Moments of surprise are a natural part of human life. These moments of surprise can leave us startled and sometimes, when sudden scares, they can alter one’s experience of certain things altogether. In such moments when one needs strength, making dua when startled can help one stand firm on a spiritual ground and be assured that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is looking out for them.
Making dua is an act that is greatly encouraged not just by Islam and is a practice of the Prophets as they abundantly supplicated to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) for everything. At times of ease or unease, one should make dua in abundance and rely on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) for His help. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is All and Most powerful and there is nothing He can’t do. Allah(سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is our sole protector and He is the One we must turn to for help as it is He who knows the good and bad in everything.
Making dua when startled should be done with sincerity and humility. There is no particular time or number that the supplication should be made. However, one must do it with the conviction that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is listening to them and they are to seek refuge in Him in their times of adversity. Dua should be made with full faith that Allah’s help will be near.
When making dua, speak as your heart desires, but do not make your duas conditional. Instead, ask Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) for what is best for you and do it with the faith that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) will never return your empty-handed.
Dua changes people and the benefits of making dua are not just to sustain one in this world but also the world hereafter. Reciting dua will protect you from the world's hardness and give you the resilience to weather through the world's challenges. It builds in one the sense that there is a Divine power, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), who is looking after us and the security in a crisis.
Reciting Surah Duha, the 93rd chapter of the Quran, can help one calm down and find strength in times of distress.
When you feel scared, you can recite Ayat ul Kursi and the last 3 Surahs of the Quran for protection.