Message #16720

[Heba E. Husseyn]

Walaikum As Salam dear Sis ..... and bundles of thanks for requesting Allah Almighty for His much needed blessings we humans are completely dependent on. 

I see it as a general supplication.  Dua Kumail  (دعاء كميل) is famous for the humble beauty of its words in obedience to Allah Almighty expressing one's love for Him.  A large portion of this dua is begging the forgiveness of Allah for our many sins. This dua is mainly popular in Shiia Islam;  many Sunnis also accept it.

The most important point is that this dua is Halal as it looks fully compatible with the principles of the Noble Quran. 

Dua Kumail literally means the supplication of Kumail.  Kumail bin Ziyad was reported to be a close friend, comrade and confidant of Imam Ali.  He had  risen into prominence for his loyalty to the Islamic government and his piety during the time of Ali's predecessor, Usman.

According to tradition (which isn't reliable) this supplication was originally said to be recited by the ancient Prophet Al-Khizar ( الخضر) and quoted by Kumail bin Ziyad .... from what I understand.  Though Khizar is not mentioned in the Quran by name, traditionalists have opined that Verse 18:65 of Surah Al-Kahf refers to Khizar who was a Prophet.  Only Allah knows best how far this information is accurate.

I quote Verse 18:65 below:

"Then found they one of Our slaves, unto whom We had given mercy from Us, and had taught him knowledge from Our presence."  (18:65).

I repeat, only Allah Almighty would know best if the reference is to a Prophet named al-Khizar or someone else. 

Thus, in conclusion, while some of those traditional aspects surrounding dua Kumail are not confirmed in the Quran, the contents of the supplication itself (as far as I know and understand) are in conformity with the principles of the Noble Quran.  Therefore I think it's fine to recite this supplication or join the congregation reciting it.  We need only to focus on the substance of the dua.

Excerpts from Dua Kumail in English are as follows

O He in whose hand is my forelock!

O He who knows my affliction and my misery!

O He who is aware of my poverty and indigence!

My Lord! My Lord! My Lord!

I ask You by Your Truth and Your Holiness

And the greatest of Your Attributes and Names,

That You make my times in the night and the day inhabited by Your remembrance,

And joined to Your service

And my deeds acceptable to You,

So that my deeds and my litanies may all be a single litany

And my occupation with Your service everlasting.

...

And protect me with Your mercy!

And make my tongue remember You without ceasing

And my heart enthralled by Your love!

And be gracious to me by answering me favorably,

And nullify my slips

And forgive my lapses!

...

O He, whose satisfaction is quickly achieved!

Forgive him who owns nothing but supplication

For You do what You will

O He whose Name is a remedy,

And whose remembrance is a cure,

And whose obedience is wealth!

Have mercy upon him whose main wealth is hopefulness
And whose weapon is weeping!


Complete Dua Kumail in Arabic with English transliteration and English translation given in the following link:

https://www.al-islam.org/commentary-kumayl-supplication-allama-husayn-ansariyan/complete-text-dua-kumayl-arabic