How to make Dua: Tip #7

When asking for something from someone, there is more chance of you receiving it if you mention what you are going to do with it, this concept is the same in Dua and is a permissible form of tawassul

By attaching the reponse of the dua to a good deed or benefit, one can perform tawassul. So, for example, a person can say: “O Allah! I ask you to increase me in knowledge, so that I may teach my family and relatives your religion.” Or, he might pray: “O Allah! Increase my wealth so that I can spend it in your way!”

This principle is shown in the Hadith in which the Prophet [May the Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him] said: “When a person comes to visit the sick, then let him say: O Allah! Cure your sevant so-and-so, for he will then inflict a wound on an enemy, or walk for your sake to the prayer.” [Abu Dawud #3107, Sahih al-Jami #466]

It is also shown in the dua of Ibrahim (as) when he left Hajar and Isma’il (as) in the barren valley of Bakkah, later to be called Makkah: “O My Lord! I have left my family to live in a valley that has no fruits, close to your Sacred House, so that they may establish the prayer. Our Lord! Therefore cause a group of people to love them, and provide them with fruits so that they may give thanks.” [The Qur’an: Surah Ibrahim 14:37]