Duas for Steadfastness: Seeking Allah’s Help to Remain Firm in Faith
In the journey of life, every believer faces trials and tribulations that can sometimes shake the foundation of their faith. The heart, being the center of emotions and intentions, is particularly susceptible to fluctuations. As a result, one of the most important prayers that a Muslim can make is for the steadfastness of the heart upon the Deen, asking Allah (SWT) to protect and guide it.
The supplications mentioned below serve as a reminder of the importance of seeking Allah’s guidance and mercy to remain firm in faith. These duas are not only prayers for ourselves but also reflect the deep spiritual connection that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) had with Allah (SWT), acknowledging that steadfastness in Deen is ultimately in the hands of the Creator.
1. يا مقلب القلوب ثبت قلبي على دينك
O Controller of the Hearts, make my heart steadfast in Your Religion
One of the most powerful supplications for firmness in faith is the following:
“Ya Muqallibal-Qulubi, Thabbit Qalbi ‘Ala Dinika.”
This supplication is narrated by Shahr bin Haushab, who reported asking Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) about the frequent supplications of the Prophet (ﷺ). She said that he often recited this dua: “O Controller of the hearts, make my heart steadfast in Your religion.”
In this short yet profound dua, the Prophet (ﷺ) acknowledges that the heart is in the hands of Allah. The term Muqallibal-Qulub means the One who turns or alters the hearts. Allah (SWT) is the one who has complete control over the heart’s inclinations. He can turn a heart towards guidance or away from it. This supplication is an acknowledgment of human fragility and a plea for Allah’s help in preserving the stability of one’s faith.
The importance of this dua lies in its direct appeal to the most powerful being in existence: Allah (SWT). No one else can control the heart, and therefore, it is only through His mercy and guidance that a person can remain firm in their belief. The Prophet (ﷺ) himself, despite his high rank and closeness to Allah, continuously sought Allah’s protection and guidance for steadfastness in faith.
For a Muslim, it is crucial to understand that no matter how strong one’s faith may seem, it is always in need of Allah’s constant help. This is why the Prophet (ﷺ) repeated this supplication often. It serves as a reminder to rely on Allah for the stability of the heart and to humbly ask for His protection against any trials or doubts that might affect our faith.
2. اللهم مصرف القلوب صرف قلوبنا على طاعتك
O Allah! Controller of the hearts, direct our hearts to Your obedience
The second supplication is another profound plea from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), which was narrated by ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin Al-‘As (may Allah be pleased with him). The Prophet (ﷺ) would say:
“Allahumma Musarrifal-Qulubi, Sarrif Qulubana ‘Ala Ta’atika.”
This translates to: “O Allah! Controller of the hearts, direct our hearts to Your obedience.”
In this dua, the Prophet (ﷺ) calls Allah the Musarrif al-Qulub—the One who directs, turns, and channels the hearts. Every individual’s heart is under the control of Allah. It is Allah who decides the direction of the heart, and it is only through His will that we are able to find ourselves inclined towards obedience to Him.
This supplication is an acknowledgement of the fact that human beings, no matter how committed they are, are prone to distractions. The world around us is full of temptations and distractions that can turn our hearts away from Allah’s path. Therefore, it is vital for every believer to ask Allah to keep their hearts directed toward His obedience, and away from disobedience, heedlessness, or sin.
One important aspect of this supplication is its broader meaning. When we ask Allah to direct our hearts toward obedience, we are asking for help in all areas of life, whether it be in worship, kindness, patience, or sincerity in our actions. It is a request for divine guidance in how we live every moment of our lives in a way that pleases Allah. It is a call for Allah’s help in ensuring that our hearts remain sincere and steadfast in doing what is right, regardless of the challenges we may face.
The Significance of these Duas
Both of these supplications remind us that the heart is the seat of faith and that its condition is fragile. Our faith is tested every day, and we are constantly exposed to trials that may lead us to question or doubt. Therefore, asking Allah for firmness in Deen is not just a one-time prayer; it should be a regular part of our supplications.
The Prophet (ﷺ) used to make these duas frequently, which shows the importance of always seeking Allah’s assistance in remaining firm on the path of righteousness. It is a reminder that no matter how righteous we may feel, we must remain humble and always turn to Allah for His mercy and protection.
The Heart’s Connection to Faith
The state of the heart is intrinsically linked to one’s faith. In the Quran, Allah (SWT) says:
“Indeed, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (Quran 13:28)
When our hearts are connected to Allah through prayer, remembrance (dhikr), and seeking His forgiveness, they find tranquility and peace. However, when we become neglectful of our duties to Allah or when we allow our hearts to be preoccupied with the distractions of the world, they may become hardened or led astray.
This is why it is so crucial to constantly make supplications such as those mentioned above. It is a form of spiritual protection and an acknowledgment that we are not self-sufficient in our faith. We need Allah’s guidance to keep us steadfast in our beliefs, to direct our hearts toward His obedience, and to protect us from the trials and temptations that could pull us away from the straight path.
Conclusion: A Call to Humility and Consistent Supplication
In conclusion, the duas “Ya Muqallibal-Qulubi, Thabbit Qalbi ‘Ala Dinika” and “Allahumma Musarrifal-Qulubi, Sarrif Qulubana ‘Ala Ta’atika” are vital supplications for every Muslim who seeks to remain firm in their faith. They remind us that our hearts are in the hands of Allah and that we must always seek His assistance in guiding and protecting them. We must remember that our faith is fragile, and the only way to ensure that we stay true to our Deen is by consistently asking Allah to direct our hearts towards Him, to make us steadfast, and to protect us from being led astray.
Let us follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) by making these supplications a regular part of our daily lives, ensuring that our hearts remain firm in the Deen, regardless of the challenges we may face. May Allah (SWT) grant us steadfastness, protect our hearts from the whispers of Shaytaan, and guide us to live in accordance with His will. Ameen.