By Shaykh ‘Abd al-Salām al-Shuway’ir
We all have those days where our hearts feel a little disconnected, or the weight of our daily responsibilities makes our spiritual goals feel far away. Shaykh ‘Abd al-Salām al-Shuway’ir (may Allah preserve him) beautifully highlights two specific matters that strengthen the heart’s attachment to Allah. When we look at these through the lens of our lives as Muslim women, they offer a powerful way to find our center again.
1. Du’a (Supplication)
The Shaykh reminds us that nothing has ever benefited a servant, or instilled a deeper attachment to Allah, quite like Du’a.
There is a profound privacy in Du’a. When you call upon Him, no one hears you but Him, and no one truly knows the depth of your need but Him, the Mighty and Majestic. In those moments, especially in prostration or the stillness of the night, you realize that you are casting your needs before Him alone. When hope in the world and its people feels distant, your connection to Him remains unshakable.
The Strength of Persistence
Nothing strengthens our faith more powerfully than this direct conversation. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Du’a is worship.” (Al-Tirmidhi). It is the very heart of our relationship with our Lord.
The Shaykh encourages us to be persistent in our Du’a for every single need. Some of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) would ask Allah even when their sandal strap broke!
- In every matter: Ask Him.
- When you have a hope for your future: Turn to Him.
- When you feel uncertainty: Seek His guidance through Du’a and Istikhara.
Finding Joy in the Act Itself
‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) famously said: “I do not carry the worry of the response, but rather the worry is of making du’a itself.”
This is such a beautiful reminder for us. Not everyone is granted that openness of heart to truly turn to Him. One of the righteous once said that a need would befall him, and he would increase in Du’a to the point that he almost wished the need wouldn’t be fulfilled, just because he loved the feeling of attachment to Allah he found while asking. What Allah gives you during your Du’a, the sincerity, the humility, and the expansion of the chest, is often greater than the very thing you are asking for.
2. Performing Deeds Beloved to Allah
The second matter the Shaykh highlights is acting upon everything that is beloved to Allah. This is the true distinction of the people of the Sunnah. Among the ignorant are those who claim that a “feeling” of love is enough to attain success, but true love is shown through compliance with the command of Allah and His Messenger.
As Allah says in the Quran:
“Say: If you love Allah, then follow me, and Allah will love you.” (Ali ‘Imran 3:31)
Drawing Near Through the Obligatory and the Voluntary
The Shaykh points us to a profound Hadith Qudsi where Allah tells us that nothing brings a servant closer to Him than the religious duties He has made obligatory. But the journey doesn’t end there.
Allah says: “And My servant continues to draw near to me with nafil (supererogatory) deeds until I Love him. When I Love him, I am his hearing with which he hears, and his sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he strikes, and his foot with which he walks.” (Al-Bukhari).
When we strive to add those small, extra deeds, whether it’s a morning dhikr, an extra prayer, or a hidden act of kindness, we are inviting Allah’s love into every part of our lives. Were we then to ask Him for anything, He would surely give it, and were we to seek refuge, He would surely grant it.
Conclusion: Growing Closer, One Step at a Time
Deepening our connection with Allah isn’t about achieving a state of “perfect” spirituality overnight. It is found in the persistence of our Du’a and the sincerity of our actions. By turning to Him in every small need and striving to do what pleases Him, we anchor our hearts in His love.
Reflection: Which of these two anchors do you feel your heart needs to lean into today? Is it the sanctuary of Du’a, or the pursuit of a new beloved deed?
