Dhikr & Dua in Ramadan, Don't miss out!

[Noor]

Salaam alaykum,

Insha Allah this thread will be beneficial, please respond to it and post any articles you have it, dua & dhikr is a very important aspect of Ramadan.

wa Salaam.





Dhikr and Du`aa’

Source


Merits of Dhikr
The merits of remembrance of Allah Most High are highlighted in the following Qur’anic verses:

[Then do ye remember Me; I will remember you. Be grateful to Me, and reject not Faith.] (Al-Baqarah 2: 152)

[Men who celebrate the praises of Allah, standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides.] (Aal `Imran 3: 190)

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said, “Surely, Allah, Glorified and Exalted be He, says, ‘I will be with My servant as long as he makes mention of Me and moves his lips in making mention of Me.’” (Reported by Al-Bukhari) and “No people assemble to remember Allah but angels surround them, mercy covers them, sakinah (calmness) descends upon them, and Allah mentions them in His assembly.” (Reported by Muslim)

Merits of Du`aa’

The merits of supplication are highlighted in the following hadiths:

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “In the sight of Allah, Glorified and Exalted be He, nothing is more honorable than du`aa’.” (Reported by At-Tirmidhi)

“Verily, the most virtuous act of worship is du`aa’.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari)

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever does not ask Allah, will incur Allah’s wrath upon himself.” (Reported by At-Tirmidhi)

Ibn Mas`ud (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Beseech Allah to shower His Bounty upon you, for Allah loves to be besought.” (Reported by At-Tirmidhi)

Etiquette of Du`aa’

Following are some points of etiquette that one who makes du`aa’ is recommended to strictly adhere to:

1.Choose the optimum time to make du`aa’ . The best times are: the Day of `Arafah (9th of Dhul-Hijjah), the month of Ramadan, Fridays, the last part of the night before dawn, the time between the Adhan and Iqamah, after performing Prayer, while it rains, in times of jihad, after finishing the recitation of the whole Qur’an, while prostrating, after breaking one’s fast.

2. Face the qiblah.

3. Lift one’s hand towards the sky.

4. Wipe one’s face with one’s hands after du`aa’.

5. Lower the voice.

6. Commence du`aa’ with praising Allah Most High.

7. Send blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

8. Steer clear of oppression and sins.

9. Remain penitent.

10.Implant consciousness of Allah Most High in the heart.

[Noor]

Du`a: Its Etiquette & Optimum Time

Question:
Dear scholars! Please, what are the etiquette pertaining to Du`a and its optimum time? Jazakum Allah Khairan

Answer by islamonline.net

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.



All thanks and praise are due to Allah and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.



Dear questioner, thanks for your good question. May Allah crown your apparent keenness on understanding the teachings of Islam with granting you guidance and showering mercy on you.



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.’”



Based on Imam Al-Banna’s Tract of Munajaah, published by Dar Ash-Shihab, Egypt.

Almighty Allah knows best.

[Noor]

Du`a’: Worship and Resort of the Helpless

Question:
Scholars emphasize repeatedly that it is the duty of Muslims to make a lot of supplications for their oppressed brothers and sisters who are suffering from the wars and injustices against Muslims all over the world. So what is the significance of du`a’, and what are its benefits and values?

Answer by islamonline.net

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Dear questioner, we are greatly pleased to receive your question, which shows the confidence you place in us. May Allah reward you abundantly for your interest in knowing the teachings of Islam.

Du`a’ is the spiritual weapon of a believer. It is the most special and nearest worship in the sight of Allah. By du`a’ a Muslim seeks victory from Allah, as du`a’ provides a Muslim with factors of true faith and links his heart with his Creator. It imbues his heart with hope and conviction in Allah’s Power and Might. Du`a’ is an integral part of a Muslim’s life, especially when he is faced with situations which seem to overwhelm and trap him.

Some people may argue that du`a’ has nothing to do with man’s fate, as it can’t protect him from his predestined misfortunes. But this is not true, because du`a’ itself is part of man’s fate; du`a’ is predestined as a means of deterring misfortunes and uplifting tribulation.

In this regard, we would like to cite for you the following fatwa issued by Dr. Husam al-Din Ibn Musa `Afana, Professor of Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence at Al-Quds University, in which he states the following:

"No one can deny that du`a’ is a very elevated worship. An-Nu`man Ibn Bashir (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Du`a’ is the worship.” (Reported by the four composers of “As-Sunan”; authenticated by At-Tirmidhi, and verified by An-Nawawi in his book of Al-Adhkar.)

Imam Ibn Al-`Arabi Al-Maliki said: “The reason for calling du`a’ a worship is very explicit, as it is a confession of man’s helplessness and Allah’s Might and Power over all. Actually, this is the clearest manifestation of compliance with and submission to Allah.”

There are many verses in the Glorious Qur’an which encourage people to observe du`a’. Those verses show how the Prophets and Messengers (peace be upon them all), as well as true believers used to implore Allah, Exalted and Blessed be He. Du`a’ is an aspect of the Prophet’s guidance which we should follow.

On the authority of Abi Bakrah (may Allah be pleased with him) who said that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever is overwhelmed by grief should say, ‘O Allah! Have mercy on me. Do not leave me alone to myself even for the twinkling of an eye. Put all my affairs in order. There is no god but You.’” (Reported by Ahmad and Abu Dawud; verified by Al-Albani)

Fruits of Du`a’:

Du`a’ deters misfortune and gains Allah’s Mercy.

Imam Al-Ghazali comments on the issue of du`a’ and fate saying: “Some people may ask what is the benefit of du`a’ so long as there is no prevention of what is predestined. However, one of the requirements of destiny is to invoke Allah to deter some affliction. Supplication is a means of deterring affliction and gaining mercy, just as a shield is a means to protect one’s body from a sword and water is a means to cultivate. Just as a shield and a sword clash with each other, so do du`a’ and fate struggle to suspend each other.

Therefore, to believe in destiny does not mean to put your weapon aside. Allah Almighty says: “Taking all precautions, and bearing arms.” (An-Nisa’: 102)

In the same way, (believing in destiny) does not mean to stop irrigating the land after sowing the seeds. If it is predestined for these seeds to grow before irrigation, then they will grow; if it is so not predestined, they will not grow. The relation of cause and effect is the first step in the course of destiny coming true in a twinkle of the eye or even faster. What is meant by fate is the gradual order of effect after cause, as estimated eternally. Allah has predestined good fate for specific reasons and predestined means of uplifting tribulation. So there is no contradiction between du`a’ and fate for people with sound mind.

On the authority of Asma’ Bint `Umais (may Allah be pleased with her), who said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said to me: “Shall I teach you some words to say at times of trouble? (Say,) ‘Allah is my Lord (twice). I associate none with Him.’” Another narration states that this supplication should be uttered seven times. (Reported by Ahmad, Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah)

Du`a’ requires preoccupation with Allah Almighty, and this is the utmost worship.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Du`a’ is the essence of worship.” Man often remembers Allah and turns to Him with supplication when he is overwhelmed with a problem; Allah says: “But when ill toucheth him then he aboundeth in prayer.” (Fussilat: 51)

This means that the need and affliction makes man resort to du`a’, and du`a’ turns his heart to Allah Almighty through submission and humbleness to Him. At this point, man remembers Allah with complete concentration, and this is actually the best manner for invocation. Hence we notice that tribulations befall Prophets (peace and blessings be upon them all) as well as righteous people. Allah’s trials are always as great as man’s sincerity in faith because want makes man feel a need for spiritual support symbolized in du`a’. On the other hand, freedom of any need causes man to be arrogant and pompous, as Allah Almighty says: “Nay, but verily man is rebellious that he thinketh himself independent!” (Al-`Alaq: 7-8)

At the end, there are some points of consideration in the shade of the status quo in the Muslim Ummah.

People must rely on Allah and leave their affairs in His Hands, as Allah honors whom He wills and humiliates whom He wills.

A true believer must refrain from befriending the enemy or supporting them over the Muslims. Just thinking in this way marks lack of true faith.

A Muslim must have every confidence in Allah, Who promised to give victory to the believing Ummah over other nations, as He says: “Allah hath decreed: Lo! I verily shall conquer, I and My messengers. Lo! Allah is Strong, Almighty.” (Al-Mujadalah: 21)"


May Allah guide you to the straight path, and guide you to that which pleases Him, Amen.


Allah Almighty knows best.

[Noor]

Du`a’ When Breaking the Fast

Question:
As-Salamu `alaykum! What are the supplications mentioned in the Sunnah that Muslims should say while breaking the fast and while fasting?

Answer by islamonline.net

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.


In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.



All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.



Dear brother in Islam, we are very pleased for the great confidence you repose in us and we really commend your apparent interest in having a better understanding of the teachings of Islam and the rulings of this great religion in all matters. In fact, Islam is a religion that encompasses all aspects of life and secures guidance and light for all mankind.

As for your question, a Muslim should be keen to follow the Sunnah in all aspects of his life, let alone in acts of worship. While fasting, a Muslim should be constant in making dhikr, doing good deeds, etc.



In his well-known book, Fiqh As-Sunnah, the late Sheikh Sayyed Sabiq states:



Ibn Majah reported from `Abdullah ibn `Amr ibn al-`Aas that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "A fasting person, upon breaking his fast, has a supplication that will not be rejected.” When `Abdullah broke his fast he would say: "O Allah, I ask of You, by Your mercy that encompasses everything, to forgive me."

It is confirmed that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would say: “The thirst has gone, the veins become wet and, Allah willing, the reward is confirmed.”

In another (mursal) narration, it is reported that he (peace and blessings be upon him) would say: "O Allah, for You I have fasted and with Your provisions do I break my fast.”

At-Tirmidhi reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Three people will not have their supplications rejected: a fasting person until he breaks his fast, a just ruler, and an oppressed person."
Moreover,Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, A Senior Lecturer and an Islamic Scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, adds:



You may recite any of the following supplications when you break your fast:

Allaahumma laka sumtu wa alaa rizqika aftartu

(O Allah! I fasted for Your sake and I am breaking my fast with the food You have provided).

Dhahaba al-ddhama' wa ibtallati al-'urooq wa thabata al-ajru in sha’ Allah

(The thirst is gone and the arteries are supple and wet, and reward is complete by the will of Allah).

[Noor]

Du`a' Al-Qunut

Question:
Can you send me the diction of Du`a' Al-Qunut that Muslims say in Salat Al-Witr and the Fajr prayers as the Egyptians say it?


Answer by islamonline.net

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.



All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.



Dear brother in Islam, we would like to thank you for showing keenness on learning the teachings of Islam, and we appreciate the great confidence you have in us. We hope our efforts meet your expectations.

Here is a version of Du`a' Al-Qunut as reported in At-Tirmidhi on the authority of Al-Hasan Ibn `Ali, may Allah be pleased with him:

Allahumma ihdini fiman hadayta, wa`afini fiman `afayta, wa tawllani fiman tawallayta, wa barik li fima `atayta, wa qini sharra ma qadayta, fa innaka taqdi wala yuqda`alyka, wa innahu la yadhilu man walayta, tabarakta rabbana wata`alyta.

(O Allah, guide me among those whom You have guided, grant me pardon among those whom You have granted pardon, and dispose of my affairs among those whom You have disposed of their affairs. O Allah, grant me blessing in what You have given me, and protect me by the virtue of Your Mercy from the evil of what You have destined; You are the Only One Who decrees, and none can decree something against You. None is abased whom You have protected! Blessed be You, O Lord, and You are the Ever-Exalted.)

In the version of Abu Dawud, the following addition is mentioned: “Innahu la yadhilu man walayta, wala ya`izzu man `adayta (None is abased whom You have protected, and none is exalted whom You are at enmity with.)



Do keep in touch. If you have any other question, don't hesitate to write back.


Allah Almighty knows best.



NOTE[by Noor]: To listen to this Dua Qunoot, go to the Nur al Islaam website, to the Dhikr page where you'll be able to listen to Shaykh Mishary Rashid al-Afasy recite it. Link to Dhikr page, Dua Qunoot