Du'a and Inspiration, Hope and Direction

Du'a has a magical influence on the soul which is dying under the burden of its sins. It makes it alive again, fills it with hope, and inspires it to excel in the midst of difficulties. It provides clear direction and saves from the waywardness and darkness of ignorance about our affairs. This is all because He who answers our Du'as has promised to respond to us: "And when My servants ask you concerning Me, then surely I am very near; I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he calls on Me, so they should answer My call and believe in Me that they may walk in the right way." (2:186)

In one of his Du'as, Imam Zainul Abideen (peace be upon him says: "My dreadful crimes have deadened my heart, so bring it to life by a repentance from You!"

Du'as have a deep influence on our mental life too. They provide us with calmness and tranquility when we discuss our issues in the solitude of night or in whispered prayers to Our Merciful Lord. They make us full of hope for His help and mercy and give us strength to face the hardships of life.

Imam Sajjad also says, "I ask You by Your generosity to show kindness towards me through Your gifts, with that which will gladden my eye, through hope in You, with that which will give serenity to my soul, and through certainty with that which will make easy for me the afflictions of this world and lift from insight the veils of blindness!" Therefore, we observe that for a believer, having hope in Allah's help is very much part and parcel of his faith. The lack of hope in Him leads to Kufr or disbelief.

The Merciful Lord says: " And (as to) those who disbelieve in the communications of Allah and His meeting, they have despaired of My mercy, and these it is that shall have a painful punishment" (29:23)

In fact, disbelief and hopelessness are very much interrelated. Du'as reinforce our hope in Him and give sustenance to our faith. Du'as connect us with the most Mighty and make us have reliance on His might which never succumbs. Duas open the closed gates of treasures buried in our hearts, and make us feel Ghani. Du'as provide us that essential light of faith which makes the path of life illumined and matters clear to see. Du'as bestow upon us the ability to endure hardships and have patience and reliance on His might.