Tafsir Of Du'a Al-Faraj

[Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammadin wa Aali Muhammad]

The word Faraj means to relieve from sadness and distress. In some narrations, the term has been used for different du'as and 'amal.

For example, the Du'a that starts with: "Ilahi adhama al-bala'", is known as Du'a al-Faraj. Another Du'a that has been narrated by the Holy Prophet, peace be upon him, starts with: "Allahumma inni as'aluka ya Allahu, ya Allahu, ya Allah" is also known as Du'a al-Faraj and others too.

As for the well-known Du'a, which begins with: "Allahumma kun li waliyik", some have also called this Du'a al-Faraj. It is a Du'a that Shi'a Muslims recite for the reappearance of Imam Al-Mahdi, alayhi as-salam. This Du'a has been written in the famous Hadith book Al-Kafi by Shaykh al-Kulayni. It also has been written down by early reliable scholars, with a slight difference in wording, but with the same intended meaning. We will try to explain the version that is most famously recited.

The Du'a starts off with: "Bismi-Llah, Al-Rahmani, Al-Rahim. Allahumma kun li waliyyika al-Hujjat Ibni al-Hasan", Oh Allah be for your guardian and proof, the son of Al-Hasan. The word wali in this Du'a means guardian, and the "ka" refers back to Allah. So "waliyyika" means a guardian appointed by Allah. The word "Hujja" means a clear proof which silences any opposition. The "Hujja" is a prophet or an Imam who has a connection with Allah that is greater than anyone else.

So that means that "Hujja" represents God's proof to humanity, distinguishing truth from falsehood. Al-Hasan is Imam Hasan Al-'Askari, alayhi as-salam, the 11th divinely appointed Imam, according to the Shia; and "Ibn", his son, is Imam al-Mahdi alayhi as-salam.The 12th divinely appointed Imam, who is the "Wali" and the "Hujja".

The Du'a continues: "salawatuka 'alayhi wa 'ala aba’ih", peace and blessings be upon him and his forefathers. "Aba' " means the forefathers of Imam al-Mahdi, alayhi as-salam, from the Holy Prophet, all the way through to the other Imams, to Imam Hasan Al-'Askari, alayhi as-salam. "Fi hadhihi 's-sa'ati, wa fi kulli sa'a", at this moment and at every moment. So at this moment and every second of the day, we are asking Allah to be a few things for Imam al-Mahdi, the "Wali", the "Hujja".

These things are mentioned in the next sentences. "Waliyyan wa hafidha", oh Allah, be a guardian and protector. We said "Wali" means a guardian and Imam al-Mahdi is the Wali appointed by Allah. Here it is intended to mean Allah, You be the guardian of Imam Al-Mahdi and handle his affairs. The word "hafidha" comes from the letters 'Ha' 'fa' 'dha', and it means protection from any harm and hardship.

So in the Du'a we are asking Allah to protect the Imam from all sorts of difficulties and hardships. Wa qa’idan wa nasira", a leader and a helper. The word "Qaiidan" or "Qa'id" means a strong and capable leader, like a chief of a tribe or a commander. So we are asking Allah to be His leader and helper.

"Wa dalilan wa 'ayna", a guide and close supervision. The word " 'ayn" could have a few meanings, but one of the meanings is an eye, meaning carefully watching, close supervision, taking care of and protecting. So we are asking Allah to guide and keep a close eye on the Imam by protecting him.

"Hatta tuskinahu ardhaka taw'a", in order that You settle him on Your earth "Taw'an".The word tuskin comes from the word 'sakana' or 'sukun', which means inhabit, live, settle, remain or occupy. So we are saying, in order that the Imam remains, occupies and settles in the earth, "Taw'an". The word "Taw'an" could possibly have a few meanings.

One, the way that the Imam pleases, so it would read in order that You settle him on Your earth in the way that he pleases. Two, the way Allah pleases. So it would read, in order that You settle him on Your earth the way Allah pleases. Three, while he is obedient to Allah, so it would read, in order that You settle him on Your earth, while he is obedient to Allah.

"Wa tumatti'ahu fiha tawila", and to use the earth and benefit from it for a very long time. After the reappearance of Imam al-Mahdi, alayhi as-salam, the whole earth will be ruled and governed by the Imam, alayhi as-salam.

Through this Du'a, we are asking for eight things for the Imam from Allah. The guardianship of Allah, the protection of Allah, the leadership of Allah, the help of Allah, the guidance of Allah, the close supervision of Allah, the dominion of Imam on earth, the prolonged duration of his rule.

One of the most important duties which the Shi'a must do during the period of accultation is to pray to Allah to hasten the reappearance of Imam al-Mahdi, as well as for his well being and safety. This Du'a is a sign of love and attachment to the Imam, which will bring us closer to him. May Allah hasten his reappearance.

[Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammadin wa Aali Muhammad]