Book: Du’a: The Weapon of the Believer
Author: Sheikh Abu Ammaar Yasir Qadhi
Review by: Miss Faatimah Dulull
Du’a: The Weapon of the Believer by Sheikh Abu Ammaar Yasir Qadhi is a treatise on the concept and manners of du’a (invocation). The aim of the author is to arouse the heart and soul of readers. The book has a special importance to the author as it was written in a period when the author was experiencing inner turmoil.
In the introduction of the book, the author states:
“It was at a time when I myself was turning to Allah, making du’a constantly and earnestly for a miracle to occur to save me from the situation that I was in. And it was while I was writing the final pages of this book, sitting in front of computer, that a phone call from an absolutely unexpected source came, informing me that, indeed a miracle had occurred; and for Allah all matters are easy, for He only has to say, ‘Kun’ and it is!”
The solidity of a book is known through the credibility of its author. Sheikh Abu Ammaar Yasir Qadhi is a prolific Muslim scholar in the English-speaking world. He is well-known proponent of Qur’an and Sunnah as understood by the pious predecessors. The reliability of this book is unquestionable as the author has confined himself to quoting verses of the Qur’an and hadith related to du’a, and the statements of scholars with brief explanations. Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah is the scholar who is mostly quoted in this book. To preserve the authenticity of Islam, the author warns readers against some fabricated hadith.
In addition its authenticity, Du’a: The Weapon of the Believer is a comprehensivebook on the topic of invocation. Previously there have been some works on the subject of du’a in English language but they were not that intensive. In this book, Sheikh Abu Ammaar Yasir Qadhi has given a thorough explanation on the basics related to du’a, its types, its excellence and benefits, pre-conditions, etiquettes, recommended times, factors that aid a person’s du’a being answered, the wisdom behind a delayed response, permissible acts of du’a, tawassul, du’a and its relationship with destiny, innovations in du’a, some weak hadith regarding du’a and some other various topics. Moreover, both in terms of form and content, the author has excelled. The author uses a simple and concise language to explain his points. Readers are not expected to have a previous background on the topic.
Personally, I find Du’a: The Weapon of the Believer relevant to all Productive Muslims regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, or background. Since du’a is closely related to a Muslim’s creed and monotheism and it is the essence of the noblest form ofworship, it is crucial for Muslims to know its status and basics. Moreover, in an era where some people are in utter confusion by invoking the dead at their graves, it is imperative to know the rulings governing du’a. This book helps us, His creation, to connect to Him, our Creator as “the worshipper turns to his Lord at his time of need, after all types of aid has been cut off, and all other sources have been despaired of. He turns to his Lord to obtain from Him contentment, peace and serenity, and he finds Beneficence which will never be found from other sources.” Furthermore, with the hustle and bustle that Muslims face in their daily life, this book is a powerful tool that can guide to enhance one’s productivity through spiritual means.
I would recommend all Muslims to read Abu Ammaar Yasir Qadhi’s Du’a: The Weaponof the Believer. It is a book that is worth having on the bookshelves of all households. A true Productive Muslim knows that everything, including productivity, can only happen by the Will of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) and that we should ask Him for what we want and need.
About the Author:
Faatimah Dulull