During trials and periods of distress, most people turn towards their faith and reconnect with the higher power to find comfort and a sense of direction. A practice that one should keep alive is making dua for one in distress to find the strength to persist through the more challenging times.
Making dua or supplication is synonymous with talking to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). Dua is like having an intimate connection where you share your troubles and tribulations with the Almighty. Although Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is aware of the deepest secrets in our hearts, for us to voice what causes us to worry opens a path to turn toward our Creator.
Supplication can take several forms, including dhikr or reciting specific supplications from the Quran to find relief. The teachings of the Quran and the life of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) are an ever-green source for our guidance. Both teach believers to raise their hands in dua when in distress and ask Allah’s favor and mercy. It is narrated in Al-Bukhari 8/154 and Muslim 4/2092 by Ibn Abbas that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) used to recite the duas listed below when he was distressed.
The correct etiquette for reciting dua for one in distress is to not be hasty in the prayer. When you make dua, do so by taking your time rather than rushing your prayer. Start your supplication by Glorifying Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and invoke Him through His names with obedience and humility. He is our Creator, and we have to ask Him only rather than demand. Pray with the faith that He is listening, and believe with all your heart and mind that He is the sole disposer of our good and bad.
Joy & Distress Duas
Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahul-'Adheemul-Haleem, laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu Rabbul-'Arshil-'Adheem, laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu Rabbus-samaawaati wa Rabbul-'ardhi wa Rabbul-'Arshil-Kareem.
There is none worthy of worship but Allah the Mighty, the Forbearing. There is none worthy of worship but Allah, Lord of the Magnificent Throne. There is none worthy of worship but Allah, Lord of the heavens and Lord of the earth, and Lord of the Noble Throne.
Allaahumma rahmataka 'arjoo falaa takilnee 'ilaa nafsee tarfata 'aynin, wa 'aslih lee sha'nee kullahu, laa'ilaaha 'illaa 'Anta.
O Allah, I hope for Your mercy. Do not leave me to myself even for the blinking of an eye. Correct all of my affairs for me. There is none worthy of worship but You.
Laa 'ilaaha 'illaa 'Anta subhaanaka 'innee kuntu minadh-dhaalimeen.
There is none worthy of worship but You, glory is to You. Surely, I was among the wrong doers.
The supplication for one in distress can help one find a sense of calm and peace. Once you have trusted Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) with the matters of your heart and life, there will be a sense of security that can help you focus on your other tasks. We all benefit in different ways when we pray or make dua, but seeking strength in difficult times from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) can strengthen your connection with Him, give you a sense of relief, and allows you be aware that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is ever-present. Making supplication also fosters a resilient attitude that it is Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) who has control of every good and bad and He will only provide for you what is best for you.