THE MONTH OF SUPPLICATION

While giving commands regarding fasting, the Quran makes special mention of supplication or dua. “And when My servants ask you about Me, say that I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every supplicant when he calls on Me: let them also, with a will, listen to My call, and believe in Me, so that they may be rightly guided.” (Al-Baqarah, 2:186)

Fasting by its nature, is an act of patience. Patience and forbearance are what lead man to the state of the heart which enables him to experience the feeling of nearness to God. It is only then that words worthy of divine acceptance come to one’s lips. Patience is the ground where the blessed tree of dua is grown.

Dua is not just a verbal act. In essence, it is an act of the heart. This shows the relation between fasting and dua. Fasting increases the spiritual capability of man’s heart and when this capability increases, the dua which ensues is more precious than that of a non-fasting situation. Real fasting is that which induces real dua.