Duaa has often been called the weapon of the believer, and by all means it truly is. It is the sharpest sword, the most accurate arrow which never misses its target. It is a great shield and protection from danger. It is a call we make to Allah, whether in secret or in public, in the bright of daylight or the darkness of the night.

However, many of us only use it as a last resort, something we turn to when all else fails, when in reality it should be our first port of call. Only when we understand Allah, how great He is, how He hears all, knows all and sees all, can we truly appreciate duaa.

Allah says in the Qur’an, “And when my servants ask You concerning Me, [tell them] indeed I am near, I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon me.” (Al-Baqarah 2:186) In this ayah Allah clearly tells us, He will respond. In another ayah, He reiterates the same concept; “Call on Me, and I will respond.” (Ghafir 40:60)

Despite these reassurances, sometimes we find our duaas are ‘unanswered.’ The truth is we are impatient. But then again, if our earnings are from impermissible sources, our food is that which is forbidden by Allah, our homes are from mortgages and ribaa (usury/interest), what else can we expect?!

Furthermore, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “the invocation of anyone of you is granted [by Allah] as long as he does not show impatience by saying, ‘I have invoked Allah but my request has not been answered.” (Bukhari and Muslim) Allah knows when it is best for us to be granted our request. He knows the future and we should have trust in Him, and leave it in His hands.

Maybe it is better for you that your duaa remains unanswered. We do not know what the future holds. “Perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. Allah knows while you know not.” (Al-Baqarah 2:216)

Nonetheless, remember Allah answers our supplications in different ways. Abu Sa’eed al Khudri, narrated that the Prophet (saw) said in regards to our duaas being accepted by Allah, “He may accept his request, or assign its reward for him in the next world, or turn away from him an equivalent amount of evil.” (Ahmad) In reality, our duaas are always ‘accepted.’ We always get benefit from the duaa we make, though we don’t always appreciate it.

In addition, Allah the Exalted says, “I am as my Servant think I am,” (Bukhari and Muslim) we should think positively about Allah when making duaa, we know He is the greatest and is capable of all things. So do not doubt Him. Allah loves the one who calls on Him, illustrating humbleness to our Lord. “There is nothing more dear to Allah, than a servant making duaa to Him.” (Tirmidhi) In fact He gets angry when we do not call on Him, as the Prophet (Saw) said, “the person who does not ask from Allah, Allah becomes angry with Him.” (Tirmidhi and Ahmad) None of us want Allah to be angry with us. We are all working to attain the pleasure of Allah, and what simpler way to gain His pleasure than to take two minutes and ask Him! Plus you can ask for whatever you want; you are asking Allah the King of all Kings, the Owner of everything, the Bestower; so ask whatever you like, as many times as you like!

The Messenger said, “Duaa is worship,” (Abu Dawud, Riyad-us-Saliheen) How then, can we neglect it? How can we leave it last? It is almost as though we don’t believe in it, as though we think Allah doesn’t hear or respond! Truly, He is the One, who makes everything work, whether it is the pain killers, or the life support machine, or anything else in the universe.

“If you ask, ask Allah, and if you seek help, seek help from Allah.” (Tirmidhi and Ahmad)