Quran Verse:
In it every single affair is made clear Surah Dukhan 44:4
Learning Objective:
- Gain an introduction into Dua Kumayl recommended to be recited on 15th Sha'ban
Kumayl Ibn Ziyad was a companion of Imam Ali (as). Kumayl reports that he was sitting with Imam Ali (a) in Masjid Kufa with a group of companions on the night of 15th Sha'ban and one of them asked Imam if he could explain to them the Quran verse from Surah Dukhan, 44:4 "In it every single affair is made clear."
Imam Ali (a) said that this was the 15th of Sha'ban and explained that on this night every good and bad that will reach him in the year will be divided and handed. 15th Sha'ban is when preparation begins for Laylatul Qadr in the month of Ramadhan. Imam Ali (a) continued that the one who stays up at night and recites Dua of Khizr on 15th Sha'ban will have all his duas answered.
Kumayl asked Imam Ali (a) what is the dua of Khizr? Imam Ali (a) told him that he would teach it to him and entrust him with it. The dua became known as Dua Kumayl.
Dua Kumayl is also one of the duas recommended to be recited every Thurday. When recited with understanding and application, Dua Kumayl has the power to transform you!
Activity: the Isms of the Dua
Read the first paragraph of Dua Kumayl. Notice how we start the dua by asking Allah through His beautiful names. How does the first Ism, "I ask You by Your Mercy", compare to the next few qualities that are used? Strength, Invincibility, Might, Tremendousness, Force - Which umbrella quality do they all fall under? Reflect on what this means to you. Can you find the corresponding Isms in Arabic?
All of creation is in need of asking Allah. Look at the Mercy of Allah all around us and our own helplessness. Our wealth or status may give us the illusion of being powerful but human power provides no protection from harm if Allah wills it - just look at Covid 19! It shows us how powerless we are and how true Power belongs only to Allah.
Activity: Asking for Forgiveness
To highlight five phrases in the first section which identify different sins in Dua Kumayl. Ponder on these lines and the consequences of the stated actions as you ask for forgiveness.
O Allah, forgive me for those of my sins which tear apart the
parts of me that want to do good!
Gossip, Engaging in idle, vain/useless talk
O Allah,
forgive me for those sins which bring down calamities!
Not helping the oppressed
O Allah,
forgive me for those sins which alter blessings!
Being ungrateful
O Allah
forgive me for those sins which stop my duas being answered!
Delaying Salaa, Violating duty to parents, Doing things without faith.
O Allah, forgive me for every sin I have committed and for every mistake I have made!
Listen: Dua Kumayl recited in English
Delaying Salaa, Violating duty to parents, Doing things without faith.
O Allah, forgive me for every sin I have committed and for every mistake I have made!
Listen: Dua Kumayl recited in English