I’ve always been one of those shy types, who actually think a thousand times before asking somebody for a favour. Even from my parents! I hate it, when I have to put a book back on the shelf in a shop, but I prefer to do that, rather than ask my mom for some extra money. I don’t fear the asking itself; as a matter of fact, what I fear is refusal. Rejection hurts my ego badly, and it’s hard to recover. Sometimes people don’t want to help; sometimes they can’t help, even if they want to. Whatever may be the case, my greatest fear can turn into reality - REJECTION!

I often wonder, why is it that when it comes to asking from Allah (swt), I have no hesitations at all. My self-esteem never pinches me, nor do I ever fear rejection; and this feeling is something that comes from within. May be the idea of Allah (swt) being the ever Giving and the ever Merciful is intrinsic, rooted deep down in our hearts? The study of the Quran and the Sunnah has given me a better grasp of this integral and beautiful Islamic concept of ‘asking from the Creator,’ and I’ve concluded that we have been tasked to ask!

Capabilities and abilities of people are confined, but the attributes, dexterity, potential and power of Allah (swt) go beyond the limit a human being can conceive. Now, it is for us to unequivocally believe that with Allah’s (swt) consent, sooner or later we will acquire what we truly require, as Allah (swt) does whatever He wishes, whenever He wishes.

Allah (swt) tells us in the Quran:

"Verily, His command, when He intends a thing, is only that He says to it, ‘Be!’ and it is!" (Ya-Sin, 36:82).

 “And there is not a thing, but with Us are the stores thereof. And We send it not down except in a known measure.” (Al-Hijr, 15:21)

In a Hadeeth narrated by Ibn-Abbas (rtam), Prophet Muhammad (saw) said to him, while Ibn-Abbas (rtam) was riding behind him on the same mount: “Young man, I shall teach you some words [of advice]: ‘Be mindful of Allah, and you will find Him in front of you. If you ask, ask only Allah, and if you seek help, seek help only from Allah. And know that if all the nations were to gather together to benefit you, they would benefit you only with something that Allah had already prescribed for you, and if they gather together to harm you, they would harm you only with something that Allah had already prescribed for you. The pens have been lifted and the pages are dry.’” (Tirmithi)

Make extreme requests, humble invocations and direct them solely to Allah (swt) is what we are to do and should do. Allah (swt) reminds us of this many times in the Holy Quran.

 “And your Lord said: "Invoke Me, [i.e. believe in My Oneness (Islamic Monotheism)] (and ask Me for anything) I will respond to your (invocation).” (Ghafir, 40:60)

“Invoke your Lord with humility and in secret.” (Al-A’raf, 7:55)

“So, call you (O Muhammad (saw) and the believers) upon (or invoke) Allah making (your) worship pure for Him (Alone) (by worshipping none but Him and by doing religious deeds sincerely for Allah's sake only and not to show-off and not to set up rivals with Him in worship).” (Ghafir, 40:14)

Another example is paraphrased from Abu-Hurairah's (rtam) narration, according to which the Prophet (saw) said that anyone, who does not invoke Allah (swt), will cause Allah (swt) to be angry with him. (Ahmed, Tirmithi)

Invoking Allah (swt), or making Dua, essentially means communicating with Him. Communication serves its purpose only when it is effective. What are the factors that lead to an effective communication process?

Many people think communication is just speaking your mind out. But along with speaker, a complete and effective communication process involves also a good listener. One of the attributes of Allah (swt) is As-Sami (the All-Hearing), and since Allah (swt) has the most impeccable of the qualities, so without doubt He is a perfect listener. He perceives our Duas and interprets them in their exact meanings. When we send our sincere invocations, Allah (swt) not only listens but also answers and responds to our truthful calls, as He is also Al-Mujeeb (the Most Responsive). He testifies this in the following verses:

"And when my servants ask you concerning me, [tell them] I am indeed near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls" (Quran 2:168). 

Communication begins with the sending of a message. It is the sender, who gives meaning to a message. This meaning is not conveyed just by words and the content - it involves also such non-verbal factors as voice tone, facial expressions, body language and the context.

The sender is to choose the right words for verbal communication with corresponding voice tone, facial expressions and body language for the non-verbal communication, in order to get his message across to the receiver effectively. An intense and well-directed message is the key for commencing an effective communication.

Allah (swt) has tasked us to ask Him, and the Prophet (saw) has been kind enough to enumerate some guidelines for a successful and an effective communication. Following are some rules to abide by while communicating with Allah (swt).

Keep it certain:

Effective communication with Allah (swt) is possible only if you irrefutably believe that you’re being heard and your honest invocation and sincere request never go unattended.

Abu-Hurairah (rtam) has narrated that Allah's Messenger (saw) said: “Invoke Allah, while you are certain to be answered, and know that Allah does not answer a Dua from a heart, which is inattentive and unmindful.” (Tirmithi)

Keep it best and beautiful

Islamic faith encourages beauty. Just as good communication contains carefully chosen words, supplications to Allah (swt) should include the most beautiful words of praise for Him. The content of our Duas may vary, but only the finest words should be used to produce this content.

 “And (all) the Most Beautiful Names belong to Allah , so call on Him by them.” (Al-A’raf, 7:180)

“Say (O Muhammad (saw)): "Invoke Allah or invoke the Most Beneficent (Allah), by whatever name you invoke Him (it is the same), for to Him belong the Best Names.” (Al-Isra, 17:110)

As for the context, several statements in the Holy Quran and Ahadeeth explicitly explain the etiquettes for our non-verbal communication.

Keep it humble:

Humility and submissiveness in terms of utterance and bodily expressions are admirable and hold the potential of acceptance. Invoke Allah (swt), as it is mentioned in the following evidences:

Allah said: "Invoke your lord with humility and in secret. He does not like the aggressors" (Qur`an 7:55).

"And remember your lord by your tongue and within yourself, humbly and with fear without loudness in words, in the morning and in the afternoon and be not of those who are neglectful" (Qur`an 7:205).

Abu-Moosa Al-Ashari has narrated: “We were with the Prophet (saw) in a journey, so the people started raising their voice, while making Takbeer. The Prophet (saw) said: ‘O people, calm down, you are calling One, Who is All-Hearing, Near and He is with you.’” (Bukhari, Muslim)

Keep it tender:

With tenderness in our hearts, we should keep in mind Allah (swt) is Al-Wudud (the Most Compassionate) and listens to our Duas in the most loving manner. If we sincerely ponder over this, it will be reflected, as we make our warmest communication with the Creator.

Keep it exact:

The Prophet (saw) did the most effective communication with Allah (swt). His etiquettes are to be followed exactly. It is a recommended practice to raise one's hands while making Dua.

In another Hadeeth, Salman has narrated that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: “Your Lord (swt) is Living and Generous. He is ashamed of His servant, if he raises his hands to Him, to return them unanswered.” (Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi)

Performing Wudhu (ablution), crying with love and fear of Allah (swt) and turning face towards Qiblah are actions that make our invocations much stronger and worthy. The Prophet (saw) endorsed these acts himself.

Keep it persistent and be patient:

Commitment to your supplication and staunch belief on Allah (swt), while dispatching your message, is crucial and testing. Enduringly persist on your invocation continuing the highest level of communication with the Creator on a ‘hotline.’ Pledge to be patient, as hastiness is certainly disapproved.

Aisha (rtaf) has narrated that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: “Allah Loves those, who are earnest and persistent in their supplications.” (Uqailee)

Abu Hurairah (rtam) has narrated that the Prophet (saw) said: “The invocation of any one of you is granted [by Allah], as long as he does not show impatience by saying: ‘I have invoked Allah, but my request has not been answered.’” (Bukhari, Muslim)

In another narration by Abu-Hurairah (rtam), the Prophet (saw) said: “A servant is granted his request, as long as he does not haste.” It was asked: “O messenger of Allah, how does one haste?” He replied: “He says: ‘I have invoked, but my invocation has not been answered,’ so he gives up and abandons Dua.” (Muslim)

Hence, one must not haste, since the reply might be delayed due to not fulfilling the conditions of Dua, or the delay might actually be in one’s favor. Whenever you make Dua, you are either given the good of what you asked for, or an equivalent evil is turned away from you.

Although effective communication with our Creator might seem hard, Allah (swt) Himself and His Prophet (saw) have guided us for making it easier. Without these guidelines, our communication with Allah (swt) would not have been as effective. Practicing and refining our communication skills with Allah (swt) will definitely help us in this world and in the hereafter.