What does Du’a mean?

What is Du’ā?

The following is summarized from Abu Ammar Yasir Qadhi’s book on du’ā entitled “Du’ā: The Weapon of the Believer”.

Before studying any topic whether large or small it is important to know what it means, only then will we realize the importance of the topic. So what exactly does the word du’ā mean?

Ibn Al Mandhūr al Afriqī (d. ?? AH)[1] in Lisān al Arab[14/258] also Hans-Wher[P.282] says that du’ā is the verbal noun (masdar) of the verb ‘da’ā’ which symbolizes ‘to call out , to summon’

The Qur’ān uses the word du’ā in different forms and meanings but mainly as a form of worship [Sūrah Yūnus V. 106] but also the seeking of aid, as a request, call, praise, speech, or as a question. One can refer to the book for the verses that are used as proof for these types of meaning for du’ā.

Then the book mentions how the scholars of Islām explained the Islāmic meaning of du’ā.

al Khattabī (d. 386 AH) said, “The meaning of du’ā is the servant’s asking his Lord for His Help, and asking his continued support. Its essence is that a person shows his neediness to Allāh, and frees himself from any power or ability to change (any matter by himself). This characteristic is the mark of servitude, and in it is the feeling of human submissiveness. Du’ā also carries the meaning of praising Allāh, and attributing to Him Generosity and Bounteousness.” [Sha’n ad Du’ā, p. 4]

Ibn al Qayyim (d. 751 AH) defined it as, “Asking what is of benefit to the person, and asking the removal of what is harming him, or (asking) the repelling of it (before it affects him)” [Badā’i al Fawā’id 3/2]

So it can be seen that any type of calling out to or requesting or invoking or summoning is considered du’ā along with all the meanings mentioned above when used in the proper context.

And with Allāh lies all success.

May the Peace and Blessings of Allāh be upont he Prophet, his family and companions.

[1] Anyone know the date of death, jazākAllāhu Khayran