Is There Any Du’as To Get Out of a Bad Situation?

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Question:
Is there any du’as to get out of a bad situation?
Answer:
Dear questioner,
May Allah bless you and help you in your affairs.
Provision Varies 
Allah Most High in his creation has allotted everyone certain provision; for some, He has given them more wealth, better health, and yes, for some, perhaps more intelligence than others. You must remember that does not make them better than someone else.
The door to every good in this world and the next is taqwa. Ultimately, this is what will matter in our graves and the hereafter. No matter how smart or intelligent some people claim to be, the fact is it will not benefit them one iota on the Day of Judgement.
Allah Most High says, “The Day when neither wealth nor children will help Except for him who comes to God with a sound heart.” [Qur’an 26: 88-89]
Aiming to attain a sound heart is within the ability of every Muslim.
True Intelligence 
The Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “The intelligent person is the one who keeps a check on himself and does actions that will benefit him after death, and the foolish person is the one who follows his desires and places false hope in Allah.” [Tirmidhi]
Advice on Taqwa 
Allah also says, “O you who believe! If you remain conscious of God, He will give you a criterion, and will remit from you your sins, and will forgive you. God is the possessor of infinite grace.” [Qur’an 8:29]
This “criterion” or furqan in Arabic means to differentiate between truth and falsehood. If Allah has granted you to recognize Him and believe in Him, then you have been given real intelligence.
Allah says, وَاتَّقُواْ اللَّهَ وَيُعَلِّمُكُمُ اللَّهُ” And fear Allah and Allah will teach you…” [Qur’an 2:293]
The best thing to do is strive to be from the people of Taqwa. Allah will grant you ease and a way out of all your affairs and difficulties.
Advice and Dua
You can make this dua – and say, “My Lord, increase me in knowledge.”
In transliteration, that would be “Wa Qur- rabbi zidni i’lma” [Qur’an 20:114]
Finally, dear brother, try to be with people who appreciate you and whom you feel comfortable with. Good company is better than not having any company, but bad company is worst than having no company at all.
[Imam] Yama Niazi
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

What Is the Correct Method Of Supplicating While the Imam Sits Between the Two Sermons?

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Question: What is the correct method of supplicating while the Imam sits between the two sermons?

Answer:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate,

When the Imam sits between the two sermons one should engage in supplication (du’a) quietly. The ruling of being silent during the sermon lasts from the onset of the sermon till the end of the prayer. [Tahtawi/Shurunbulali, Hashiyat Maraqi al-Falah]

It is generally recommended as the etiquette of supplication to raise the hands during it.

This is the sunna of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace). Umar (Allah be pleased with him) said, “When the Messenger of Allah would raise his hands in supplication, he would not put them down till He wiped His face with them.” [Tabrizi, Mishkat al-Masabih]

However, this does not apply to the Jumu’a prayer not even during the sitting of the Imam between the two sermons. This is because the basis of Jumu’a is that one be still and focused – thus no unnecessary actions are done. [Ibn ‘Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar]

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said to this effect, “Whoever performs wudu and does so well then attends Jumu’a, listens carefully and remains silent, they are forgiven of all between that Jumu’a to the next, plus three additional days. And whoever fiddles with the pebbles has lost the reward.” [Abu Dawud]

See this link for the etiquettes of supplication

I hope this helps,
Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Yusuf Weltch is a graduate from Tarim; a student of Habib Umar and other luminaries; and authorized teachers of the Qur’an and the Islamic sciences

What Is the Purpose Of Worship?

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Question: What is the purpose of worship?

Answer:

Thank you for your question.

 

Acts Of Worship and Their Purpose

You should remember that worshipping Allah Most High is at times difficult on the self. It takes time and effort to get to a level where it becomes sweet and easy.  One of the scholars once said, “we struggled with [ the difficulty] of prayer for 20 years and then we enjoyed it for another 20 years.
Prayer and remembrance of Allah are incredible gifts that Allah has granted us to earn His pleasure and draw near to Him. At times we may not want to pray or remember Allah, but those are the times where you get the most reward.

 

Attaining Peace and Tranquility

One way you may increase your tranquility and peace while you pray is to learn and read about the virtue and merits of dhikr and prayer. By learning them, you will increase in understanding and deeper meaning of worship.
This is a good reader on prayer – https://seekersguidance.org/tag/khushu-in-prayer/
Even before that, you may want to consider if you have fulfilled the requirement of learning the foundations of our creed.

 

Noble Company

Try to be with others who will encourage you or whom you will feel comfortable and tranquil in their presence.

Allah says in the Quran, “O believers! Be mindful of Allah and be with the truthful.” [Surat al-Tawba 9:119]

 

Dua

I recommend after every prayer you recite the following prayers which were instructed by the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) himself to his companion Mu’adh bin Jabal;

Allahumma a’inni a’la dhikrika, wa shukrika, wa husni ‘ibadatika

(O Allah, help me remember You, to be grateful to You, and to worship You in an excellent manner).
[Abu Dawud]

Finally, everything at times requires struggle and hard work. Remember to keep your primary focus on fulfilling your duties, and let the feelings of peace and tranquility be secondary, as that comes in time. And it will, Insha’ Allah.

Allah alone grants success.

[Imam] Yama Niazi

Is It Permissible To Perform a Voluntary Fast With the Intention Of Getting a Supplication Answered?

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Question: Is it permissible to do a voluntary fast with the intention of getting a supplication answered?

Answer:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate,

It is permissible to do a voluntary fast with the intention to get a supplication answered. [‘Ayni, ‘Umda al-Qari Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari]

This issue returns to the ruling of using good deeds as a means to draw near to Allah Most High. The scholars have agreed that it is permissible to use a good deed as a means for making one’s supplication more readily accepted.

 

Supportive Texts

The text that is commonly used in support of this issue is the following texts Prophetic narration:

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “While three persons were walking, rain began to fall and they had to enter a cave in a mountain. A big rock rolled over and blocked the mouth of the cave. They said to each other, ‘Invoke Allah with the best deed you have performed (so Allah might remove the rock).’

One of them said, ‘O Allah! My parents were old and I used to go out for grazing (my animals). On my return, I would milk (the animals) and take the milk in a vessel to my parents to drink. After they had drunk from it, I would give it to my children, family, and wife. One day I was delayed, and on my return, I found my parents sleeping, and I disliked to wake them up. The children were crying at my feet (because of hunger). That state of affairs continued till it was dawn. O, Allah! If You regard that I did it for Your sake, then please remove this rock so that we may see the sky.’ So, the rock was moved a bit.

The second said, ‘O Allah! You know that I was in love with a cousin of mine, like the deepest love a man may have for a woman, and she told me that I would not get my desire fulfilled unless I paid her one-hundred Dinars (gold pieces). So, I struggled for it till I gathered the desired amount, and when I sat in between her legs, she told me to be afraid of Allah and asked me not to deflower her except rightfully (by marriage). So, I got up and left her. O, Allah! If You regard that I did it for Your sake, kindly remove this rock.’ So, two-thirds of the rock was removed.

Then the third man said, ‘O Allah! No doubt You know that once I employed a worker for one Faraq (three Sa’s) of millet, and when I wanted to pay him, he refused to take it, so I sowed it and from its yield, I bought cows and a shepherd. After a time that man came and demanded his money. I said to him: Go to those cows and the shepherd and take them for they are for you. He asked me whether I was joking with him. I told him that I was not joking with him, and all that belonged to him. O, Allah! If You regard that I did it sincerely for Your sake, then please remove the rock.’ So, the rock was removed completely from the mouth of the cave.” [Bukhari]

In this narration we see the statement, “They said to each other, ‘Invoke Allah with the best deed you have performed (so Allah might remove the rock).'”I hope this helps,
Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Yusuf Weltch is a graduate from Tarim; a student of Habib Umar and other luminaries; and authorized teachers of the Qur’an and the Islamic sciences

Can I Ask Allah To Make Me Love Life?

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Question: Can I ask Allah to make me love life?
Answer:
Thank you for your question.

Importance of DuaAllah Most High says in the Quran,  “When my servants ask you concerning me, (tell them) I am indeed close (to them). I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on me.” [Quran, 2:186] Allah Most High also says in the Quran: “And your Lord says, Call on Me; I will answer your (prayer). But those who are too arrogant to worship Me will surely find themselves in Hell, in humiliation.” [Quran, 40:60]

If you reflect on the ayahs above, you will see that dua itself is worship. It is also answering the command of Allah Most High to call upon Him. It is He alone who can help us and guide us.

 

Comprehensive Duas

I recommend reciting the prayers and supplications that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) used to make often.

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِىْ الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِىْ الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَّقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

 “Our Lord, give us goodness in this world, and goodness in the Hereafter, and protect us from the torment of the Fire.”

The good mentioned in the prayer above includes in it every good of this world and the next; a good spouse, expansive provision, beneficial knowledge, performance of righteous deeds, etc… ( Tafsir ibn Kathir )

The above dua is really beautiful because one leaves his own weaknesses and lack of knowledge to Allah, who is all-knowing and all-wise.

 

What Should We Love From the World?

Ultimately, we love what Allah loves and dislike what Allah dislikes.

That which aids us in achieving Allah’s mercy and fulfilling our purpose in life is what we love. This is reflected through good deeds.
We should remember that there are elements of this world that are distant and not pleasing to Allah, and therefore we must leave it. These are things that are forbidden to engage in and entail sin.

So therefore we ask Allah to grant us the love of Him and those whom He loves and actions which attain the love of Allah.

‎
Allah knows best.
[Imam] Yama Niazi
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

What Should One Do Immediately After Finishing One’s Obligatory Prayer (fard)?

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Question: What should one do immediately after finishing one’s obligatory prayer (fard)?

Answer:

Wa alaykum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

Dear questioner,

Thank you for your important question.

After the ritual prayer (salat), it is recommended in the Shafi’i school to sit down in one’s place of worship and do one’s prayers (adhkhar) before one does one’s supererogatory prayers (nafl).

For the Hanafi schools, please see:
https://seekersguidance.org/answers/hanafi-fiqh/when-does-one-recite-the-post-prayer-tasbihat/

There are many, many recommended prayers (adhkhar) after the prayer. Here follows a selection:

  •  أَستَغفِرُ الله
  • astaghfirullah 

“I seek forgiveness from Allah.” three times. [Sahih Muslim]

  • اللَّهُمَّ أنْتَ السَّلامُ وَمِنْكَ السَّلامُ، تَبارَكْتَ يا ذَا الجَلالِ وَالإِكْرامِ

Allahumma antas salam wa minak assalam tabarakta ya dhal jalali wal ikram

“O Allah, You are the Peace, and from You is peace. How blessed You are, O You who is possessed of majesty and generosity!” [Sahih Muslim]

  • Reciting the last three suras of the Qur’an. (Ahmad, Ibn Khuzayma and others)
لا إلهَ إِلاَّ الله وَحْدَهُ لا شَريكَ لَهُ، لَهُ المُلْكُ وَلَهُ الحَمْدُ وَهُوَ على كُلّ شئ قَدِيرٌ، اللَّهُمَّ لا مانِعَ لِمَا أعْطَيْتَ، وَلاَ معطي لما مَنَعْتَ، وَلا يَنْفَعُ ذا الجد مِنْكَ الجَدُّ
La ilaha illal Lahu wahdahu la sharika lah. Lahul mulku wa lakal hamdu wa huwa ala kulli shayin qadeer. Allahumma la mania li ma atayt, wa la mutiya lima manat, wa la yanfau dhal jaddi minkal jadd.
“There is no god but Allah, alone without a partner. His is the dominion, His is all praise, and He has the power to do anything. O Allah, there is absolutely no one who could hold back what You give, and absolutely no one who could give what you hold back. Wealth does not benefit the wealthy if You withhold from them.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
  • سُبحَانَ الله
Subhanallah

How glorious is Allah! (thirty-three times)

الحَمدُ لِله
Alhamdulillah
All praise be to Allah! (thirty-three times)
اللهُ أَكبَر
Allahu akbar
Allah is the greatest! (thirty-four times) [Muslim]
To start one’s prayers (dua) with praise of Allah and sending blessings on the Messenger of Allah. [Ibn Hibban and others]
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الجُبْنِ، وَأعُوذُ بِكَ أنْ أُرَدَّ إلى أَرْذَلِ العمُرِ، وأعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ فتْنَةِ الدُّنْيا وأعُوذُ بِكَ منْ عَذَابِ القَبْرِ
Allahumma, inni audhu bika min al jubni wa audhu bika an arudda ila ardhal il umur, wa audhu bika min fitnat id Dunya wa audhu bika min adhab il qabr.
“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from cowardice, I seek refuge in You lest I ever become old and decrepit, I seek refuge in You from the trials of This Life, and I seek refuge in You from the punishment of the grave.”
للَّهُمَّ أعِنِّي على ذِكْرِكَ وَشُكْرِكَ وَحُسْنِ عِبادَتِكَ
Allahumma, ainni ala dhikrika wa shukrika wa husni ibadatik.
‘O Allah, help me remember you, thank you, and worship you in the best of manners.’ (Abu Dawud and Nasai)
And to say after praying Maghrib and Fajr,
اللَّهُمَّ أجِرْنِي مِنَ النَّارِ
Allahumma, ajirni minan nar.
O Allah, protect me from the Hell-Fire. (seven times) (Abu Dawud)
The most important recommended act of the ritual prayer and making a real prayer by genuinely pleading Allah, loving Allah, fearing Allah, and putting all one’s hopes and aspirations in Allah.
Please see:
https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/how-to-attain-presence-of-heart-in-prayer/
I pray this helps.
[Ustadh] Farid Dingle
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Ustadh Farid Dingle has completed extensive years of study in the sciences of the Arabic language and the various Islamic Sciences. During his studies, he also earned a CIFE Certificate in Islamic Finance. Over the years he has developed a masterful ability to craft lessons that help non-Arabic speakers gain a deep understanding of the language. He currently teaches courses in the Arabic Language.

Is It Permissible To Pray On a Soft Blanket On the Ground?

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Question: Is it permissible and valid to pray on a soft blanket on the ground?

Answer:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate,

It is perfectly permissible to pray on a soft blanket on the ground. [Tahtawi/Shurunbulali, Hashiyat Maraqi al-Falah]

 

Praying On the Ground

The basis of prostration is to place the forehead on the ground. Something is placed on the ground is not seen and an obstructive barrier since one can feel the hardness of the ground through it. [Ibn ‘Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar]

If the barrier was such that if one, hypothetically speaking, were to push down, one could not feel the hardness of the ground, such a barrier would not be valid to pray on. [Ibid.]

 

I hope this helps,
Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Yusuf Weltch is a graduate from Tarim; a student of Habib Umar and other luminaries; and authorized teachers of the Qur’an and the Islamic sciences

Does Allah Express His Displeasure By Not Answering My Du’a?

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Question: I feel Allah Most High isn’t pleased with me because I am not getting what I hoped for from my du’a and my prayers. What should I do?

Answer:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate,

 

Intentions In Acts Of Worship

Acts of worship, such as supplicating (du’a) and praying, have a specific effect on the heart. However, the effect of the heart is not what one should seek by doing the act. One should only seek the pleasure of Allah Most High in all they do.

If one sincerely seeks Allah’s pleasure, generally, but not always, Allah Most High will cause an effect in their heart. Even then, one’s not experiencing such an effect is not a sign of Allah’s displeasure. It may be a test of sincerity; will you continue to worship Allah or beseech Him – even if you do not get anything out of it?

 

The Acceptance Of Supplication

Allah Most High says, “Your Lord says, ‘Call on Me, and I will answer you; those who are too proud to serve Me will enter Hell humiliated.” [Qur’an; 40:60]

Allah has promised to answer supplications. However, there are two factors that must be understood. The first is that there are etiquettes in supplicating to Allah. The second is that there are conditions for supplications to be accepted.


(1) Etiquettes Of Supplication

Imam Nawawi quotes from Imam Ghazali (Allah have mercy on them both) ten etiquettes for supplication. They are as follows:

(1) To seeking out auspicious times, such as Jumu’a, the final portion of the night, the Day of ‘Arafa, etc…
(2) To seek out noble states, such as when prostrating, when the call to prayer is called, when rain falls, etc…
(3) To face the Qibla, raise the hands, and to wipe the face with the hands after the supplication
(4) To keep one’s voice at a moderate volume
(5) To not force eloquence. It is advised that one supplicate from their heart, in their own language, and not to only rely on memorized supplications
(6) To be humble, in awe, and in sincere devotion
(7) To be resolute in one’s beseeching and to be certain of Allah’s answering.
(8) To be persistent in supplicating and not to deem the response to be too slow.
(9) To commence the supplication by praising Allah and sending prayers on the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace); likewise one should finish the supplication in the same way.
(10) To repent and to right one’s previous transgressions. The is the most important.
[Nawawi, Kitab al-Adhkar]

 

(2) Conditions Of Acceptance Of Supplications

Some of the conditions for one’s supplications to be accepted are as follows:

(1) Eating lawful food/drink
(2) Sincerity
(3) The thing being asked must not entail sin
[Ibid.]

 

How Supplications Are Accepted

One should not doubt whether their supplications are accepted or not. One should take the means explained above to make their supplication as best as they can and to be certain, thereafter, of acceptance.

Acceptance, however, does not necessarily mean that one gets exactly what they asked for immediately.

The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “There is no Muslim on the Earth who makes a supplication to Allah except that Allah gives them exactly that or averts from them some evil the like of it as long as they do not ask for something sinful or the severing of family ties.” A person from the people then said, “In that case, we shall make many supplications.” He (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Allah has much more to give.” [Tirmidhi]

In another narration, the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) added, “…or Allah will reserve the equivalent reward for them in the Hereafter.” [Hakim]

Likewise, Allah Most High may delay the granting of your supplication to a later time.

 

Do Not Be Hasty
 
The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Each of your supplications is accepted as long as they are not hasty. Thus they say, ‘I have supplicated and no answer has come.'” [Bukhari]

 

Good Opinions Of Allah Most High

Allah Most High says, “If My slave asks you about Me then I am near…” [Qur’an; 2:86]

The fact that you find yourself concerned with your relationship with Allah and that you are asking about Him means that He is near to you. These are signs of Allah’s love and Divine concern for you.

Have a good opinion of Allah Most High. He intends good for you.

Allah Most High says, “He wishes to make His laws clear to you and guide you to the righteous ways of those who went before you. He wishes to turn towards you in mercy- He is all-knowing, all wise-He wishes to turn towards you, but those who follow their lusts want you to go far astray. [Qur’an; 4:26-7]

Please see: https://seekersguidance.org/courses/supplication-is-the-essence-of-worship-the-reality-and-proper-manners-of-asking-allah-dua/

I hope this helps,
Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Yusuf Weltch is a graduate from Tarim; a student of Habib Umar and other luminaries; and authorized teachers of the Qur’an and the Islamic sciences

What Should I Do if I Feel Tempted by Christianity?

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Question: Although I do pray five times a day, I am becoming tempted by Christianity. What should I do?

Answer:

Wa alaykum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

Dear questioner,

Thank you for your important question.

Any objective study of Islam and Christianity will tell you that historically we know so much more about the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) than we do about Prophet Jesus (upon whom be peace). As such, it is quite clear that we do not have access to the original teachings of Christianity. To claim that the Bible is authentic while the Qur’an is fabricated is just not academically fair.

Furthermore, Christianity has changed so many faces over the centuries and millennia. Christians today have beliefs, values, and world views that are drastically different from those of even just a few hundred years ago. Christianity of even the post-Nicene period is something completely foreign to modern understandings and practices of Christianity. As Rt Rev Paul Richardson put it “while the Church used to support hunting and oppose buggery, the reverse now seemed to be true.” It is simply not a fair representation of the original message.

On the flip side, Islam is the real Christianity, and that is the Christianity that will be practiced by Prophet Jesus (upon whom be peace) when he returns.
All the virtues of Christianity (agape love, self-sacrifice, compassion, empathy, etc.) are found in the clearest terms in the teaching of Islam.

Do not worry about your marriage. Just keep on building your iman.

I pray this helps.

[Ustadh] Farid Dingle

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Farid Dingle has completed extensive years of study in the sciences of the Arabic language and the various Islamic Sciences. During his studies, he also earned a CIFE Certificate in Islamic Finance. Over the years he has developed a masterful ability to craft lessons that help non-Arabic speakers gain a deep understanding of the language. He currently teaches courses in the Arabic Language.

 

 

Paying Someone To Perform Istikhara

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Question: People who charge for istikhara is it halal or haram? Does istikhara cost money? My friend is facing a lot of problems, she found some aalim and asked for istikhara so that aalim asked money for istikhara. Is that aalim asking for money right or wrong?

Answer:

In the Name of Allah, the Merciful and Compassionate

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah,

I hope you’re doing well, insha’Allah.

No, it is not permissible to pay someone to pray the Istikhara Prayer on your behalf.

First, the basis of Istikhara Prayer (the prayer of seeking guidance) is that one performs it oneself—asking Allah Most High to assist one in making the choice of most benefit to one’s religion and worldly life.

Second, it is permissible to ask someone to pray Istikhara on one’s behalf—like one could consult someone else or even ask them to make a decision on one’s behalf. But like in consultation, one should choose those one trusts for this.

Third, the reason one can’t pray for someone to pray the Istikhara Prayer, is that the basis of private acts of worship—such as prayer or supplication—is that one cannot charge for them [Birgivi; Ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar].

Charging for public acts of religious service has only been permitted on the basis of preventing public harm (darura) by scholars from the earliest times. However, even there the basis is that these public acts be done without charge [Ibn al-Humam/Marghinani, Fath al-Qadir Sharh al-Hidaya; Ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar].

Thus, we would advise you to:

(1) Perform the Istikhara Prayer yourself. As part of it, consult and seek the supplications of those you trust, to help you in making the right decision.

(2) Follow the sunna steps related to making Istikhara. These are explained in the link below:

The Reality of Istikhara: http://seekersguidance.org/blog/2009/08/the-reality-of-istikhara/

(3) How is your istikhara answered? The answer to the istikhara is your inclination towards which decision will be best in your deen and dunya, short and long term, directly and indirectly.

Please see this article on Istikhara as well: https://seekersguidance.org/articles/general-artices/istikhara-the-ultimate-guide-a-reader/

And Allah is the giver of success and facilitation.

[Shaykh] Faraz Rabbani