Holy Qur’an (40:60)

Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.)

Holy Qur’an (2:152)

Holy Qur’an (40:60)

Prayer and supplication (du’a) are essential part of all religions. Islam commanded to pray five times a day, in a prescribed order, seems austere to many that have not come to know this blessing. Besides these prescribed obligatory prayers, there are many additional du’as for every occasion that are recommended for Muslims to observe. Imam Zain al- Abidin (a.s.), the surviving son of Imam Hussein (a.s.) spent the entire time of his Imamate recording supplications which have been compiled in a book called, “As- Sahifat Us- Sajjadiyya”, and the du’a of Imam Hussein (a.s.) for the Day of Arafah is very famous for its sublime words and the inspiration they motivate.

Du’a “Kumail”, which we present in this book, is from Imam Ali bin Abi Talib (a.s.) and which is recited on every Thursday evening in many of the Islamic countries. The importance of the content of this du’a is such that when Imam Ali (a.s.) presented to one of his followers who was called Kumail bin Ziyad, he told him to recite it at least once in his lifetime if he was unable to recite it more than that.

The message of Du’a Kumail is so deep and intense that one can hardly recite it remaining dry-eyed. It speaks of the glory and majesty of Allah, the Most High, of His mercy and kindness, of His retribution and punishment, and of man’s need for Him and thankfulness for His Being.

We have long realized a need to re-edit this wonderful prayer. We have attempted to present Du’a Kumail in a way that can be easily recited in English and its meaning can become clear. A transliteration is also included so that one may be able to recite this du’a in Arabic. It is a universal prayer. We are pleased to present it and hope that all, Muslims and non-Muslims, will partake of its heartfelt message.

With Allah comes success.

INTRODUCTION

Kumail bin Ziyad Nakha’i was a faith full companion of Imam Ali, the Commander of the believers (a.s.) Kumail was well-known for his devotion and uncompromising allegiance to his Imam. His transmitted many of the important sayings and teachings of Imam Ali (a.s.). This famous du’a known as Du’a Kumail is one of the most important of those transmittals. Du’a Kumail was in response to Kumail’s request of Imam Ali (a.s.) for a prayer that would be the most useful for seeking assurance of Allah’s mercy.

The instructions delivered with this du’a emphasize that it should be recited as frequently as possible, but at least once in a lifetime. Faithful Muslims enjoy a weekly recitation of this du’a, usually on the evening of al-Khamis (Thursday) after Isha’ prayer.

Almighty Allah, the Gracious never treats a du’a indifferently which comes from one’s heart. Thus when you offer your du’a, do it with undivided attention to Allah, and have an implicit faith that your wishes will be granted by Him.

One of the blessings of Du’a Kumail is that by offering it, one’s personal needs are satisfied, prospects of livelihood are brightened, protection from one’s enemy’s evil intention is ensured and sins are pardoned. Thus, Muslims should offer this supplication regularly.

Imam Ali (a.s.) Foundation has taken upon itself to republish this du’a hoping that it will act as guidance and comfort to all who contemplate its deep and beautiful concepts.

بِسمِ اللهِ الرّحمنِ الرَّحيمِ

(Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim)

اللّهُمّّ إنِّي أسألك بِرَحمَتِكَ الّتي وَسِعَتْ كُلَّ شَيءٍ

(Allahomma inni as’aloka birahmatikal-lati wasi’at kolla shay’,)

O Allah! I beseech you; by Mercy, which embraces all things;

وَبِقُوَّتِكَ الَّتي قَهَرتَ بِها كُلَّ شيءٍ وخَضَعَ لَها كُلُّ شيءٍ وَذّلَّ لَها كُلُّ شيءٍ

وَبِجَبَروتِكَ الَّتي غَلَبتَ بِها كُلَّ شيءٍ

وَبِعزَّتِكَ الَّتي لا يَقُومُ لَها شيءٍ

وَبِعَظَمَتِكَ الّتي مَلأتْ كُلَّ شيءٍ

وَبِسُلطانِكَ الّذي عَلا كُلَّ شيءٍ

وَبِوَجهِكَ الباقي بَعدَ فَناءِ كُلِّ شيءٍ

وَبِأسمائِكَ الَّتي مَلأَتْ أركانَ كُلِّ شيءٍ

وَبِعِلمِكَ الَّذي أحاطَ بِكُلِّ شيءٍ

وَبِنُورِ وَجهِكَ الَّذي أضاءَ لَهُ كُلُّ شَيءٍ