When a believer faces a trial, the first instinct is often to search for a specific solution, such as a short durood sharif in english, to find immediate relief. However, the effectiveness of any dhikr or supplication is rooted in the spiritual foundation of the person reciting it. Understanding the importance of niyyah in dhikr, the necessity of how to stay patient (sabr) during trials, and the specific etiquette of making dua are the three pillars that determine the weight of your words in the court of Allah (SWT). Without these, a prayer is like a bird without wings—unable to reach its heavenly destination.
Table of Contents
1. The Importance of Niyyah (Intention) in Dhikr
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) famously stated that “Actions are but by intentions.” This is the core of every act of worship.
Why Niyyah is the Soul of Dhikr
In the realm of spiritual growth, your niyyah (intention) is what transforms a repetitive phrase into a life-changing experience. If you recite a short durood sharif in english solely to get a worldly promotion, your reward may be limited to that. However, if your intention is to fulfill the command of Allah and show love for the Prophet (ﷺ), you gain both the worldly ease and the eternal reward.
Purifying the Heart Before Speech
Consistency: A pure intention helps you maintain dhikr even when you don’t see immediate results, preventing “spiritual burnout.”
Self-Correction: Before beginning any wazifa, ask yourself: “Am I doing this for Allah or for my ego?“
Presence of Heart: Niyyah is not just a sentence you say; it is a state of consciousness where you recognize Allah’s presence.
2. How to Stay Patient (Sabr) During Trials
Hardship is an inevitable part of the human experience. Learning how to stay patient (sabr) during trials is what separates the successful believer from the one who despairs.
The True Meaning of Sabr
Sabr is often misunderstood as passive waiting. In reality, it is a proactive state of “steadfastness.” It means keeping your heart connected to Allah even when the situation seems impossible.
Practical Steps for Maintaining Sabr
Viewing the Bigger Picture: Remember that every trial is an opportunity for sins to be erased and ranks to be raised.
Avoiding Complaint: While it is halal to express pain, Sabr involves avoiding “Jaza” (complaining about Allah’s decree to people).
Utilizing Salawat: Reciting short durood sharif in english serves as a rhythmic anchor, providing psychological and spiritual calm during high-stress periods.
3. The Etiquette of Making Dua (Adab)
There is a specific “protocol” taught by the Sunnah that increases the likelihood of a prayer being answered. Mastering the etiquette of making dua ensures you are approaching the Creator with the respect He deserves.
The Prophetic Sequence
- Glorification (Hamd): Always begin by praising Allah (e.g., Alhamdulillah).
- The Salawat Bridge: A dua is “suspended” between the heavens and the earth until Salawat is sent upon the Prophet (ﷺ). This is where incorporating a short durood sharif in english becomes technically essential for the prayer’s “upload.”
- Asking for Forgiveness: Acknowledge your shortcomings to soften the heart.
- The Request: Ask for your needs with full certainty (Yaqeen) that Allah will respond.
Common Mistakes in Dua
- Being Hasty: Saying “I prayed and it wasn’t answered” is a barrier to acceptance.
- Lack of Concentration: Making dua while looking at your phone or being distracted.
- Being Stingy: Failing to send blessings on the Prophet (ﷺ) when his name is mentioned.
Halal Method: Combining the Pillars
To see real change in your life, follow this procedure daily:
- Step 1: Perform Wudu and face the Qibla.
- Step 2: Formulate a clear, sincere niyyah in your heart.
- Step 3: Begin with the praise of Allah and then recite a short durood sharif in english at least 11 times to open the gates of mercy.
- Step 4: State your problem clearly, then ask for the strength of sabr to handle it regardless of the outcome.
- Step 5: Close the dua with another round of Salawat.
When to Let Go and Trust Allah
Sometimes, despite following every etiquette of making dua, the outcome remains different from what we asked. This is where Tawakkul (Trust) begins. Allah (SWT) knows the future, while we only know the present. Trust that if a door remains closed, it is because Allah is protecting you from what is behind it or saving a better gift for you in Jannah.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I maintain the importance of niyyah in dhikr when I am busy?
Intention does not require a long ritual. It is a silent “pivot” of the heart. Before you start a short durood sharif in englishwhile driving or working, simply take one second to tell your heart, “I am doing this for the love of Allah and His Messenger.” That moment of mindfulness validates the entire session.
I feel like my Sabr is breaking. What should I do?
When your sabr feels weak, do not stop your dhikr. This is the most critical time to recite Salawat. The Prophet (ﷺ) said that reciting Durood takes care of worries. It acts as a spiritual medicine that reinforces your heart when your own strength fails.
Is it mandatory to use Arabic for the etiquette of making dua?
While the Quranic and Masnoon duas are in Arabic, Allah hears the cry of every heart in every language. You can follow the etiquette of making dua by using a short durood sharif in english for the Salawat portion and then speaking to Allah in your mother tongue for the request.
Why is my dua “suspended” without Salawat?
The Hadith explains that Salawat is so beloved to Allah that He will not reject a prayer that contains it. By starting and ending with the Prophet’s (ﷺ) name, you are wrapping your own humble request in something that is guaranteed to be accepted by the Almighty.
Is it wrong to make dua only for myself?
While you should ask for yourself, it is considered “close-minded” to only think of your own problems. A key etiquette is to include the Ummah, your loved ones, and the Prophet (ﷺ) in your prayers.