NEED FOR SUPPLICATION (DUA)

Man had always trusted the material resources for his safety and well-being. He was and is facing natural disasters or occurrences beyond his understanding. Modern man has always been shied to connect disasters to Divine order but would prefer to name it “nature” or natural disasters.

In the year 570 A.D., the year when the  Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) was born, the king Abraha of Yemen wanted to destroy the House of Allah-Ka’ba, when Imam Ali (a.s.)’s grandfather Hazrat Abdul Muttalib prayed to Allah to safeguard His House. Allah sent waves after waves of small birds called “Ababeel” carrying small stones in their peaks and claws, threw it on the elephants. When the stones hit the bodies of the elephants and the soldiers, it penetrated them resulting in instant death. Abraha’s army was destroyed. Abraha depended on the material strength.

Despite our modern resources, the Corona virus has spread over the globe effecting every country rich or poor, in Europe, America, Asia or Africa. It is invisible by the naked eye, has so far killed thousands of people. It is not intended to establish at this stage whether it is Divine Wrath or test and tribulation. It is worthwhile to beseech the Creator for help.

Supplication has psychological benefits apart from spiritual values e.g. enhanced will power, strengthens hope, nearness to the Creator, conviction of God’s superiority, develops humility. Supplication had been practiced by the followers of Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Allah is encouraging the people in distress to supplicate, offer repentance and beseech His forgiveness.

Some of the Ayahs of the Glorious Qur’an are appended below to ponder and taking account of our lives:

 “Call upon Me, I will answer you; those who are too proud for My worship shall soon enter Hell abased.” (40:60)

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, then surely I am very near, I answer the prayer (Dua) of the suppliant when he calls on Me, so they should answer My call and believe in Me that they may walk on the right path. (2:186)

There is no God but You (O Lord). Glory be to You. Verily, I was of the unjust. (21:83)

O Lord, forgive and have mercy, for You are the best of Merciful (23:118)

O Lord, verily I have wronged myself, so forgive me. (28:16)

O our Lord, perfect for us our light, and grant us protection. Verily You have power over all things. (66:8)

Religious books are flooded with supplications; like the Glorious Qur’an, Nahjul Balagha and Sahifa Kamila.