Human body is actually a combination of systems which work in a coordinated manner to keep you in a healthy and active state. There are natural defense mechanisms included in human body by Allah Almighty which work by killing the harmful and unwanted pathogens. But humans are prone to get ill and suffer from many different diseases throughout their lives.

We all get sick and then recover and this happens very often. Sometimes illnesses are short lived and sometime they are of more serious nature, but there are many medical aids which have been devised to take care of people who are ill. When a person gets sick our first preference is always to go to a good doctor, but have you ever thought that what is concept of illness and its cure in Islam?

In Islam a disease is not normally associated with the outcomes of sin or a punishment in fact it is considered as a testing period for the diseased person and also your sins are washed away during the period in which you suffer from the consequences of an illness. Allah almighty wants to test that how you will react when subjected to physical stress and pain. Will you stay obedient and thankful or you will start being unthankful to him. It is dependent upon you that what kind of behavior you will adopt if you want you can fall into the darkness of despair or take this as an opportunity of seeking mercy from Allah Almighty.

There are prayers some of which have been described in Holy Quran while others mentioned by our beloved Prophet Muhammad PBUH which should be narrated by the diseased person during his illness. Let us have a look at some of the Du`a which have been dictated by Allah almighty and Prophet Muhammad PBUH and can be used for getting rid of illness.

It has been mentioned in Quran that:

“Truly distress has captured me, but You are Most kind of those that are merciful”

This is the prayer which was said by Prophet Ayub.

At the time of our beloved Prophet PBUH when Muslims used to get sick they ask for advice from the messenger of Allah Almighty. It has been stated that he used to recite the below mentioned prayer for the sick persons

Allahuma rabbi-nas adhhabal ba’sa, ashfi wa entashafi, la shifa’ illa shifa’uka shifa’ la yughadiru saqama.

It is recommended that while reciting this Du`a you should touch the region which is in pain with right hand. In this prayer a person begs to Allah almighty who is the sustainer to remove the disease and cure it. Also it is stated that no other person has the power of curing the illness other than Allah Almighty.

Another Du`a is being mentioned below

As’alu Allah al ‘azim rabbil ‘arshil azim an yashifika

In this prayer a person begs to Allah Almighty for the cure of his illness. It is recommended to do the repetition of this prayer 7 times.

Finally a person should never lose hope and never wish for death during his illness because this is not liked by Allah Almighty.

Dua is way through which a person asks for help or thanks Allah. Man is a slave and he is dependent on Allah, he is helpless without Allah.

And Dua is how a person shows his dependence and helplessness to Allah.The purpose of every act of worship is that a person recognizes his God. He recognizes Allah, his creator. And one should always act according to the will of his creator, and he should not do whatever he pleases. He is a servant of Allah and he should accept his weakness and ask for help from Allah. This can be done through making dua.

The Acceptance Of Dua

Today most people don’t make dua and even when they do they do it half-heartedly. They are not convinced that their dua will be answered. This is entirely wrong, we should always remember that Allah always answers the prayers of His people. But it is important to note that the demands are not always directly fulfilled, the effects of duas can be varied. The first effect is that the demand is fulfilled directly, and if the demands are not directly met then two things can happen. A problem that was coming your way may have been avoided, or the reward of the dua will be given to you in the hereafter.

Making Dua Is A Necessity

Most of us make dua only while we face any difficulty or we need something, but this is wrong. We should remember Allah in times of need as well as in times of happiness, and we ought to never stop making dua. Making dua to Allah gets us His attention and it is also a form of worship like Prayers and we cannot ignore it. And Allah gets displeased when his believers don’t make dua to Him. In the Quran in Surah al-Furqaan (interpretation) Allah asks Muhammad (SAW) to say to the believers that My Allah only pays attention to those who pray to Him but not on careless people.

And if you have denied Him you will get the inseparable punishment for the rest of the life and also after death. The Prophet (PBUH) once said that Dua is also a worship of Allah. On another occasion the Prophet (PBUH) said that a person if not ask or pray to Allah, He becomes angry with that person. Allah listens to the prayers made to him by his believers and in Surah Baqarah it is stated that (interpretation) when people who are my servant ask about the concern I am so close to them, I hear the prayers of every caller when he calls me and with my own will I make them believe upon me so they can walk through the right path.

So we should develop a relationship with Allah through making dua, we should ask for forgiveness and we should thank Him for the blessings He has bestowed upon us. The Prophet (PBUH) on one occasion informed the Muslims about the power of dua.

Observing someone praying to Allah Almighty, saying the heart out, which you cannot say or share with others is very unique and interesting. You can say anything or everything because you don’t have any secrets from Allah Almighty. You can do this in your heart so that nobody else should involved, or keep faith in your heart that none but Allah Almighty can understand what exactly you have in your heart. All you wish to do is to pass all your tensions, anxieties, worries, problems, doubts, fears and everything to none other than but your Lord, Allah Almighty. Allah Almighty is the Lord of all worlds and all that exists in between them. To whom you can submit all what you have in your heart and mind with a firm belief that He listens and grants wishes for or whatever is good for you. This can be done only with firm belief in Allah Almighty and through dua or supplication.

“Dua” a connection, a link, a bonding or in other words dua or supplication is the essence of Ibadah(worship). Dua is a gift blessed to the believers by Allah Almighty. If you call dua as the strongest weapon of believers, you will not be considered wrong at all.

Dua is so powerful and effective that it can change fate when nothing else could do. With dua you can never fail. It is actually the matter of your strong belief upon Allah Almighty. How you see Him? How strong your Imaan is? Submitting everything to Allah Almighty is so fulfilling that the person who does so feels so much satisfied and peaceful that nothing can harm him or her. Allah Almighty shall do what’s the best for them. All they need to do is to pray to Allah Almighty and have a strong faith that he shall do the best for them.

Dua itself is such an empowering and liberating act with an exceptional significance. Islam has emphasized so much on dua. Number of times Allah Almighty has mentioned in Holy Quran about supplication, prayer and dua. It affirms our faith and offers tranquility to our hearts. Our Holy Prophet S.A.W has also guided Muslims to turn to Allah Almighty in the times of troubles or happiness, indeed. We can see number of hadiths and Quranic verses stating with the importance of Dua. Islam has guided Muslims about each and every matter of life and has also guided different duas for the solution of problems and sufferings. Starting from getting up in the morning till going to bed, we have been guided for each and every matter of our lives. If you are starting anything you should start by reciting BISMILLAH, that is: Starting with the name of Allah Almighty, it incorporates Barakaat in everything you do and keeps devil away. Similarly, we are guided for each and every matter of our lives by Allah Almighty. Specific duas or supplications are being guided to us and reciting them adds barakaat and Allah Almighty’s will with everything we do. According to a Hadith:

“Whosoever desires that Allah answers his duas in unfavorable and difficult conditions, he should make plentiful dua in days of ease and comfort.”

So adding these Islamic duas in our daily matters can bring us peace and tranquility.

The future is not always predictable and clear. Humans, as subjective beings, can only make assumptions about the future. So many scientists draw theories and the so-called social sciences of humanities and arts but there is no law determining the unknown outcomes with 100% authenticity. But this does not go the same for Islam. Islam, the religion of peace and love will remain for a long time till there comes a time when the believers of this religion stop believing in God.

Islam will rule in near future as per according to the predictions by the holy prophet Muhammad sallalaho alayhi wasalam and Quran. Things are fast moving towards that direction and it is nearing the time when Muslims will rule the world as professed by the last messenger. And for all those predictions and prophecies to come true there is strong need for the Muslim world to come united as one.

There are certain trends these days that demand our attention though. Islam is presently the fastest growing religion throughout the world particularly when compared with Europe and America. According to a recent survey of the USA’s population, more than 50% of its infants are of a minority and within this minority the number of Muslims stands out. A wave of Islam has swept across the continent of Europe. A massive number of people have converted to the religion and the trend goes on with accelerated speed. This trend is a cause of some concern for the governments and traditionalists of both America and Europe.

The reason for mentioning this trend lies in the overwhelmingly obvious strategic and economic importance of these nations and areas. Both Britain and France are veto powers in the UNSC and both have the status of being first world countries (a status that is conferred upon many), unlike so-many countries from where Islam originated.

It is important to point out here another reason that may prove to be the determining factor in the victory of a nation which is also present in the nation (Muslim Ummah) – a common belief system or a common cause. It might sound very emotional and non practical but history says otherwise. Throughout the history of nations, only those who had a cause and a belief to live and fight for had survived and ruled.

A cause which has sound social, political and legal basis, be it the allies in the Second World War or Alexander the great, the reason behind it all is what matters the most. Muslims of today have both belief and a belief in the cause. Only the right kind of opportunity and the perfect amount of intensity is missing. But it is only a matter of time before this is achieved. Keeping in view the Arab Spring, the possibility of a trigger doesn’t seem remote.

La ilaha il Allaho wahdahu la shareeka lahu lahul mulko wa lahul hamdo yohi wa yumeeto wa yohi wa huwa hayyun la yamooto be yadahil khaire wa huwa ala kulle shaiyin qadeer

Every year for the past 3 years I’ve made a Dua list. At the start of Ramadan I write down a list of 7 to 8 things that I want the most and I memorize them. I make dua for each item on the list every day of Ramadan at the times that dua are more likely to be accepted. I can personally tell you all that it does wonders. Honestly, things I’ve asked for persistently and I did not think would, have come true.

It’s incredible. I look back and can’t believe I’ve gotten so many of things I asked so desperately for, Allah truly does not leave the hands of a believer empty when raised to Him. I get excited every year around this time because I get to make that wish list again.

I would highly recommend making a personal dua list of your own! As an incentive, our Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Allah is angry with those who do not ask Him for anything” (Tirmidhi). Why incur His wrath?

Some things to consider when writing your dua list:

1. Write it all down

Put down what you want to ask for on paper or on your phone so for the first few weeks you don’t miss a single item. It can be as long as you want! It can be private and you don’t need to share it with others so feel free to only make a list of keywords to remind you of each item.

2. Ask anything & everything that is good

When choosing your items, imagine that Allah is asking you to ask Him for anything and everything you’ve ever wanted! Imagine the possibilities. Write down everything you want to ask Allah with no limitations (but keep it halal!). Remember folks, you’re asking Al Mujeeb – the One Who Responds and is the Supreme Answerer.

3. Organize

Try separating your duas into categories so you know that you’ve properly hit each one. I would recommend: dunya, akhirah, ibadah, the ummah, and
relationships. For each category, think about what you would like the most and start listing them.

4. Make the dua when duas are most likely answered

These times include right before breaking the fast, during your salah in sujood and after the obligatory prayers, Qiyam ul layl, the last 10 nights etc. I personally make mine right before breaking my fast during iftaar.

5. Remember the etiquettes of dua

There is a right and proper way to make dua. Remember that we must praise Allah first, ask for peace and blessings upon our Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and then make our dua.

I pray you all have a meaningful and successful Ramadan full of barakah. May Allah preserve you all to reap the benefits of such a Holy month and bring you closer to Him. May He give you all strength, knowledge, patience and humility. Ameen!

Source: http://www.productiveramadan.com/5-short-sweet-ways-to-make-dua/

1. Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the life to come and keep us safe from the torment of the Fire (2:201)

2. Our Lord! Bestow on us endurance and make our foothold sure and give us help against those who reject faith. (2:250)

3. Our Lord! Take us not to task if we forget or fall into error. (2:286)

4. Our Lord! Lay not upon us such a burden as You did lay upon those before us.(2:286)

5. Our Lord! Impose not on us that which we have not the strength to bear, grant us forgiveness and have mercy on us. You are our Protector. Help us against those who deny the truth. (2:286)

6. Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate from the truth after You have guided us, and bestow upon us mercy from Your grace. Verily You are the Giver of bounties without measure. (3:8)

7. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and the lack of moderation in our doings, and make firm our steps and succour us against those who deny the truth.(3:147)

8. Our Lord! Whomsoever You shall commit to the Fire, truly You have brought [him] to disgrace, and never will wrongdoers find any helpers (3:192)

9. Our Lord! Behold we have heard a voice calling us unto faith:”Believe in your Lord” and we have believed. (3:193)

10. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and efface our bad deeds and take our souls in the company of the righteous. (3:193)

11. Our Lord! And grant us that which you have promised to us by Your messengersand save us from shame on the Day of Judgement. Verily You never fail to fulfill Your promise. (3:194)

12. Our Lord! We have sinned against ourselves, and unless You grant us forgiveness and bestow Your mercy upon us, we shall most certainly be lost! (7:23)

13. Our Lord! Place us not among the people who have been guiltyof evildoing. (7:47)

14. Our Lord! Lay open the truth between us and our people, for You are the best of all to lay open the truth. (7:89)

15. Our Lord! Pour out on us patience and constancy, and make us die as those who have surrendered themselves unto You. (7:126)

16. Our Lord! Make us not a trial for the evildoing folk, and save as byYour mercy from people who deny the truth (10:85-86)

17. Our Lord! You truly know all that we may hide [in our hearts] as well as all that we bring into the open, for nothing whatever, be it on earth or in heaven, remains hidden from Allah (14:38)

18. Our Lord! Bestow on us mercy from Your presence and dispose of our affairs for us in the right way. (18:10)

19. Our Lord! Grant that our spouses and our offspring be a comfort to our eyes,and give us the grace to lead those who are conscious of You. (25:74)

20. Our Lord! You embrace all things within Your Grace and Knowledge, forgive those who repent and follow Your path, and ward off from them the punishment of Hell. (40:7)

21. Our Lord! Make them enter the Garden of Eden which You have promised to them, and to the righteous from among their fathers, their wives and their offspring, for verily You are alone the Almighty and the truly Wise. (40:8)

22. Our Lord! Relieve us of the torment, for we do really believe. (44:12)

23. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins as well as those of our brethren who proceeded us in faith and let not our hearts entertain any unworthy thoughts or feelings against [any of] those who have believed. Our Lord! You are indeed full of kindness and Most Merciful (59:10)

24. Our Lord! In You we have placed our trust, and to You do we turn in repentance, for unto You is the end of all journeys. (60:4)

25. Our Lord! Perfect our light for us and forgive us our sins, for verily You have power over all things. (66:8)

When your eyes fall on the new moon, turn yourself towards the Qibla, raise both your hands towards the sky, and address the moon with the following words:

“O Allah, let this moon (month) pass over us with blessings, Iman, safety, and in the belief of Islam. Grant us the ability to act on the actions that You love and Pleases You. (O moon) My Lord and Your Lord is Allah”.

And spend in the way of Allah and cast not yourselves to perdition with your own hands, and do good (to others); surely Allah loves the doers of good.

[Sahih Muslim : Book 26, Number 5378]

Abu Huraira (Radi Allah Anhu) reported Allah’s Messenger (sal-allahu-alleihi-wasallam) as saying: Five are the rights of a Muslim over his brother:
1. Responding to salutation,
2. Saying Yarhamuk Allah when anybody sneezes and says AlHamdulillah,
3. Accept offer greetings from him,
4. Visiting the sick,
5. Following the bier.”

[Sahih Muslim : Book 26, Number 5379]

Abu Huraira (Radi Allah Anhu) reported Allah’s Messenger (sal-allahu-alleihi-wasallam) as saying: Six are the rights of a Muslim over another Muslim. It was said to him: Allah’s Messenger, what are these? Thereupon he said:
1. When you meet him, offer him greetings;
2. When he invites you to a feast accept it.
3. When he seeks your council give him,
4. And when he sneezes and says: AlHamdulillah “All praise is due to Allah,” you say Yarhamuk Allah (may Allah show mercy to you);
5. And when he fails ill visit him;
6. And when he dies follow his bier.”