Dua is one of the very important notions in the Quran, which is very difficult to translate. Equivalents like praying, calling, or supplicating do not precisely convey the profound meaning of this word, so in this article we will just use the term dua and will gradually explain its meaning. We will also discuss the different types of supplication and how we can improve our duas to increase the possibility of their being answered by God.
Let us first discuss the significance of supplication according to the Quran and hadith and then analyze its concept. The Quran 40:60 reads,
وَقَالَ رَبُّكُمُ ادْعُونِي أَسْتَجِبْ لَكُمْ
In this famous verse, the Quran has a message for us from the One who is your Lord, the One who knows what you need, what suits you, and what can develop you, says:
Call me! I will answer (Quran 40:60)
Note that the verse mentions, “call me!” not necessarily “ask me!” We usually think that supplication means asking, but it does not necessarily involve requesting. It is a broader concept that includes all kinds of calling.
For us as the servants of God, the most important thing is to be able to communicate and be connected to our Lord. Not only can we not survive without God, but we cannot survive without being connected to Him.
Suppose God is there, but He says, “I don’t want to talk or listen to you or have anything to do with you.” As God’s servants, we cannot survive without His mercy and grace. Think about a little child, for whom it would be a great punishment, if his father or mother said, “I won’t speak to you anymore.” In their early years, children have no sense of independence. This is why it is mentioned in hadiths that whenever you promise your children, keep your promise, because they look at you as their lords who give them their sustenance.1 You are their only hope, so never disappoint your children.