logic of "Allah gives, therefore He exists or therefore He Loves you."

I know a woman who became an atheist because she can't have kids, and imams and Muslims keep telling her to just pray for kids and Allah will give. Its immature of her to do so, but couldn't those imams and family put in a way where there's no guarantee in hope?

I'm not saying one shouldn't depend on Allah. I'm saying that one should strive to accomplish whatever goals they wish to achieve with the attitude of doing it for Allah.

You want to meet a good husband? Go out and look for one with an attitude like, "Oh Allah! I'm going to find a good muslim husband who will help me make and raise children to be devout Muslims with your grace."
 

a_stranger

Junior Member
Assalmu alaikim

I think this phrase (sometimes it's best we assume that we can accomplish goals on our own, and just ask Allah to guide us through it) needs some more explanation , accually our creator is giving us all the facilities to live, work and accomplish our goals. We are walking , talking, breathing ........ living .......etc by his will and mercy. I know you meant that just incase anyone misunderstood it . When we work and try we are accomplishing his will. But in our modern world most of things are going in a wrong way that is why we suffer and many times fail to live in accordance to islam. And Allah knows best.
 

Abd_Al_Hadi

لبيك يا الله
Assalmu alaikim

I think this phrase (sometimes it's best we assume that we can accomplish goals on our own, and just ask Allah to guide us through it) needs some more explanation

Would you take an exam without studying for it and then ask Allah to give you the answers? No one would. You would study hard for it and ask Allah to help you to retain the knowledge you studied. :)

And I agree with you when you said Allah gave us all the facilities to live with. An Atheist once asked me, "If Allah is the Most Compassionate, then why is He letting children in Africa or other places starve to death?" The answer is, Allah had laid out all the necessary resources one could need. It is oppressive man who is preventing those starving children from obtaining such resources. Of course, Allah Has the Power to destroy the oppressor in a millisecond, but wouldn't it be more victorious is the oppressed unite and take back what is meant to be theirs in the first place? At least the latter strengthens the people
 

a_stranger

Junior Member
You are right , and another example in most muslem societies now marriage is difficult and very expensive while in the early muslem society it was simple and easy. Many muslem families encourage their daughters to study and work ,to get high position while I believe to be a good wife and caring mothers the highest position in Islam . I don't mean that a girl shouldn't study or work but there are priorities in Islam.
 

sultanb

Junior Member
I agree with you and all, but word on the street is they're trying to make her a mod. I'd suck up now if I were you. She'll have the power to excommunicate you.

On a serious note, I don't appreciate when people say things like "ask Allah for help". Although Allah is Omnipotent and Has the Ability to grant whatever He wishes, sometimes it's best we assume that we can accomplish goals on our own, and just ask Allah to guide us through it. Imagine teaching your kids the concept of "Allah will give you what you desire." What if your kid grows up waiting for Allah to give him or her what they asked for, and never receiving it? They might reject Allah afterwards, because you implanted in their heads the logic of "Allah gives, therefore He exists or therefore He Loves you."

I know a woman who became an atheist because she can't have kids, and imams and Muslims keep telling her to just pray for kids and Allah will give. Its immature of her to do so, but couldn't those imams and family put in a way where there's no guarantee in hope?

I'm not saying one shouldn't depend on Allah. I'm saying that one should strive to accomplish whatever goals they wish to achieve with the attitude of doing it for Allah.

You want to meet a good husband? Go out and look for one with an attitude like, "Oh Allah! I'm going to find a good muslim husband who will help me make and raise children to be devout Muslims with your grace."

There is a balance in the Qur'an. Allah wants us to call on him, remember him, and dua is part of it.

"And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me - indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided." 2.186

And of course we have to put our effort into it. We cannot pray for something without making an effort to get it.

"To Him [alone] is the supplication of truth. And those they call upon besides Him do not respond to them with a thing, except as one who stretches his hands toward water [from afar, calling it] to reach his mouth, but it will not reach it [thus]. And the supplication of the disbelievers is not but in error [i.e. futility]."13.14

Then there's that ayat about change a favor unless they themselves change (8.53)

And one of the most important part of being a Muslim is to surrender (2.112). Accept Allah's will even though it is not what we want. It may be that what we want may not be what is good for us (2.216).

In the case of not having a child, of course there is fault in believing that everyone can have babies, the balance is to remember of Allah's will and accept it. What about our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) who was not given a son?

What if a person prayed 5 times a day, prayed for a devout Muslim as a husband, then got a philandering husband? Accept Allah's will, divorce the husband, then move on. Life is full of trials, Children and wealth included.

Speaking of limited knowledge, and I seek refuge in Allah.
 

Precious Star

Junior Member
What if your kid grows up waiting for Allah to give him or her what they asked for, and never receiving it? They might reject Allah afterwards, because you implanted in their heads the logic of "Allah gives, therefore He exists or therefore He Loves you."

You want to meet a good husband? Go out and look for one with an attitude like, "Oh Allah! I'm going to find a good muslim husband who will help me make and raise children to be devout Muslims with your grace."


There is nothing wrong with asking Allah for help, hence my original post. In fact, we are commanded to do so in the Quran. But like you said, the mere fact we are asking for it does not mean it will happen. What would the world be like if everyone got what they prayed for? it would be utopia. And utopia will only be found in paradise, not this life. So the question then is, at what point do you recognize that Allah hasn't answered you, and you move on to another endeavour?

That is what I struggle with. I think your atheist friend may not have reached that point. She likely adopted the view that if she prayed for it and tried for it, it would happen, and when it didn't her whole world came crashing down. Motherhood is very existential to a woman's life - infertility can have devastating consequences, especially if a woman is told that if she just prays for it, it will happen. So I agree that the imams and mullahs may have misguided her in that respect.

Someone mentioned balance. That is what I"m seeking. When to recognize that Allah's answer is no vs. when to keep hope alive and keep praying. Also, when all else fails - i.e. when you no longer have the means to make efforts -- will dua tip the scales in your favour. All questions to which I wish I had the answer.

By the way, I can't just "go out and look" for a husband. It doesn't work that way, women need a support network to assist with the search.
 
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