Dua defines us & our relationship with Allah - We ask and He gives.

Dua is relevant only to a person of faith.

The Prophet said, Dua is the core of worship (mukh al-ibadah) - heart of faith.

So let's examine why its importance in light of 2:286:

Allah does not lay a responsibility on anyone beyond his capacity. In his favor shall be whatever good each one does, and against him whatever evil he does. (Pray) Our Lord, take us not to task if we forget or commit mistakes. Our Lord, lay not on us a burden such as You laid on those gone before us. Our Lord, Lay not on us burdens which we do not have strength to bear. Overlook our faults, forgive us and have mercy upon us. You are our Guardian; so grant us victory against the unbelievers.

Revealed around Mi'raj & a year before hijra to Madina.  The struggle between Islam and unbelief was at it's climax.  Muslims were condemned for everything they did.

Parallels today - nearly everywhere, we see demonization of our faith, its values and of its followers.

Given that this is the Christmas season - let us look at what Prophet Isa says about a certain group of people:

So we ask who are these "blessed" people ... Could they be Muslims?

Wars waged against Muslims. Muslim lands are occupied. Muslims are oppressed and persecuted. Muslim widows & orphans - hungry and homeless. Muslims have the largest number of refugees and orphans in the world.

Muslims are denied their human rights and civil rights. Innocent Muslims are abused, accused and detained in prisons in the most miserable conditions.

Those who are in power neither want to give up nor share power. Rampant corruption, nepotism tribalism and feudalism. Muslims are persecuted simply for practicing their faith. A cadre of academics and pundits, writers and speakers - busy in producing lies and propaganda against Islam and Muslims.

So the question we ask then - What do we do?

Efforts alone may not be enough but with Dua, everything can change.

Aisha said; "No believer makes Dua and it is wasted. Either it is granted here in this world or saved for him in the Hereafter as long as he remains patient."

Dua should be with utmost respect and in sincerity and never give up Dua and never lose hope in it for Allah's blessings and His mercy.

Let's close with this very profound Dua from Imam Ali :

The preceding Khutbah was delivered on Friday, December 16th, 2011 at King Fahd Mosque in Culver City California.

Shakeel Syed is the executive director of Islamic Shura Council of Southern California. More of his reflections can be read on his blog.