“And your Lord said: ‘Call upon Me; I will respond to you.’” (40:60)
Du‘ā’ is a whispering conversation with Allah (ʿazza wa jall), our Creator, Lord and Sustainer. We ask Him because only He can give. He has Power over everything, whilst we have none. His Knowledge encompasses everything, whilst we know little. He is the Lord and we are His slaves.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “There is nothing more honourable to Allah than du‘ā’.” He ﷺ also said: “Allah is angry with those who do not make du‘ā’ to Him.” (Tirmidhī)
Asking Allah for our needs is an expression of our humility. It is through du‘ā’ that we affirm our helplessness and need for Allah (ʿazza wa jall). It is an expression of our complete submission and ‘ubudiyyah (servitude) to Him. This is why the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Du‘ā’ is worship.” (Tirmidhī)
By making du‘ā’ we speak to Allah (‘azza wa jall) directly. We do not need intermediaries, special permission, nor must we wait to access the court of Allah (‘azza wa jall). We can ask Allah (‘azza wa jall) instantly, anywhere, anytime. This intimacy and bond that we share is outlined in the āyah:
‘When My servants ask you about Me, truly I am near. I answer the call of the caller when he calls on Me…’so let them respond (with obedience) to Me, and believe in Me, so that they may be guided.’ (2:186)
Du‘ā’ is truly a gift and should form an inseparable part of our daily lives.
‘I do not worry about my du‘ā’ being answered. Rather, I worry about making du‘ā’ because I know that if I am inspired by Allah to make du‘ā’, the answer will follow.’ (‘Umar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (raḍiy Allāhu ‘anhu)
Imām Ahmad (Rahimahullah) was asked: ‘What is the distance between us and the Throne of Allah?’ He replied: ‘A sincere du’ā’ from a sincere heart.’
