In a Hadith of the Prophet (pbuh), it is stated that "The Duaa (supplication) is the brain of the worship.” Reflecting on this Hadith, and specifically on the word brain, we discover a very profound meaning ... Duaa is not only imploring for help, or for wants to be provided. Duaa is, as the Prophet said, the brain of the worship, it is like the nervous system of it. The Duaa is the energy provider for the way of the worship, which influences behavior, morals, and the level of righteousness. The better the quality of the Duaa, the closer someone will be to Allah and the higher he/she should be in the rank of piety! Like the brain keeping healthy and active the movement of the body, the Duaa keeps the whole system of worship focused and dynamic.
And thus we understand some of the wisdom of having the Duaa be an obligation. "And your Lord says: ‘Call on Me, I will answer your (prayer). But, those who are too arrogant to serve Me will surely find themselves in Hell - in humiliation!’" (40:60).
Moreover, the secret of the Duaa is not just in it being answered. But it is in the overwhelming feeling of joy, delight, and happiness when someone realizes that he/she, the "insignificant, poor” servant, was heard and answered by Allah (swt), The King of kings – it is the beautiful feeling of witnessing the care of the Most Merciful and the closeness of the One who is Near and Responsive. It is then, the feeling of the warmth in the heart, a sign of the increase of Eman (faith) that gives the enchantment to the system of being. Hence, trusting and confidence in Allah finds new savor and splendor!
In the midst of these feelings, the believer finds out that the sweetness related to the closeness to Allah is far greater than the thing asked for and provided. Gradually, the concern of the believer becomes to just make Duaa and not really caring about the answer. Indeed, the answer is guaranteed, as Allah (swt) said. That is why Omar, may Allah be pleased with Him, used to say, "My concern is not the answer of the Duaa, but in fact, to make Duaa."
In order to live the true concept of Duaa, the target should be the quality of the Duaa, before the subject of the Duaa. It should be launched with sincerity and the belief that Allah will certainly answer, but in the time He chooses and the way He wills. Engaging in the Duaa in such way will have the peace and contentment clothing one's heart.
Comprehending this vast realm of Duaa, one should go back and reflect on Allah's answering the Duaa of His noble prophets (pbut).
To Nuh (pbuh): "And Noah, when he cried of old. We heard his prayer and saved him and his household from the great affliction” (21:76).
To Ayyub (pbuh): "And Job, when he cried unto his Lord, (saying): ‘Lo! Adversity has afflicted me, and You are Most Merciful of all who show mercy. Then, We heard his prayer and removed that adversity from which he suffered …” (21:83).
And, to Yunus (pbuh): “... But he cried through the depths of darkness, ‘There is no god but You. Glory to you. I was indeed wrong!’ So, We listened to him and delivered him from distress. And thus do We deliver those who have faith” (21:87-88).
And for all the sincere believers, a great blessing is awaiting them, the coming of the month of Ramadan, the month of refreshing and strengthening the system of worship. Along with fasting and the reading and pondering upon the Quran, the Duaa must be one of the great priorities of this month. It must be the project of every believer aiming to strengthen his/her system of worship.
Allah (swt) when talking about Ramadan in Surah Al Baqara, said "When My servants ask you concerning Me, 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, that they may walk in the right way” (2:186).
Make Allah (swt) help us make our Duaa a true brain of our worship! Flee to Allah, rush to do good, intensify the remembrance.