I read a Hadith which stated that ‘Du’a is the weapon of believer,pillar of Din and light of heavens and earth.’
I wanted to know if it is authentic? If yes, how is du’a the light of heavens and earth? Also we know that there are 5 pillars of Din, so how is du’a another pillar of Din?
Answer
This narration is recorded on the authority of Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu), Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu) and Sayyiduna Jabir (radiyallahu ‘anhu) in the following Hadith collections:
- Mustadrak Hakim, vol. 1 pg. 492
- Musnad Abi Ya’la, Hadith: 439
The narration is corroborated and suitable to quote. ‘Allamah Busiri (rahimahullah) has declared one chain weak but states that the narration is supported. ‘Allamah ‘Ajluni (rahimahullah) has quoted a Muhaddith who has authenticated this narration and then states, ‘Perhaps he authenticated it due to the narration being corroborated.’
(Refer: Ithaful Khiyaratil Maharah, Hadith: 8275-8276, Kashful Khafa, Hadith: 1292. Also see: Targhib, vol. 2 pg. 483, Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 10 pg. 147 and Faydul Qadir, Hadith: 4258. See here)
Commentary
1) ‘Du’a is the light of the heavens and earth’ means that du’a will be a means of nur (celestial light) in the heavens and earth for the one who engages in du’a. (Refer: At Taysir, vol. 2 pg. 11)
2) The Hadith which mentions the five ‘pillars’ of Islam, explains the essential deeds of Islam. This does not mean that other good deeds acts do not form smaller pillars of Islam.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar