Peace, connection, and love – a few key things we long for deep down. No matter how much we try to avoid the tests that come our way, they’ll still manage to come to humble, strengthen, and purify us which can make us cling harder to our hopes for peace.

In the middle of these tests, Allah (swa) gives us a source of respite, a cool drink in a scorching desert through every act of ‘ibadah, particularly sincere du’a.

My own process of du’a has helped me reach for this respite through the natural frustrations that come and go in life.

Give yourself 5 minutes of du’a time at the end of each day.

1. Begin with glorifying Allah (swa) through His names and attributes, and select ones that are most meaningful to you at the time. Say each one with full conviction in it’s reality.

2. Send salawaat upon the Prophet (saw) with an awareness of his sacrifice, struggles, and grow the love in your heart for his Sunnah.

3. The good: Express gratitude for all the good you’ve experienced in the day, with the humility of being undeserving, yet receiving countless blessings from our most generous Rabb.

4. The hard stuff: Make mention of the challenges in your path. Express your neediness to Allah (swa) without hesitation. He sees you and wants to hear from you by way of du’a.

5. The inner work: Notice which diseases of the heart have been creeping up for you and yearn for Allah’s help to address the one you are struggling with most. This is where real change begins. These can include any of the following or others you’re aware of:

   • Envy

   • Rancor

   • Anger

   • Lust

   • Excessive love of dunya

   • Impatience

   • Displeasure with qadr and things outside your control

   • Suspicion

   • Stinginess

6. Make du’a for anyone who comes to mind: After focusing on your own heart, notice which names, people, or interactions are popping into your mind and express a du’a for them.

7. Place your trust in Allah (swa) after making your du’a, knowing He sees, listens, and responds. Ask Him to help you experience the peace, connection, love, and success you deeply desire.

When you can bring this kind of energy and flow into your du’a, the peace, connection, and love we all seek starts to attach with Allah (swa) instead of relying on 1. Ourselves or 2. The creation around us, when both are just as helpless. We can learn to let go, be more aware of what’s happening inside of us through each day, and reduce the impact of any negative waves that jeopardize our peace.

May Allah (swa) accept your du’as in the best way at the best time. Ameen.

Till next time,

Asma