Answer
Short Answer: If the question that is bothering your peace of mind is, can i make Dua for myself? Then the answer is, yes, yes, and yes! Please do not let anything turn you away from making Dua for yourself. At times Shaytan will come and whisper to you that you are sinful and are not capable to make Dua, instead ask someone who is better than you to make Dua on your account.
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Walaikumassalam wrwb and thank you for approaching us with your concern.
Prophet Muhammad has said that Dua is ibadah (Supplication is a form of worship). Would you ask anyone else to worship on your behalf? One of the utmost important aspects of our religion is Dua. When we make Dua to Allah we are fulfilling the role of Tawheed Ar-Ruboobeyah. We are calling upon Him for His help. Dua is also a factor that makes us different as Muslims.
Can I make Dua for Myself?
If the question that is bothering your peace of mind is, can i make Dua for myself? Then the answer is, yes, yes, and yes! Please do not let anything turn you away from making Dua for yourself. At times Shaytan will come and whisper to you that you are sinful and are not capable to make Dua, instead ask someone who is better than you to make Dua on your account.
This exact action, is also part of the factor, which diverted the Christian’s from pure monotheism. The Christian’s visit their Saints and make confession and they share their sins with their priests and ask them to supplicate to God on their behalf because they are compelled into thinking that they are not worthy enough to ask God directly. Imagine having to share your sins with someone else! Allah says,
“Say: O My slaves who have transgressed against themselves (because of sins), do not despair from the mercy of Allah. Verily, Allah forgives all sins. Verily, He is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Al-Qur’an 39:53)
Allah has told you and I that we can ask Him anything without any intermediary. Allah knows that we all come from different walks of life and everyone is dealing with a different situation. For it is Allah that has made the earth for us to make use of it, and Allah who has given us families to take care of, and also He has given us responsibilities that we must fulfill.
Allah does not expect us to leave everything and sit in seclusion for worshipping Him. The responsibilities that He has assigned to us are also the means through which we worship Him. As believers we should seek for good in this life and in the hereafter. Allah says in the Quran,
“And of them there are some who say: “Our Lord! Give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the torment of the Fire!” (2:201)
I am sinful how can I supplicate?
Hold tight to the concept and have faith that Allah is there for you. Allah has said in the Quran that wherever you will turn to whether it be the east or the west you will find Allah with you. He is the provider, the sustainer. How can anyone ask from other than Him?
Allah has created humans and said that all sons of Adam will commit sin. He knows that we have the capability to sin, but the believers are the ones who own the power to turn back in repentance towards him. Even the Prophets of Allah, the best of human beings on the face of the earth erred, however they turned back in repentance to the Lord Most High. The only creation of Allah that are free from committing sin are the angels.
Allah has made you a human being for a purpose if He willed He would have made you an angel. Angels are by their nature obedient to Allah. In the Quran Allah says,
“[they, i.e., angels] disobey not, (from executing) the commands they receive from Allah, but do that which they are commanded.” (66:6)
Acts That Help In Your Dua Being Accepted
The fact remains that Dua is an essential part of the deen (religion). Having made the point that anyone and everyone can make Dua, there are certain etiquettes we should understand about Dua.
One point to keep in mind is that, any Muslim who supplicates to Allah with a supplication that does not contain any sin, or cutting off of family relations, Allah will give him one of three things. The first is that He will speedily answer his dua, or He will save it for him until the Hereafter, or He will avert something bad from him equal to the value of his dua.
Due to the importance of Dua there are certain rituals one performs hoping that his/her Dua be answered swiftly. Let’s take a glimpse at a few of the proper methods to use while supplicating.
It’s better to have wudu and face the Qibla and raise your hands with your palms facing the heavens, when you begin the Dua start it off by sending salawat upon Prophet Muhammad and do the same when you end it. Then praise Allah in the best possible manner, make sure that your heart is present with what you are reciting, then ask Allah using His different names and attributes, and last but not least have firm belief that your Dua will be answered. Dua is your connection with Allah never let go of it or let a third party in between. Strengthen your ties with Allah by applying the formula of Dua.
And Allah knows best.
I hope this helps.
Salam and please keep in touch.
(From Ask About Islam archives)
Please continue feeding your curiosity, and find more info in the following links:
http://aboutislam.net/counseling/ask-about-islam/what-are-the-etiquettes-of-supplication-dua/
http://aboutislam.net/counseling/ask-about-islam/dua-may-delayed-not-answered-immediately/