Dua

1. Dua Why do we need it?

2. When we pray we ask God to help us and protect us by keeping us on the right path (the path of the straight and narrow). But why do we ask for his help? What dangers are out there? What is it that we fear?

3. The Devil The Devil has said that there are certain things he will do to stray us in our lives and off of the path. What are they? • Look for our weaknesses (things we want to do but are warned against) • i.e. I want to smoke pot but its bad and illegal • Make those things that we desire okay and that wanting them is not a bad thing (he makes us think little of those things) • i.e. just once is not a big deal, hey we are supposed to experiment and experience life right?

4. Devilish ways • Makes our weaknesses un-embarrassing or even good. • i.e. so I did it once, I was with friends and they were all doing it! • Turning our weaknesses into habits. • i.e. So what if we get together once a week to get high? who are we hurting? I need the release! • Makes our weaknesses a preference. • i.e. Man... smoking is so fun, we should make it legal so everyone can do it!

5. Why is this bad? Going down this path and listening to Sheytan leads to a person’s thinking that not only is what they are doing not bad, but it is the right thing to do and those who do the same as them are “enlightened”. These people are surrounded by others who think that what they are doing is right (so much so that they are convinced themselves) and they are liked for it. • Robin Hood • Theft for “good” reasons =/= bad • Hitler • Was liked, followed and imitated for his actions by many People who do this are now followers of Sheytan and are on his “leash”.

6. What can I do? How do we fight him and his influences? • Saying Zekr • Constantly remembering God, and thus guarding ourselves against the influences of Sheytan • Doing Namaz • By doing namaz and concentrating on its meanings you are reminding and preventing yourself to steer away from evil and sin • Reading Dua • Asking God to save and help you in life and away from the influences of Sheytan

7. Dua Reading dua and paying attention to the meanings of the text helps us understand what is wrong so that we can stay away and thus practice control in our lives (stay the course)

8. Dua Komayl • One of the many duas that Muslims read is Dua Komayl • One of the reasons that it is read so much is because it is a dua that covers so many different aspects of what we strive for and want to steer clear of • It is a universal dua.

9. Origins of Dua Komayl • Kumayl Ibn Ziyad Nakha'i was a confidant amongst the companions of Amir al Muminin, Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib (A.S.) • This sublime Dua was first heard from the beautiful, though anguished, voice of Imam Ali. • Kumayl had attended an assembly in the Mosque at Basra which was addressed by Imam Ali in the course of which the night of the 15th of Shaban was mentioned. • Imam Ali said-"Whosoever keeps awake in devoutness on this night and recites the Dua of Prophet Khizr, undoubtedly that person's supplication will be responded to and granted. • When the assembly at the Mosque had dispersed, Kumayl called at the house where Imam Ali was staying, and requested him to acquaint him with Prophet Khizr's "Dua". Imam Ali asked Kumayl to sit down, record and memorize the "Dua" which Imam Ali dictated to Kumayl.

10. Origins of Dua Komayl (cont.) • Imam Ali then advised Kumayl to recite this "Dua" every Thursday night, every Friday, once a month or at least once every year • So that, added Imam Ali, "Allah may protect you from the evils of the enemies and the plots contrived by impostors. O' Kumayl! in consideration of your companionship and understanding, I grant you the honor of entrusting this "Dua" to you."