Ibn Kathir mentioned in Al-Bidayah wa’l-Nihayah that on the night of the Battle of Badr, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) spent the night praying beside the trunk of a tree, frequently prostrating and repeating: “O Ever-Living, O Self-Sustaining (Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum).” He persistently supplicated with these words.
When he saw the army of the disbelievers, he said: “O Allah, these are the Quraysh who have come with their arrogance and pride, opposing You and denying Your Messenger. O Allah, grant me the victory You have promised me. O Allah, destroy them tomorrow!”
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) fervently prayed, humbled himself, and repeatedly supplicated, saying: “O Allah! If you destroy this band of adherents to Islam, you will not be worshiped upon the earth.”
He kept beseeching his Lord, saying: “O Allah! Fulfill what You promised for me. O Allah grant us victory!” with his hands stretched to the sky, until his Rida fell from his shoulders. Abu Bakr came to him, took his Rida and placed it back upon his shoulders, then embraced him from behind and said: 'O Prophet of Allah! You have sufficiently beseeched your Lord, indeed He shall fulfill what He promised you.' So Allah, Blessed and Most High, revealed: When you sought help of your Lord and He answered you (saying): 'I will help you with a thousand of the angels in succession (8:9).'
Du'aa defeats enemies. | Dr.Mohamad Rateb Al-Nabulsi
The Importance of Supplication for the Mujahideen
1. Belief that Victory Comes Only from Allah
Victory comes solely from Allah the Almighty, as He says: “And victory is not except from Allah, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.” (Aal Imran: 126) Allah has promised His believers victory: “And incumbent upon Us was support of the believers.” (Ar-Rum: 47) Supplication is a means of seeking help from the Owner of all things, the One capable of granting victory to His servants who strive in His cause. Through supplication, one places complete trust in Allah, acknowledging that He alone is the Helper, the Undefeatable: “If Allah should aid you, no one can overcome you; but if He should forsake you, who is there that can aid you after Him? And upon Allah let the believers rely.” (Aal Imran: 160)
2. Responding to Allah’s Command to Supplicate in Times of Hardship
Allah has condemned those who, when afflicted with calamity, turn away from Him instead of humbling themselves and seeking His relief: “And We have already sent [messengers] to nations before you, [O Muhammad]; then We seized them with poverty and hardship that perhaps they might humble themselves [to Us]. Then why, when Our punishment came to them, did they not humble themselves? But their hearts became hardened, and Satan made attractive to them that which they were doing.” (Al-An’am :42-43) And He says: “And We had gripped them with suffering [as a warning], but they did not yield to their Lord, nor did they humbly supplicate, [and will continue thus].” (Al-Mu’minun :76)
Thus, we must turn to Allah in supplication during hardships—especially when Muslims face their enemies on the battlefield.
3. Supplication is a Means of Victory
A person who supplicates for the Mujahideen is in a state of humility and submission to Allah. This humility stems from two reasons:
- First, their inability to physically join the Mujahideen and sacrifice themselves.
- Second, their heartfelt weakness before their Lord, pleading in humbleness.
This state of humility is among the greatest causes of victory, as it demonstrates the servant’s utter dependence on Allah. Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas narrated the Prophet of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Rather, Allah support this Ummah because of their supplication, their Salah, and their sincerity.” (Sunan al-Nasa’i) Abu Ad-Darda' said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: “You only receive provision and Divine support by virtue of your weak ones.” (Musnad Ahmad)
4. Supplication During Jihad is Unrejected
Sahl b. Sa'd reported God’s Messenger as saying, “Two things are not rejected: a supplication when the call to prayer is made, and in stress when people are locked in battle.” (Sunan Abi Dawud, authenticated by Al-Albani)
5. Solidarity with the Mujahideen and Strengthening Muslim Unity
When a Muslim supplicates for their brothers in battle—asking for steadfastness, aid, and victory—they share in their struggle and almost join them on the battlefield in spirit. The fighter and the supplicant unite in turning their hearts to Allah, seeking the same goal: victory and the empowerment of Allah’s religion.
Supplication also fosters solidarity and unity among Muslims, reinforcing mutual support and shared purpose. Nu'man bin Bashir (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion and sympathy are just like one body. When one of the limbs suffers, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever.” (Sahih Muslim)
6. Boosting the Morale of the Mujahideen
When a Mujahid knows that an entire Ummah is praying for their steadfastness and victory, it strengthens their resolve and courage. Supplication is a powerful weapon for relief, repelling harm, and securing triumph. Jabir ibn Abdullah narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Shall I tell you what will save you from your enemies and increase your sustenance? Supplicate to Allah day and night, for supplication is the weapon of the believer.” (Musnad Abi Ya’la with a weak chain of narration)
7. Sharing in the Reward
Supplicating for the Mujahideen allows those unable to physically participate in Jihad to still participate spiritually. This moral support is a form of preparation for the Mujahideen, making the supplicant a partner in their reward. Zaid bin Khalid al Juhani reported that Apostle of Allah(ﷺ) as saying “He who equips a fighter in Allah’s path has taken part in the fighting. And he looks after a fighter’s family when he is away has taken part in the fighting.” (Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Moreover, supplication itself is a great act of worship. An-Nu’man bin al-Bashir (RAA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Verily supplication is worship.” (Musnad Ahmad) The virtue of this worship increases with the greatness of its purpose and nothing is greater than striving in the path of Allah.
The Power of Dhikr Amidst Hardships
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