النص المفهرس

PRAYER (cLes) AND ITS ETIQUETTES
du'a' of someone for a brother in his absence. Then he added, 'Of these
the one that gets the quickest answer is that for a brother in his absence."
(Ad-Da'awāt al-Kabīr)
عَنْ الْعِرْبَاضِ بْنِ سَارِيَةً قَالَ قَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ مَنْ صَلَّى فَرِيْضَةً فَلَهُ
دَعْوَةٌ مُستَجَابَةٌ وَمَنْ خَتَمَ الْقُرْأنَ فَلَهُ دَعْوَةٌ مُستَجَابَةٌ (رواه الطبراني في الكبير)
Al-'Irbad ibn Sariyah diese narrates that the Prophet , said: "Whoever
finished his obligatory salat, his du'a' will be accepted. Whoever finished
a reading of the Qur'an, his du'a' will be accepted." (Țabarānī)
عَنْ جَابِرٍ قَالَ سَمِعْتُ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَقُولُ إِنَّ فِي الْلَّيْلِ لَسَاعَةٌ لَّا يُوَافِقُهَا
رَجُلٌ مُسْلِمٌ يَسْأَلُ اللهَ فِيْهَا خَيْرًا مِّنْ أَمْرِ الدُّنْيَا وَالْأَخِرَةِ إِلَّا أَعْطَاهُ إِيَّاهُ وَذْلِكَ كُلَّ لَيْلَةٍ
(رواه مسلم)
Jābir ibn 'Abdillah dee says: "I heard the Prophet , say: 'During the
night there is a moment such that if a Muslim man begs Allah for any
good of this world or the Hereafter at that moment, Allah grants that to
him. And that happens every night."" (Şahih Muslim)
عَنْ أَبِيْ سَعِيْدِ الْخُدْرِيِّ أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ مَا مِنْ مُسْلِمٍ يَّدْعُو بِدَعْوَةٍ
لَيْسَ فِيْهَا إِثْمٌ وَلَا قَطِيْعَةُ رَحْمٍ إِلَّا أَعْطَاهُ اللهُ بِهَا إِحْذِى ثَلْثٍ إِمَّا أَنْ يُعَجِّلَ لَهُ دَعْوَتَهُ
وَإِمَّا أَنْ يَّدَّخِرَهَا لَهُ فِي الْأَخِرَةِ وَإِمَّ أَنْ يَّصْرِفَ عَنْهُ مِنَ السُّوْءِ مِثْلَهَا قَالُوْا إِذَا نُكْثِرُ قَالَ
اللهُ أَكْثَرُ (رواه أحمد)
Abu Sa'id al-Khudrī diese narrates that the Prophet , said: "To any
Muslim who makes a du'a', provided the du'a' contains nothing which is
sinful or which involves breaking family ties, Allah will give one of three
things: He will quickly grant him what he asked for, or save the reward
for him for the Hereafter, or turn away from him a similar hardship (that
would have hit him in the absence of that du'a')." Those who heard it said,
"Then we will greatly increase (our du'a's)." He replied, "Allah has even
more." (Musnad Ahmad)
II

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
This book is for daily reading. It is best to set aside a fixed time for
this purpose.
It is recommended that one reads the translation and
commentary at least once in the beginning to understand the
meaning and significance of the du'a'. This is essential if we want
to really make a du'a' instead of merely reciting it. Afterwards the
translation and commentary may be browsed from time to time as
needed.
The daily reading should be of the Arabic du'a's, which have
been displayed in a separate box so they can be read without
interruption from the translation and commentary. The du'a' on
the following page can be read everyday or occasionally, at the
preference of the reader, before the du'a's for that day.
Transliteration has been provided for those who cannot read
Arabic. However, it is strongly recommended that they do make
it a goal to learn to read Arabic and use the transliteration only
as an interim measure. The transliteration is provided below the
corresponding Arabic text so the process of learning to read Arabic
will be facilitated.
I2

A DUA'
(-)
COMPOSED BY MAWLĀNĀ ASHRAF ALĪ THĀNAWĪ
نَحْمَدُكَ يَا خَيْرَ مَأْمُولٍ، وَأَكْرَمَ مَسْئُوْلٍ، عَلى مَا عَلَّمْتَنَا مِنَ
الْمُنَاجَاتِ المَقْبُولِ، مِنْ قُرُبَاتٍ عِنْدَ اللهِ وَصَلَوَاتِ الرَّسُوْلِ.
فَصَلّ عَلَيْهِ مَا اخْتَلَفَ الدَّبُوْرُ وَالْقَبُوْلُ، وَانْشَعَبَتِ الْفُرُوْعُ مِنَ
الْأُصُوْلِ. ثُمَّ نَسْأَلُكَ بِمَا سَنَقُوْلُ. وَمِنََّ السُّؤَالُ وَمِنْكَ الْقُبُوْلُ.
Nahmaduka yā Khayra ma'mūl(in), wa Akrama mas'ūl(in), 'alā mā
‘allamtanā minal-munājātil-maqbūl(i), min qurubātin 'indAllāhi
wa şalawātir-Rasul(i). Fa şalli 'alayhi makh-talafad-dabūru wal-
qabūl(u), wan-sha'abatil-furū'u minal-'ușul(i). Thumma nas'aluka
bimā sanaqūl(u). Wa minnas-su'ālu wa minkal-qubūl(u).
We praise You, O the Best of those in Whom hopes can be placed
and the Most Generous of those who can be beseeched, for teaching
us the Accepted Whispers. Taken from the book Qurubat
"IndAllahi wa Salawat ar-Rasul (Prayers that Bring One Close
to Allah and the Invocations of the Messenger). Bless him (the
Messenger if,) as long as the westerly and easterly winds blow
and branches continue to grow from the roots (i.e. until the Day of
Judgment). We beg You in the words that follow (in the rest of the
book). Asking is from us and acceptance is from you.
I3

The Accepted Whispers
SATURDAY
In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
(1) Our Lord, give unto us in this world that which is good and in
the Hereafter that which is good, and protect us from the punish-
ment of the Fire.
(2) Our Lord, pour out patience on us, plant firmly our feet, and
give us victory over the disbelieving people.
(1) [Al-Baqarah, 2:201]
This is a very well-known du'a'. If a Muslim knows any du'a's in
Arabic, it is very probable that this is one of them. However, its
message and significance escape many.
It is a unique feature of Islam that it strikes a perfect balance
everywhere, including between this world and the Hereafter. This
world is important as is the Hereafter; we will reap there what we
sow here. We pray for both, and mention them in their natural
chronological order. But what we are seeking-and here is the cru-
cial difference-are not the goods of this world, but the good. Here
and in the Hereafter. Hasanah denotes every conceivable form of
good: health, livelihood, fulfillment of genuine needs (not wants),
good morals, virtuous deeds, beneficial knowledge, honor and
prestige, strength of faith, and sincerity in worship. Actually, every-
thing in this world is good that will lead, directly or indirectly, to
the good in the Hereafter. A Muslim informed by this du'a' will
neither focus entirely on this world, seeking exclusively the com-
forts here, nor will he declare that he has nothing to do with it.
Prophet Muhammad :
once visited a man who had been
debilitated by sickness and asked him whether he had been mak-
ing any supplication. He had. It was, "O Allah, whatever punish-
ment you are going to give me in the Hereafter, give it to me here."
Prophet Muhammad , asked him why he had not made this
du'a' instead. He did and was cured.
The Prophet et, used to make this du'a' very often (Sahih al-
Bukhārī). He used to recite this du'a' between the Rukn-e-Yamani
and the Black Stone while making tawaf (circumambulation of the -
14 · SATURDAY

يوم السبت
بِسْمِ اللَّهِالرّحمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
رَبَّنَآَ أْتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَّفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَّقِنَا عَذَابَ
النَّارِ
رَبَّنَا أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًا وَّثَبّتْ أَقْدَامَنَا وَانْصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ
الْكُفِرِيْنَ
I. Rabbanā ātinā fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-ākhirati hasanatan
wa qinā 'adhāban-nār.
2. Rabbanā afrigh ‘alaynā sabran wa thabbit aqdāmanā wan-surnā
‘alal-qawmil-kāfirīn.
Ka'bah) (Sunan Abi Dawud). Whenever he shook hands with a
person he did not leave his hand without making this du'a' (Ibn as-
Sunnī). Imam Nawawi recommends this du'a' at the time of great
difficulties or when facing major issues. It is also recommended
after praying Salat-ul-Hajah (a special salat at the time of need).
(2) [Al-Baqarah, 2:250]
This was the du'a' of the Children of Israel fighting under the lead-
ership of King Talut (Saul) against the Philistines who were fight-
ing under Jalut (Goliath). The Children of Israel were the Muslims
of the time. Allah , accepted this du'a' and gave them victory
over Goliath as Prophet Dawud (David) El slew him.
The trials and tribulations of this life constantly require sabr,
which implies more than just patience. It implies patience in the
face of hardships, steadfastness to refrain from evil in the face of
temptations, and determination in overcoming obstacles to doing
good. Thus overcoming laziness in offering daily salāts is part of
sabr, as is remaining firm in the face of peer pressure. Of course
perseverance in the face of oppression is a big part of it.
This du'a' reminds us that sabr is the key to victory. Sabr that
SATURDAY . 15

The Accepted Whispers
(3) Our Lord, do not take us to task if we forget or make a mistake.
Our Lord, do not place such a burden on us as You had placed on
those before us. Our Lord, burden us not with that which we have
not the strength to bear. Pardon us, grant us forgiveness, and have
mercy on us. You are our Protector so help us to victory over the
disbelieving people.
(4) Our Lord, do not let our hearts falter after You have guided us,
and grant us mercy from Your presence. Surely You are the most
generous Grantor.
(5) Our Lord, surely we have believed, so forgive us our sins and
shield us from the punishment of the Fire.
emanates from a strong heart and trust in Allah 5 leads to firm-
ness of the feet which in turn leads to victory. But for each step on
this path to victory, we need Allah's help. Hence the du'a'.
(3) [Al-Baqarah, 2:286]
There are several ahadith in Musnad Ahmad, Sunan ad-Dārimi, and
Mustadrak Hakim that inform us about the extraordinary impor-
tance of the last two verses of Surah Al-Bagarah, which contain
this du'a'. They were given to Prophet Muhammad fer, out of His
grace, during mi'raj (Ascension) out of the special treasure under-
neath the 'Arsh (Divine Throne) and they were not given to any
previous Prophet.
We say this du'a' out of deep gratitude for this ummah was
relieved of the stringent burdens placed on the Israelites, as is obvi-
ous to anyone who compares Islamic Shari'ah with Jewish Laws.
Sayyidna 'Umar age and Sayyidna 'Ali dege said they thought
that anybody who had any sense would never go to bed without
having recited these verses.
(4) [Āl-i-'Imrăn, 3:8]
As the previous verse of this surah states, this is the du'a' of those
who are firmly grounded in knowledge. They never become com-
placent with their iman (faith), being fully aware that one's īman
is one's most precious treasure and needs to be carefully guarded. - >
16 · SATURDAY

يوم السبت
(٣) رَبَّنَا لَا تُؤَاخِذْنَآ إِنْ تَسِيْنَا أَوْ أَخْطَأَنَاْ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْنَآَ
إِصْرَاكَمَا حَمْتَهُ عَلَى الَّذِيْنَ مِنْ قَبْلِنَأَ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تُحَمِّلْنَا مَا لَا طَاقَةً
لَنَابِهٌ وَاعْفُ عَنَّا وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَارْحَمْنَاْ أَنْتَ مَوْلِمُنَا فَانْصُرْنَا عَلَى
الْقَوْمِ الْكُفِرِيْنَ
(٤) رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغْ قُلُوْبَنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَيْتَنَا وَهَبْ لَنَا مِنْ لَّدُنْكَ رَحْمَةٌ
إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْوَهَّابُ
(٥) رَبَّنَآ إِنَّنَا أَمَنَّا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوْبَنَا وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
3. Rabbanā lā tu'ākhidhnā in nasīnā aw akhța'nā. Rabbanā wa lā
tamil 'alaynā işran kamā hamaltahū 'alal-ladhīna min qablinā.
Rabbanā wa lā tuņammilnā mā lā țāqata lanā bih(ī), wać-fu 'annā
wagh-fir lanā war-hamna. Anta Mawlanā fan-surnā 'alal-qawmil-
kāfirīn.
4. Rabbanā lā tuzigh qulūbanā ba'da idh hadaytanā wa hab lanā
min ladunka rahma(tan). Innaka Antal-Wahhab.
5. Rabbanā innanā āmannā fagh-fir lanā dhunūbanā wa qinā
‘adhāban-nār.
Further, we cannot guarantee its protection; we must turn to Allah
to seek His help in doing so.
Needless to say, it is unimaginable that anyone consciously
making this du'a' will knowingly engage in such enterprises as may
pose danger to his īman.
(5) [Āl-i-'Imran, 3:16]
The verses before and after the one containing this du'a' character-
ize the people making this du'a' as the ones who fear Allah; are
patient, truthful, devout, and charitable; and who seek forgiveness
in the pre-dawn hours. Yet by invoking solely their iman here as
SATURDAY . 17

The Accepted Whispers
(6) Our Lord, You have not created all this in vain! Glory be to You;
shield us then from the punishment of the Fire.
(7) Our Lord, surely whomsoever You sentence to the Fire, You have
disgraced him indeed. And for wrongdoers there will be no support-
ers.
(8) Our Lord, surely we heard a caller calling to the faith, saying:
believe in your Lord. And we believed. Our Lord, forgive us there-
fore our sins, and blot out from us our evil deeds, and in death join
us with the righteous.
(9) Our Lord, grant us what You have promised to us through Your
messengers, and do not disgrace us on the Day of Judgment; surely
You never break Your promise.
(10) Our Lord, we have wronged our souls. And if You do not for-
give us and grant us mercy, we shall certainly be among the losers.
(11) Our Lord, pour out patience over us and make us die as Mus-
lims.
the basis of forgiveness they affirm that this is the most valuable
treasure of a believer.
(6-9) [Āl-i-'Imran, 3:191-94]
These beautiful du'a's are of the really wise persons, as described by
the Qur'an. They are the ones who reflect on the creation of the
heavens and the earth and in the alternation of the day and night,
and this reflection leads them to the belief in the Creator and a
deep concern for their accountability before Him. The Prophet ,
said: "Ruined is the person who recited these verses but failed to
reflect therein."
The reference to Allah , never breaking His promise is not
meant to reassure themselves of this fact. Rather it implies the plea
that Allah { enable them to become deserving of that promise.
(10) [Al-A'raf, 7:23]
This du'a' was taught by Allah de to Sayyidna Adam (Adam) SEIl.
18 · SATURDAY

يوم السبت
(٦) رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ هُذَا بُطِلًا سُبْحُنَكَ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
﴿٧﴾ رَبَّنَآ إِنَّكَ مَنْ تُدْخِلِ النَّارَ فَقَدْ أَخْزَيْتَةٌ وَمَا لِلظُلِمِيْنَ مِنْ
انْصَارٍ
(٨) رَبَّنَا إِنَّنَا سَمِعْنَا مُنَادِيًّا تُّنَادِيْ لِلْإِيْمَانِ أَنْ أُمِنُواْ بِرَبِّكُمْ فَأمَنَّاً
رَبَّنَا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوْبَنَا وَكَفِّرْ عَنَّا سَبِئَاتِنَا وَتَوَقَّنَا مَعَ الْأَبْرَارِ هُ
(٩) رَبَّنَا وَأْتِنَا مَا وَعَدْتَّنَا عَلى رُسُلِكَ وَلَا تُخْزِنَا يَوْمَ الْقِيْمَةِ
إِنَّكَ لَا تُخْلِفُ الْمِيْعَادَ
(١٠) رَبَّنَا ظَلَمْنَآ أَنْفُسَنَا وَإِنْ لَمْتَغْفِرْ لَنَا وَتَرْحَمْنَا لَنَكُوْنَنَّ مِنَ
الْخُسِرِيْنَ
(١١) رَبَّنَا أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًا وَّتَوَفْنَا مُسْلِمِيْنَ
6. Rabbanā mā khalaqta hādhā bāțilan subļānaka fa qinā
‘adhāban-nār.
7. Rabbanā innaka man tudkhilin-nāra fa qad akhzaytah(ū), wa
mā liņ-zālimīna min anșār.
8. Rabbanā innanā sami nā munādiyan yunādī lil-īmāni an
āminū birabbikum fa āmannā. Rabbanā fagh-fir lanā dhunūbanā
wa kaffir 'annā sayyi'ātinā wa tawaffanā ma'al-'abrār.
9. Rabbanā wa ātinā mā wa adttanā 'alā rusulika wa lā tukhzinā
yawmal-qiyāma(ti). Innaka lā tukhliful-mī'ād.
Io. Rabbanā zalamnā anfusanā wa in lam taghfir lanā wa tarņamnā
lanakūnanna minal-khāsirīn.
II. Rabbanā afrigh 'alaynā sabran wa tawaffanā Muslimīn.
SATURDAY . 19

The Accepted Whispers
(12) You are our Protector. So forgive us and show us mercy, for You
are the best of those who forgive.
(13) Our Lord, do not turn us into a victim of the unjust people and
save us through Your mercy from the disbelieving people.
(14) O the Creator of the heavens and the earth, You are my Protec-
tor in this world and in the Hereafter. Make me die a Muslim and
unite me with the righteous.
(15) My Lord, make me and my offspring establish salat. Our Lord,
accept my supplication.
(16) Our Lord, forgive me and my parents and all believers on the
day when the Reckoning will be set up.
The Qur'an says: "Then Adam learned certain words (of du'a') from
his Lord; so Allah accepted his repentance" (Al-Baqarah, 2:37).
(II) [Al-A'raf, 7:126]
This was the du'a' of the magicians in the court of the Pharaoh
after they declared faith and were threatened by a furious Pharaoh
with severe torture over this defiance. This is the response of the
believers to the threats of dire consequences by worldly powers over
their faith.
(12) [Al-A'raf, 7:155]
This was the du'a' of Sayyidna Musa (Moses) all, when seventy
Jewish leaders who accompanied him to Mount Sinai were pun-
ished because of their iniquity.
(13) [Yunus, 10:85-86]
This was the du'a' of the Israelites against persecution by the Pha-
raoh.
(14) [Yusuf, 12:101]
This was the du'a' of Sayyidna Yusuf (Joseph) SuEll after he had
been united with his parents and brothers. At the height of his
worldly power his concern was still with dying as a Muslim and
getting the company of the pious.
20 · SATURDAY

يوم السبت
(١٢) أَنْتَ وَلِيُّنَا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَارْحَمْنَاً وَأَنْتَ خَيْرُ الْغُفِرِيْنَ
(١٣) رَبَّنَا لَا تَجْعَلْنَا فِتْنَةٌ لِّلْقَوْمِ الظُّلِمِيْنَ ا وَنَجِّنَا بِرَحْمَتِكَ
مِنَ الْقَوْمِ الْكُفِرِيْنَ
﴿١٤﴾ فَاطِرَ السَّمُوْتِ وَالْأَرْضِ أَنْتَ وَلِيْ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْأُخِرَةِ
تَوَقَِّيْ مُسْلِمًا وَ أَلْحِقْنِيْ بِالصُّلِحِيْنَ:
(١٥) رَبِّ اجْعَلْنِيْ مُقِيْمَ الصَّلُوةِ وَمِنْ ذُرِيَّتِيُّ رَبَّنَا وَتَقَبَّلْ
دُعَاءِ ®
﴿١٦﴾ رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لِيْ وَلِوُلِدَيَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ يَوْمَ يَقُوْمُ الْحِسَابُ
12. Anta waliyyunā fagh-fir lanā war-hamnā, wa anta Khayrul-
ghāfirīn.
13. Rabbanā lā taj alnā fitnatan lil-qawmiz-zālimīn(a). Wa najjinā
birahmatika minal-qawmil-kāfirīn.
14. Fāțiras-samāwāti wal-'ardi anta Waliyyī fid-dunya wal-
ākhira(ti), tawaffanī musliman wa alhiqnī bis-șāliķīn.
15. Rabbij-'alnī muqīmaș-salāti wa min dhurriyyatī. Rabbanā wa
taqabbal du'a'.
16. Rabbanagh-fir lī wa liwālidayya wa lil-mu'minīna yawma
yaqūmul-hisāb.
(15) [Ibrāhim, 14:40]
This was the du'a' of Sayyidna Ibrahim (Abraham) Ell. His con-
cern for the salat of his children should set an example for us. We
should provide proper Islamic education and training to our chil-
dren. At the same time we should be praying for their steadfastness
in Islamic practices.
SATURDAY . 2I

The Accepted Whispers
(17) My Lord, show them (my parents) mercy just as they cared for
me when I was a little child.
(18) My Lord, make me enter through a rightful entrance and leave
by a rightful exit and grant me supporting authority from Your pres-
ence.
(19) Our Lord, grant us mercy from Your presence and provide us
with guidance in our affair.
(20) My Lord, open up my heart for me, make my task easy for
me, and loose a knot from my tongue so they may understand my
speech.
(16) [Ibrābīm, 14:41]
Sayyidnā Ibrahim Ell initially made this du'a' for his father, but
later stopped it. The Qur'an says: "And the du'a' of Ibrahim for the
forgiveness of his father was but due to a promise he had made to
him. Later when it became clear to him that he was an enemy of
Allah, he withdrew himself from him" (At-Tawbah, 9:114).
A Muslim should pray for his non-Muslim parents in their life
for their guidance. But it is not permissible to pray for the maghfi-
rah (forgiveness) of anyone who dies in a state of unbelief.
(17) [Al-Isrã', 17:24]
This du'a' comes in the Qur'an immediately after the verse that
tells us that deference to parents is the second most important obli-
gation of a believer after the obligation to worship Allah is alone.
That placement in addition to the fact that Allah , Himself is
teaching us how to supplicate for our parents should tell us the
value of this du'a'. That also raises our hopes regarding the accep-
tance of this du'a' when made sincerely.
Needless to say, it is an important parenting goal for Muslim
parents to raise such children who will make this du'a' for them in
their life and after their death.
(18) [Al-Isrã', 17:80]
Prophet Muhammad ,
was taught this du'a' when he was com-
manded to migrate from Makkah to Madinah. He had been sur- - >
22 . SATURDAY

يوم السبت
﴿١٧) رَبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّنِيْ صَغِيْرًا
﴿١٨) رَبِّ أَدْخِلْنِيْ مُدْخَلَ صِدْقٍ وَأَخْرِ جْنِيْ مُخْرَجَ صِدْقٍ
وَّاجْعَلْ لِيْ مِنْ لَّدُنْكَ سُلْطَنَا نَّصِيْرًا ٥
(١٩) رَبَّنَآَ أْتِنَا مِنْ لَّدُنْكَ رَحْمَةً وَّهَيِّئْ لَنَا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا رَشَدًا ®
(٢٠) رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِْ صَدْرِيْ هِ وَيَسِّرْلِيْ أَمْرِيْ ◌ٌ وَاخْلُلُ
عُقْدَةً مِّنْ لِسَانِيْ ◌َ يَفْقَهُوْا قَوْلِيْ
17. Rabbir-hamhumā kamā rabbayānī șaghīra.
18. Rabbi adkhilnī mudkhala şidqin wa akhrijnī mukhraja șidqin
waj-'al lī min ladunka sultānan nașīra.
19. Rabbanā ātinā min ladunka raķmatan wa hayyi' lanā min
amrinā rashada.
20. Rabbish-rah lī șadrī. Wa yassir lī amrī. Wah-lul 'uqdatam min
lisānī. Yafqahū qawlī.
rounded by the Makkan pagan leaders intent to kill him and he
had no visible means of defense, yet Allah , shielded him and
provided for him a safe exit. Similarly, Madinah was a difficult city
to live in because of its weather. Yet, Allah , changed it into a
very pleasant city, which it has been ever since. Some 'ulama' have
stated that this du'a' is beneficial for all objectives and purposes.
(19) [Al-Kahf, 18:10]
When there seems to be no way out we turn to Allah le for both
mercy and guidance.
This du'a' was made by the young men who sought refuge
from persecution in a cave. Their story is related in Sūrah Al-Kahf.
Reports differ on whether these men were the followers of Sayyidna
SATURDAY + 23

The Accepted Whispers
(21) My Lord, increase me in knowledge.
(22) Adversity has afflicted me and You are the Most Merciful of
those who show mercy.
(23) My Lord, leave me not childless, even though You are the Best
of heirs.
(24) My Lord, cause me to land at a blessed landing-place, for You
are the Best of all who bring to land.
'Isa (Jesus) SEll, or another prophet. In either case, they refused to
submit to a tyrant who was forcing paganism on his subjects. They
left behind everything as they took refuge in a cave to safeguard
their iman. And in doing so, they set an example for the youth
today to follow.
(20) [Tā-Hã, 20:25-28]
This was the du'a' of Prophet Musa XE when he was command-
ed to go to the Pharaoh and deliver the message of Allah to the
tyrant.
(21) [Ță-Hã, 20:114]
The knowledge referred to here is the revealed knowledge, the one
that increases one's consciousness of Allah. As a hadith points out,
this knowledge is the legacy of the prophets. This is the knowledge
that guarantees success in this world and in the Hereafter, for it
alone has the ability to answer the fundamental questions regard-
ing the purpose of life and provide sure guidance.
The knowledge of the physical world, obtained through obser-
vation, experimentation, and reasoning, on the other hand, can be
useful or harmful, depending upon the orientation and purpose of
the person employing that knowledge. Thus science and technolo-
gy have been used to serve the machinery of oppression and exploi-
tation as well as to benefit humanity. See also du'a' 45 below.
(22) [Al-Anbiya', 21:83]
This is the famous du'a' of Sayyidna Ayyub (Job) SEII. We do not
know the exact nature of his affliction but we do know that it was
a severe test and that he was cured after making this du'a'. His -
24 · SATURDAY

=
=
يوم السبت
(٢١) رَبِّ زِدْنِيْ عِلْمًا
(٢٢) أَنِيْ مَسَّنِيَ الضُّرُّ وَأَنْتَ أَرْحَمُ الرُّحِمِيْنَ
(٢٣) رَبِّ لَا تَذَرْنِيْ فَرْدًا وَأَنْتَ خَيْرُ الْوَارِثِيْنَ
٢٤﴾ رَبّ أَنْزِلْنِيْ مُنْزَلًا مُّبْرَكًا وَأَنْتَ خَيْرُ الْمُنْزِلِيْنَ
21. Rabbi zidnī 'ilma.
22. Annī massaniyad-durru wa anta Arhamur-rāķimīn.
23. Rabbi lā tadharnī fardan wa anta Khayrul-warithīn.
24. Rabbi anzilnī munzalam mubārakan wa anta Khayrul-
munzilīn.
patience has been praised in the Qur'an: "Truly We found him full
of patience" (Sad, 38:44).
A very important lesson to learn from this story is that in this
world afflictions can affect both believers and non-believers. What
distinguishes the former from the latter is not the fact of affliction
but their response to it. The believers submit to the Will of Allah
and turn to Him with supplication. The non-believers, on the
other hand, can only complain and wonder "why me?" The faith of
the first group gives them the strength to face the difficulties. The
ordeals bring them closer to Allah .
According to Imam Ja'far as-Sadiq, it is recommended to make
this du'a' whenever a person is sick or is facing any hardships.
(23) [Al-Anbiya', 21:89]
This was the du'a' of Sayyidna Zakariyya (Zachariah) Ell. It was
granted and he was bestowed with Sayyidna Yahya (John) SEIl.
He had prayed to be granted a child who would be his heir. That
desire was human. However, it is part of the prophetic wisdom to
remember that ultimately Allah & is the inheritor of the entire
world. Hence the second part of this du'a'.
SATURDAY . 25

The Accepted Whispers
(25) My Lord, I seek refuge with You from the promptings of the
shaytans and I seek refuge with You my Lord from that they come to
me.
(26) Our Lord, we believe, so forgive us, and have mercy on us. You
are the Best One to show mercy.
(27) Our Lord, turn away from us the punishment of Hell; surely its
punishment is a persisting affliction.
(24) [Al-Mu'minun, 23:29]
Allah taught this du'a' to Sayyidna Nuh (Noah) to say
after boarding the Ark that saved him and the believers with him
from the Flood.
(25) [Al-Mu'minun, 23:97-98]
This du'a' is often invoked for protection from the mischief
of Shaytan (Satan). It is also highly recommended for guarding
against losing one's temper and giving in to fits. Additionally, it is
very effective against other assaults of the devils. A variant of this
du'a' is reported for protection against nightmares. That du'a' is:
أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللهِ التَّمَّةِ مِنْ غَضَبِهِ وَشَرِّ عِبادِهِ، وَمِنْ هَمَزَاتِ الشَّيَاطِئْنِ
وَأَنْ تِخْضُرُوْنِ
I seek refuge with Allah's Perfect Words from Allah's wrath,
and from the evils of His slaves, and from the promptings of
the shaytans and from that they come to me.
Sayyidnā 'Abdullah ibn 'Amr
used to teach this to his older
children. And for younger children he used to write it as an amulet
and let them wear it around their necks.
(26) [Al-Mu'minun, 23:109]
The Qur'an mentions this as the du'a' of the people who were ridi-
culed in this world by the unbelievers. In a glimpse of the Hereafter
in the verses just preceding this we see the ridiculers futilely plead-
ing that they be given another chance, while Allah , says this
regarding those making this du'a': "I have rewarded them today for -+
26 · SATURDAY

يوم السبت
(٢٥) رَبِّ أَعُوْذُ بِكَ مِنْ هَمَزَتِ الشَّيْطِيْنِ * وَأَعُوْذُبِكَ رَبِّ
أَنْ تِِّضُرُوْنِ
(٢٦) رَبََّآَ أمَنَّا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَارْحَمْنَا وَأَنْتَ خَيْرُ الرُّحِمِيْنَ
(٢٧) رَبَّنَاَ اصْرِفْ عَنَّا عَذَابَ جَهَنَّمَّ إِنَّ عَذَابَهَا كَانَ غَرَامًا
25. Rabbi a'ūdhu bika min hamazātish-shayāțin(i). Wa a'ūdhu
bika Rabbi an yahdurūn.
26. Rabbanā āmannā fagh-fir lanā war-hamnā wa anta Khayrur-
rāņimīn.
27. Rabbanaş-rif 'annā 'adhāba jahannam(a), inna 'adhābahā
kāna gharāma.
how patient they have been: they are the ones who are triumphant"
(Al-Mu'minūn, 23:1II).
When the going gets tough because of peer pressure, powerful
media, or the campaigns of the world powers against them, the
believers can get a lot of relief through this du'a'.
(27) [Al-Furqan, 25:65]
This is the du'a' of the people who have been honored with the
title "'Ibadur Rahman" (Servants of the Most Merciful). It is an
attribute of such people that they are always concerned about the
Hereafter and are always seeking protection against Hell.
SATURDAY . 27

The Accepted Whispers
(28) Our Lord, grant us the delight of our eyes in our spouses and
our offspring and make us a model for the God-fearing.
(29) My Lord, grant me that I should be grateful for Your favor that
You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I do the good
deeds that You are pleased with. And admit me through Your mercy
among Your pious servants.
(30) My Lord, I am needy of whatever good You send down for
me.
(31) My Lord, help me against the mischievous people.
(28) [Al-Furqăn, 25:74]
delight of eyes: heartfelt joy.
This is the key du'a' for marital bliss and for raising happy,
loving, model Muslim families. There is a clear message here that
taqwa (Allah consciousness and fear of Allah) is the true founda-
tion on which one can hope to build a happy family life.
The second part of the du'a' can also be translated as "make us
leaders of the pious." In the context of the family, since a man is the
leader of his family, the du'a' really is for the piety of one's family
and not for one's leadership. In the general sense the du'a' is for
attaining such piety that we become a model and inspiration for
other pious people.
(29) [An-Naml, 27:19]
This was the du'a' of Sayyidna Sulayman (Solomon) (!).
We need Allah's help even in showing gratitude for His favors.
Further, good deeds in themselves are not sufficient. We need good
deeds that will be accepted by Allah. It is possible that our good
deeds carry no weight in the sight of Allah because of some inher-
ent defect or flaw that only He knows.
(30) [Al-Qaşaş, 28:24]
This was the du'a' of Sayyidna Musa SEI when he reached Madyan
to escape from a death sentence from the Pharaoh for accidentally
killing an Egyptian. He was hungry, tired, penniless, and a total -
28 · SATURDAY

يوم السبت
(٢٨) رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَاجِنَا وَذُرِّيْتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَّاجْعَلْنَا
لِلْمُتَّقِيْنَ إِمَامًا
(٢٩) رَبِّ أَوْزِعْنِيْ أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ الَّتِ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيَّ وَعَلى
وَالِدَيَّ وَأَنْ أَعْمَلَ صَالِحًا تَرْضُهُ وَأَدْخِلْنِيْ بِرَحْمَتِكَ فِيْ عِبَادِكَ
الصُّلِحِيْنَ
(٣٠) رَبّ إِنِّيْ لِمَآ أَنزَلْتَ إِلَّ مِنْ خَيْرِ فَقِيْرٌ
(٣١) رَبّ انْصُرْنِيْ عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْمُفْسِدِيْنَ
28. Rabbanā hab lanā min azwājinā wa dhurriyyātinā qurrata
a yunin waj-'alnā lil-muttaqīna imāma.
29. Rabbi awzi'nī an ashkura ni matakal-latī an'amta 'alayya
wa 'alā walidayya wa an a'mala salihan tardahu wa adkhilnī
birahmatika fi 'ibādikas-șāliķīn.
30. Rabbi innī limā anzalta ilayya min khayrin faqīr.
31. Rabbin-surnī 'alal-qawmil-mufsidīn.
stranger in this town. Allah , provided for him a home and a
spouse and he lived there for a decade.
Anyone in a total state of destitution may derive immense
strength from saying this du'a' while remembering the condition
of Sayyidna Musa El at that time.
(31) [Al-'Ankabūt, 29:30]
This was the du'a' of Sayyidna Lut (Lot) * against a nation of
homosexuals who refused to mend their ways and openly chal-
lenged him. This du'a' is pertinent against all mischievous people,
including the kind against whom it was originally invoked.
SATURDAY . 29

The Accepted Whispers
(32) Our Lord, Your mercy and knowledge encompass everything,
therefore forgive those who repent and follow Your Way and shield
them from the punishment of the Hell.
(33) Our Lord, admit them to the Gardens of Eternity that You
have promised to them and to the righteous among their fathers,
their wives, and their posterity. You are the Powerful, the Wise. And
shield them from (all) ills; and any whom You do shield from ills
that Day, on them surely You have bestowed mercy. And that is the
supreme achievement, indeed.
(34) And grant for my benefit goodness in my progeny. Truly I have
turned to You repentant and truly I am one of those who submit to
You.
(35) I have been overpowered so help me.
(36) Our Lord, forgive us and those of our brethren who preceded us
in faith, and do not allow any spite to remain in our hearts toward
(32-33) [Ghafir, 40:7-9]
This is a du'a' for the believers made by the angels carrying the
Throne ('Arsh) of Allah te.
(34) [Al-Ahqaf, 46:15]
(35) [Al-Qamar, 54:10]
This was the du'a' of Sayyidna Nuh Ell after 950 years of preach-
ing to a stubborn people. This du'a' is also appropriate when a
person feels overwhelmed by great hardships, calamities, serious
illness, or enemies.
(36) [Al-Hasbr, 59:10]
This Qur'anic du'a' must inform our attitudes regarding our pious
predecessors. That includes the Companions and their Followers.
Having rancor, malice, or hatred against other believers, especially
the pious predecessors, is a serious disease. This du'a', when made
sincerely, can cure it.
30 · SATURDAY