The Power of Dua: Making Supplication for Others in Islam

The Virtue of Making Dua for Others in Their Absence

In Islam, making dua (supplication) for others, especially in their absence, is a noble and highly rewarded act. It fosters love, compassion, and sincerity among the believers and brings about divine blessings. This act is not only encouraged but also deeply rooted in the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

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The Supplication of a Muslim for His Brother in His Absence is Answered

The great scholar Imaam Muslim collected a powerful narration in his Saheeh (2733) upon the authority of Safwaan ibn ‘Abdillah ibn Safwaan (the husband of Umm Ad-Dardaa, the daughter of Abu Dardaa) who said:

“I traveled to Shaam and went to visit Abu Dardaa in his home, but I didn’t find him. However, I did find Umm Ad-Dardaa, who asked me: ‘Do you intend to perform Hajj this year?’ I responded: ‘Yes.’ She said: ‘Then make dua for us with good, for indeed the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to say:

‘The supplication of a Muslim for his brother, made in his brother’s absence, is answered. At his head, there is an angel consigned to him. Every time he supplicates for his brother with good, the angel says: “Ameen! And for you is its like!”’

(Sahih Muslim, Hadith no. 2733).”

This hadith emphasizes that when a Muslim sincerely makes dua for another believer, an angel assigned to the supplicant responds with “Ameen,” meaning “O Allah, accept it,” and then says: “And for you is its like!” Thus, the supplicant not only benefits the person they are praying for but also gains the same reward for themselves.

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The Importance of Sincerity in Dua

Imaam An-Nawawi, in his commentary on this hadith, highlighted the significance of making dua in secrecy:

“The supplication in the absence of the one being prayed for is more profound in sincerity.” (Sharh Saheeh Muslim 17/49)

Making dua in someone’s absence, without seeking recognition or praise, purifies one’s intention and enhances the sincerity of the supplication. It is a manifestation of true brotherhood and selflessness, which Islam encourages.

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The Statement of Sheikh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaimeen

Sheikh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaimeen, a renowned scholar, elaborated on the virtue of this practice in his explanation of Riyadhus-Saliheen:

“Thus the angel says ‘Ameen’ to your dua when you supplicate for your brother in his absence and says: ‘And for you is its like.’ This indicates the immense virtue of this practice. However, it applies specifically when the one being supplicated for has not requested it from you.” (Sharh Riyadhus-Saliheen 4/73)

This clarification underscores the importance of spontaneous and sincere supplication, rather than a supplication made merely because someone requested it.

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The Comprehensive Dua for All Believers

In addition to making dua for specific individuals, Islam encourages supplicating for all believers, both male and female, living and deceased. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

“Whoever seeks forgiveness for the male and female believers, Allah writes for him a good deed for each male and female believer.”
(Collected by At-Tabarani in Musnad Ash-Shaamiyeen 3/234, Hadith no. 2155 and declared Hasan by Sheikh Al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’ 6026.)

Consider the immense reward in this simple yet powerful act. By merely saying:

اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ، الأَحْيَاءِ مِنْهُمْ وَالأَمْوَاتِ
(Allahumma ighfir lil-mu’mineena wal-mu’minaat, al-ahyaa’i minhum wal-amwaat)

“O Allah, forgive the male and female believers, the living and the dead.”

—one earns a good deed for every believer from the time of Adam (peace be upon him) until the Day of Judgment. This dua is a testament to the universal brotherhood of Islam and the immense generosity of Allah in rewarding sincere supplication.

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The Qur’anic Command to Make Dua for Others

Allah commands the believers to pray for each other in various places in the Qur’an, demonstrating the importance of collective supplication. One such example is:

“And those who came after them say, ‘Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith and put not in our hearts any resentment toward those who have believed. Our Lord, indeed You are Kind and Merciful.’”
(Surah Al-Hashr, 59:10)

This verse emphasizes praying for both past and present believers, fostering unity and love across generations.

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The Etiquette of Making Dua for Others

Islam outlines certain etiquettes to maximize the impact and acceptance of dua:

1. Sincerity (Ikhlas): Ensure that the dua is made purely for Allah’s sake.
2. Secrecy: Supplicate in private, as it enhances sincerity.
3. Begin with Praise and Salawat: Start by praising Allah and sending peace and blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
4. Be Specific: While general duas are virtuous, specific duas for individuals or particular needs are highly impactful.
5. Avoid Sin and Severance of Ties: Ensure the dua is free from harmful intentions or desires that sever family or community ties.

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Conclusion

The practice of making dua for others, particularly in their absence, is a powerful and rewarding act in Islam. It strengthens the bonds of brotherhood, purifies the heart of the supplicant, and invites the mercy of Allah upon the entire Muslim community.

Let us make it a habit to sincerely supplicate for our brothers and sisters in faith. May Allah accept our supplications, grant us sincerity, and forgive all the believers, living and deceased.

اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ، الأَحْيَاءِ مِنْهُمْ وَالأَمْوَاتِ

Wa Sallallahu ‘alaa Nabiyyinaa Muhammad, wa ‘alaa Aalihi wa Sahbihi ajma’een.