Can Dua Change Qadar?

What is the relationship between Dua (Supplication) and Qadar (Divine
Predestination)? Can Dua change Qadar?
Here's an answer from the scholars at IslamOnline.net:
Question:
Dear scholars, As-Salamu`alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. I know
that belief in the Qadar (Divine predestination) is a prerequisite for
sound faith. However, I'dlike to know if there is any conflict between
theQadar and Du`a'? How can the Du`a' influence one's Qadar, which is
already predetermined by Allah, Most High. Jazakum Allah Khairan.
Answer:
Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be
upon His Messenger.
Dear brother in Islam, we really thank you for showing keenness on
learning the teachings of Islam, and we appreciate the great
confidence you have in us. We hope our efforts meet your expectations.
In Islam Du`a' is the essence of worship as stated in an authentic
Hadith. Qadar (Divine predestination) is a pillar of faith in Allah,
as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, mentioned when asked
byAngel Jibril (Gabriel), peacebe upon him, about Iman (faith),
saying: "It is to believe in Allah, His angels,His Books, His
Messengers, and the Last Day, and to believe in Divine predestination,
both the good and the evil thereof."(Reported by Muslim)
The eminent Muslim scholar, Dr. `Atiyyah `A. Lashin, Professor of
Jurisprudence at Al-Azhar University, states:
"Qadar, or Divine predestination is of two kinds:
1. Unconditional predestination
2. Conditional predestination.
Du`a' has nothing to do with the first kind, while itmay change the
second one. This ruling is based on the Hadith that reads:"Nothing
could change theQadar except Du`a'."
(Musnad Ahmad, Vol. 5, Hadith no. 277; Sunan At-Tirmidhi, Vol. 3,
Hadith no. 139; and classified as Hasan (good) Hadith by Al-Abaani in
Sahih Al-Jami`, Hadith no. 7687)"
Shedding more light on this issue, Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi , former
president of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) and member of
the Fiqh Council of North America, answers:
"Du`a' has great power; it can change many things. We should always
pray to Almighty Allah and should never give up hope in the acceptance
of Du`a'. Du`a' is the most important act of worship. It does not mean
that we or any other human or jinn have power, but it means that
Allah, the Almighty, has power and He can do whatever He wills. Du`a'
is the recognition and acknowledgement of our dependence upon Allah,
Most High, and our deep faith that He can change anything. There are
many verses in the Qur'an and many Hadiths that emphasize the
importanceand necessity of Du`a'. TheProphet, peace and blessings be
upon him, said, "Du`a' benefits in the things that have happened as
well as the things that have not happened yet. The calamity comes
down, but the Du`a' confronts itand they may continuously wrestle
until the Day of Resurrection." (Reported by Al-Hakim.)
In another Hadith, it is reported that the Prophet,peace and blessings
be upon him, said, "Nothing can change the Qadar except the Du`a'…"
This Hadith is reported by several authorities on Hadith, such as Imam
Ahmad, Ibn Hibban, Al-Hakim, and Ibn Majah… etc. Most of the scholars
ofHadith consider it an acceptable Hadith.
There is no contradiction between our faith in the power of Du`a' to
Allah and in our belief in the Qada' and Qadar of Allah. Scholars have
explained that there are two types of Qada' (Allah's Decrees):
a. those that are known asQada' Mubram (absolute decrees);
b. and those that are known as Qada' Mu`allaq (conditional decrees).
The absolute decrees do not change, but the conditional one may change
if and when the conditions are fulfilled. Such decrees are based on
the fulfillment of causes, as well as Du`a'. However, it is important
to keep in mind that every thing is inthe pre-existent knowledge of
Almighty Allah. The knowledge of Allah, Most High, does not change,
but the conditional decrees may change. Allah Almighty says in the
Qur'an: "Allah effaceth what He will, and establisheth (what He will),
and with Him is the source of ordinance." (Ar-Ra`d: 39)
Some people raise this question: if Allah Almightyknows the future and
His knowledge is always true, then things must happen according to His
knowledge. Then how can there be change and how can we say that we
have freedom? Actually, Muslim scholars have pointed out that
knowledge (`Ilm) is an illuminative, but not necessarily always an
effective, attribute. Allah the Almighty does know everything, but in
whatever areas He has given us freedom to act, we do act freely.

Best Times for Dua’

There are certain times dua (supplication) is more likely to be
accepted by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) as mentioned by Prophet
(salAllahu alayhi wasalam). These times areas follows:
1. The Last Third Of The Night
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that Allah'sMessenger
(salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: 'In the last third of every night our
Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) (Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala)) descends
to the lowermost heaven and says; "Who is calling Me, so that I may
answer him?Who is asking Me so that may I grant him? Who is seeking
forgiveness from Me so that I may forgive him?."' [Sahih al-Bukhari,
Hadith Qudsi]
Amr ibn Absah narrated that the Prophet said: 'Theclosest any
worshipper can be to His Lord is during the last part of the night, so
if you can be amongst those who remember Allah at that time, then do
so.' [at-Tirmidhi, an-Nasa'i, al-Hakim - Sahih]
2. Late at night
When people are sleeping and busy with worldly pleasures Allah
(Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) gives the believers an opportunity, or an answer
hour if they can fight sleepand invoke Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) for
whatever they need.
The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: 'There is at night an
hour, no Muslim happens to be asking Allah any matter of this world or
the Hereafter, except that he will be given it, and this (occurs)
every night.' [Muslim #757]
3. Between Adhan and Iqamah
Anas (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that Allah's Messenger (salAllahu
alayhi wasalam) said: 'A supplication made between the Adhan and Iqama
is not rejected.' [Ahmad, abu Dawud #521,at-Tirmidhi #212, Sahih
al-Jami #3408, an-Nasai and Ibn Hibban graded it sahih (sound)]
4. An Hour o­n Friday
Narrated Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu): Allah's Messenger (salAllahu
alayhi wasalam) talked about Friday and said: 'There is an hour o­n
Friday and if a Muslim getsit while offering Salat (prayer) and asks
something from Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala), then Allah (Subhanahu wa
Ta'ala) will definitely meethis demand.' And he (the Prophet
(salAllahu alayhi wasalam) pointed out the shortness of that
particular time with his hands. [Sahih al-Bukhari]
Some have said that this hour is from the time the Imam (prayer's
leader) enters the mosque o­n Friday's prayer until the prayer is over
(ie between the two khutbahs), whereas others have said that it is the
last hour of the day (ie after the Asr prayer until the Maghrib
prayer).
(Note: when we say an hour here we do not meanthe hour everyone knows
(60 minutes) but an unspecified period of time because the time
counters which we use today came after the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi
wasalam)had died.
5. While Drinking Zamzam Water
Jaber (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that Allah's Messenger (salAllahu
alayhi wasalam) said: 'Zamzam water is for whatit is drunk for.'
[Ahmad 3: 357 and Ibn Majah #3062]
This means that when youdrink Zamzam water you may ask Allah
(Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) for anything you like to gain or benefit from
this water such as healing from illness…. etc.
6. While Prostrating
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that Allah'sMessenger
(salAllahu alayhi wasalam), said: 'Thenearest a slave can be to his
Lord is when he is prostrating, so invoke (supplicate) Allah
(Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) much in it. [Muslim, abu Dawud, an-Nasa'i and
others, Sahih al-Jami#1175]
When a Muslim is in his Salat (prayer) he is facing Allah (Subhanahu
wa Ta'ala) and when he prostrates he is the nearest he can be to Allah
(Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) so it is best to invoke Allah (Subhanahu wa
Ta'ala) at this time. It is said that while in prostration, o­ne
should not ask for worldy needs (ie a nice car, a new job, etc), but
for the Hereafter.
7. When Waking Up at Night
Narrated Ubada Bin As-Samit that Allah's Messenger (salAllahu alayhi
wasalam) said: 'Whomever wakes up at night and says La ilaha illallahu
wahdahu la shrikalahu lahulmulku, wa lahul hamdu, wa huwa ala kulli
shai'in qadir. Alhamdu lillahi, wa subhanallahi wala ilaha illallahu,
wallah akbir, wa la hawla wala quwata illa billah (none has the right
to be worshipped but Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) He is the o­nly o­ne
who has no partners. His is the kingdom and all the praises are for
Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) All the glories are for Allah (Subhanahu
wa Ta'ala) And none has the right to be worshipped but Allah
(Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) and Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) is the most
Great and there is neither might nor power except with Allah
(Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) and then says, Allahumma ighfir li (O Allah!
Forgive me) or invokes Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala), he will be
responded to and if he makes ablution and performs Salat (prayer),
hisSalat (prayer) will be accepted (Buhari)/

Amazing Power of Dua ~ The dua can change our life, our outlook, and our fate. It is themost potent weaponof a believer.

Once Prophet Muhammad (sal-Allahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) passed by a people
who were suffering from some affliction. "Why don't theymake dua
(prayer) to Allah for protection?" he said. With all the suffering and
disasters Muslims are facing in various parts of the world, the
question can be directed to all of us today.
It is not that we have forgotten dua completely; we refer to it
regularly. But our ideas and practice regarding dua have become
distorted. Often it is reduced to the level of aritual. Generally it
is considered when all our efforts have failed --- an act of last
resort. It is belittled through actions and sometimes even with words.
Is it any wonder that today mostly a mention of dua is meant to
indicate the hopelessness of a situation?
What a tragedy, for dua is the most potent weapon of a believer. It
can changefate, while no action of ours ever can. It is the essence of
ibadah or worship. With it we can never fail; without it we can never
succeed. In the proper scheme of things, dua should be the first
andthe last resort of the believer, with all his plans and actions
coming in between.
The most empowering conversation
Dua is conversation with Allah, out Creator, our Lordand Master, the
All Knowing, the All Powerful.This act in itself is of extraordinary
significance. It is the most uplifting, liberating, empowering, and
transforming conversation a person can ever have. We turn to Him
because we know that He alone can lift our sufferings and solve our
problems. We feel relievedafter describing our difficulties to our
Creator. We feel empowered after having communicated with the All
Mighty. We sense His mercy all aroundus after talking to the Most
Merciful. We get a new commitment to follow His path for that is the
only path for success. We feel blessed with each such commitment.
Our first and last action
In every difficulty our first action is dua, as is our last.We ask
Allah to show us the way to handle that difficulty; we seek His helpin
following the path He shows to us; we seek His aid in making our
efforts successful. When we fall sick, we know that we cannot find the
right doctor without His Will; that the best doctor may not be able to
diagnose our condition without His Command; that the best treatment
plan will not succeed without His Permission. We make dua for all of
these. We make dua before we seek medical help, while we arereceiving
it and after it hasbeen delivered.
The essence of worship
Dua is the essence of ibadah. A person engaged in dua affirms his
belief in Tawheed (monotheism) and shuns belief in all falsegods. With
each dua his belief in Allah grows. He beseeches Him, affirming his
own powerlessness. A person seriously and sincerely engaged in dua
understands exactly the relationship between himself and the Creator
and affirms it through his actions. That is the essenceof worship!
Additionally, such a person can never become arrogant or proud, a
logical result of true worship.
Our most potent weapon
Dua is our most potent weapon in all struggles of life as well as in
jihad in the battlefield. During the battle of Badr, the
ProphetMuhammad stood up all night in prayer seeking Allah's help in
the battle between unequal armies that would follow the next day. In
the decisive battles against the crusaders, Sultan Salatuddin Ayyubi
was busy day and night. His days were devoted to Jihad. His nights
were spent making dua, crying, seeking Allah's help. This has been the
practice of alltrue mujahideen.
Big and small
We should make it a pointto make dua for all things big and small. It
is the beginning of wisdom to realize that big and small are arbitrary
labels that are totally irrelevant in this context. Nothing is too big
for Whom we are asking from; nothing is too small for the one who is
asking. That is why we have been taught to ask Allah when we need
something as small as shoelaces. We should ask as a beggar, as a
destitute person, for that is what we in reality are in relationship
to Allah. At the same time we should ask with great hope and
conviction that we shall begranted our prayers. We should remember the
Hadith: "There is nothing more dear to Allah than a servant making dua
to Him." On the other hand, aprayer lacking concentration and
conviction is no prayer at all.
All times and all needs
We should make dua at alltimes, not only during times of distress. The
Prophet Muhammad said: "Whosoever desires that Allah answers his duas
in unfavorable and difficult conditions, he should make plentiful dua
in days of ease and comfort."

25 Duas from the Holy Quran

"And when My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed
close: I respond to the dua (prayer) of every suppliant
when they call on Me" - Quran 2:186
1. Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the life to come and
keep us safe from the torment of the Fire (2:201)
2. Our Lord! Bestow on us endurance and make our foothold sure and give us
help against those who reject faith. (2:250)
3. Our Lord! Take us not to task if we forget or fall into error. (2:286)
4. Our Lord! Lay not upon us such a burden as You did lay upon those before us.
(2:286)
5. Our Lord! Impose not onus that which we have notthe strength to bear,
grant us forgiveness and have mercy on us. You are our Protector.
Help us against those whodeny the truth. (2:286)
6. Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate from the truth after
You have guided us, and bestow upon us mercy from Your grace.
Verily You are the Giver of bounties without measure. (3:8)
7. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and the lack of moderation in our doings,
and make firm our steps and succour us against those who deny the truth.
(3:147)
8. Our Lord! Whomsoever You shall commit to the Fire, truly You have brought
[him] to disgrace, and never will wrongdoers find any helpers (3:192)
9. Our Lord! Behold we have heard a voice calling us unto faith:
"Believe in your Lord" and we have believed. (3:193)
10. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and efface our bad deeds
and take our souls in the company of the righteous. (3:193)
11. Our Lord! And grant us that which you have promised to us by Your messengers
and save us from shame on the Day of Judgement. Verily You never fail
to fulfill Your promise. (3:194)
12. Our Lord! We have sinned against ourselves, and unless You grant
us forgiveness
and bestow Your mercy upon us, we shall most certainly be lost! (7:23)
13. Our Lord! Place us not among the people who have been guilty
of evildoing. (7:47)
14. Our Lord! Lay open the truth between us and our people,
for You are the best of all to lay open the truth. (7:89)
15. Our Lord! Pour out on us patience and constancy,
and make us die as those who have
surrendered themselves unto You. (7:126)
16. Our Lord! Make us not a trial for the evildoing folk, and save as by
Your mercy from people who deny the truth (10:85-86)
17. Our Lord! You truly know all that we may hide[in our hearts]
as well as all that we bringinto the open, for nothing whatever,
be it on earth or in heaven, remains hidden from Allah (14:38)
18. Our Lord! Bestow on usmercy from Your presence
and dispose of our affairs for us in the right way. (18:10)
19. Our Lord! Grant that our spouses and our offspring be a comfort to our eyes,
and give us the grace to lead those who are conscious of You. (25:74)
20. Our Lord! You embraceall things within Your Grace and Knowledge,
forgive those who repent and follow Your path,
and ward off from them the punishment of Hell. (40:7)
21. Our Lord! Make them enter the Garden of Eden
which You have promised to them,
and to the righteous from among their fathers,
their wives and their offspring,
for verily You are alone the Almighty and the trulyWise. (40:8)
22. Our Lord! Relieve us of the torment, for we do really believe. (44:12)
23. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins as well as those ofour brethren who
proceeded us in faith and let not our hearts entertain any unworthy
thoughts or feelings against [any of] those whohave believed. Our Lord!
You are indeed full of kindness and Most Merciful(59:10)
24. Our Lord! In You we have placed our trust, and to You do we turn
in repentance,
for unto You is the end of all journeys. (60:4)
25. Our Lord! Perfect our light for us and forgive us our sins, for verily
You have power over all things. (66:8)