Seeking Stories of DUA

I am collecting true stories of DUA (supplication), especially duas that were directly and noticeably answered…duas you thought were “far-fetched” or could not be fulfilled. Allah willing, I will use the stories to supplement a larger work on Islamic supplication, so, if you share your story, please be willing to have it published along with your name, age, profession, and location (first names or pen names are okay).

Guidelines for Sharing your Story

1. All stories must be true and firsthand accounts of dua that YOU made. In other words, do not tell me about a dua your sister, friend, cousin, etc. made, unless you are able to put me into contact with that person so I can hear his/her version of the story.

2. Explain what happened in as much detail as possible, using all the five senses. It is not enough (for example) to say: “I prayed that I would graduate, and it ended up happening one year later.” I am looking for essays that describe as much as possible about the dua you made. I want to know the circumstances leading to your supplication, why you made that specific supplication, how you felt when you made it, and what you thought the results would be. For example, were you confident your dua would be answered, or were you hopeless/skeptical? Were there any obstacles (real or perceived) in your way? Did you make this dua seriously/intensely, or was it more casual?

3. What was the specific dua that you made? Did you make one of the sunnah duas or come up with your own wording? What language did you use? Where did you sit/stand/etc.? Tell me as much about the physical process of making dua as possible.

4. How many times did you make this dua? How often? What time of the day or night did you make it?

5. Finally, share the outcome. How was your dua answered – and how long did it take? How did you feel? Provide as many details as possible. Explain your emotions and reactions. The point is to inspire people with your story, so be as detailed as possible.

The following information must be provided in a Word document (along with your essay) for a submission to be considered:

1. Your real name (first and last) along with the name you prefer using for publication.

2. Your current age, profession (if any), and location. How old were you when you made the dua? What is your gender?

3. Your e-mail address. This is required so that we can work on any edits that may be needed for the story. No edits will be made without your knowledge and approval.

4. Do you grant permission for this story to be published in a book or article dedicated to the subject of Islamic supplication? (answer yes or no)

There are no restrictions on the themes of the stories, and the duas you mention can be big, small, or somewhere in-between.

You may also submit more than one story for consideration.

Send all stories of DUA in a Word document to amel.abdullah{at}yahoo.com.

Feel free to send this notice to others who may be interested.