The Value of Dua'a - 'Aaishah (RA)

The Value of Dua'a It was the habit of ‘Aaishah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) that whenever a beggar asked her for something and made dua'a for her (as is the habit of many beggars), together with giving the beggar whatever he had asked for, she would also return the dua'a of the beggar. Hence someone once asked her, “Why do you give the beggar what he asks for and also make dua'a for him?” ‘Aaishah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) responded, “If I give the beggar wealth and he gives me dua'a, then what he has given me is in reality more valuable than what I gave him. Hence, I will owe him for his favour. I therefore return his dua'a with a similar dua'a, so that I will not be indebted to him for his dua'a, and thereafter give him whatever he asks for. In this manner, I ensure that I receive the full reward of my sadaqah.” (Al-Mafaateeh fi Sharhil Masaabeeh vol. 2, pg. 553) Lessons: 1. The pious friends of Allah Ta‘ala understood the value of dua'a. Hence, they did not regard any person’s dua'a to be trivial or insignificant, as one does not know whose dua'a may gain acceptance in the court of Allah Ta‘ala. 2. Instead of viewing beggars as a nuisance, we should view them as a means of earning both dua'as and the pleasure of Allah Ta‘ala. We should thank Allah Ta‘ala for sending the beggar to us, instead of us having to go out in search of a person to whom we could give sadaqah.  May Allah grant us true understanding of the supplication of Dua'a, Aameen