The dua of Allahumma Kulle Waliyyek is a splendid dua which is continuously recited by the ardent devotees of Imam Mahdi (as). By the grace of Allah, this custom is prevalent among all Shiahs wherever they may be in the world. The spiritual effects of this dua can be enhanced manifold if we are aware of its meaning and interpretation.
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This Dua is quoted from the reliable companion of Imam Ali Naqi (as), Mohammed bin Esa who narrated from it Infallible Imams (as).
Shaykh Kulaini wrote that this dua should be recited in the night of Qadr, the 23rd night of the month of Ramazan in the state of prostration, standing, bowing or in any condition. Rather one should recite it in the whole month of Ramazan whenever it is possible and whenever it comes to mind.
Brief exegesis of this dua
‘Allahumma’ means o my Lord! In short it means ‘Allah is that God in whose recognition all are amazed and astonished.
‘Kun’: It is an imperative verb of `Kaana-Yakuno’ which means `Be’. With the help of this word we are invoking Allah to provide Imam Mahdi (as) with six things.
‘Le-Waliyeka’: Laam’ (Le) means for and `Waliye’ is similarizing adjective’ (Sifate-Mushabbeh). Which means ‘Guardian’ and ‘Leader’. Ka is addressed to Allah. `Waliyeka’ means that ‘Guardian’ and ‘Leader’ appointed by Allah. It establishes that the ‘Leadership’ and ‘Mastership’ of Imam Mahdi (as) is conferred by Allah and He has made him Imam.
‘Al-Hujjat-Ibnil-Hasan’: According to the version of ‘Al-Kafi’, which is the most ancient version at this place the name of Hazrat Imam Mahdi (as) is not particularly mentioned, merely ‘Fulan Ibn Fulan’ (son of so and so…) is stated. This means that Shiahs of every age could recite this dua for the Imam of their times. Our scholars have replaced ‘Fulan Ibn Fulan’ with the words ‘Al-Hujjat-Ibnil-Hasan’ which means Imam Mahdi (as) for the Shiahs if this time and era.
‘Salwatoka’: Salawat is derived from the word Salwa’ which means invocations for mercy of Allah. The infinite mercy and grace of Allah is sought for Imam Mahdi (as).
‘Alaihe wa-Ala-Aabaeh’: Ala means upon and `he’ is a pronoun, in both the places it refers to Hazrat Mahdi (as).
‘Aaba’ : is a plural of ‘Ab’ which means the forefathers of Hazrat Mahdi (as). From the Holy Prophet (sawa) upto Imam Hasan Askari (as) all infallible predecessors of Imam (as) are included in this word.
‘Fee-Hazehis-Sa’ate-Wa-Fi-Kulle-Sa’ah’: Sa ah’ is derived from the word `Sau’, which hints at time, hour or age. Hence the phrase implies `at this hour and every time’.
‘Waliyan’: As it was said that it means `Guardian’ and ‘Master’. By this it is intended that ‘O God You be the ‘Guardian’ and ‘Master of Imam (as) and handle his affairs’.
‘Wa Hafezan’: The word ‘Hafiz’ is a derivative of word ‘Hifz’, which means protection from every danger, calamity and hardship. This word points toward the recognition of Allah. Since all the Prophets and Imams (Peace be upon them all) were role-model for the mankind hence despite all their powers, knowledge and wisdom they were humans. They were eating food, marrying, falling sick and afflicted by other worldly difficulties. Even they had to pass through childhood, youth, old age and finally embraced death… or were killed at the hands of the enemies In this dua we are supplicating with Allah to protect our beloved Imam (as) from all sorts of difficulties and hardships.
‘Wa-Qaedan’: `Qaed’ is a derivative of word `Qud’, which means ‘Leadership’ and Guide’. According to the dictionary it refers to ‘the person who holds the reins of horse and walks in the forefront’. Since leader’ also leads the people hence he is called Qaed’ `
‘Wa-Naseran’: ‘Nasir’ is derived from the word ‘Nasr’, which means ‘help’ and ‘assistance’.
‘Wa-Daleelan’: ‘Daleel’ is from the roots of ‘Dalla-yadullo’ , which means ‘Guidance’ . It is for this reason that Guide is called ‘Daleel’
‘Wa-Aynan’: It means ‘Protector’.
‘Hatta Tuskinahu-arzaka-Tau’an’: ‘Hatta’ means `until’, ‘Tuskin’ is from Sukoon’. ‘Tau`aa’ means ‘obedience’’, ‘Arzaka’ means ‘your earth’. Hence it means that ‘Until he remains on earth (the inhabitants) should be obedient to him.’ After the reappearance of Imam (as), the whole earth will be ruled and governed by Imam (as).
‘Wa Tumattiahu-Fiha-Tawila’ : ‘Tumattio’ is from ‘Mata’, which means to be ‘favoured’ .
‘Fiha’ indicates the earth, ‘Tawila’ means ‘prolonged’, this means that the duration of his government should be long and peaceful.
Through these sentences of Dua we are asking for eight things for Imam (as) from Allah. The concluding phrases of dua are the actual spirit of Dua and in fact the virtual aim of the Dua. These eight things are:-
- The guardianship of Allah for Imam (as)
- The protection of Allah
- The leadership of Allah for him
- The aid and assistance of Allah
- The guidance of Allah
- The vigilance and security of Allah
- The dominion of Imam (as) on earth
- The elongation of his rule
This is absolutely evident that seeking these things for Imam (as) from Allah does not mean that, God-forbid he has been forsaken by God. Or he is needy of our supplication. The purpose of this dua is that the bounties and graces of Allah are infinite and unlimited hence by constant supplication it may be enhanced because these favours may be unlimited according to our thinking but for Allah they are limited. As in the case of Salawat on Mohammed (sawa) and his Holy Progeny, we are seeking enhanced blessings and mercy of Allah on them through Salawat and this Salawat is that Dua which is never rejected.
Translation of Dua
O Allah! This time and every time, be for your friend, Hazrat Hujjat Ibn Al Hasan (peace be upon them), a Guardian, a Protector, a Leader. a Helper, a Guide and a Securer until you confer upon him the dominion on this earth and all the inhabitants of the earth become obedient to him and favour him for a very prolonged duration.
The Occasion of Dua
It was mentioned earlier that this dua is a part of the recommended acts of the 23rd night of the month of Ramazan. But it can be recited anytime in the whole of month of Ramazan or wherever it is remembered. Although it is included in the Aamale-Shabe-Qadr, it is not particular with this night alone. It can be recited anytime round the year. Keeping this thing in view, it can be recited in standing, sitting or prostrating positions at any time. Hence this auspicious dua should be recited in Qunoot, Taakibate-Namaz, Nawafil or whenever we get an opportunity for the same. Our responsibility does not cease with recitation for once, rather it should be constantly recited.
In 1398 AH. Late Ayatullah Sayyed Abul Qasim Khui (ra) said in Najaf to a scholar from Tehran that “For the last 50 years I am reciting this dua regularly in the Qunut of all my daily obligatory prayers.
The Effects of Dua
This dua is full of invocations seeking favour of Imam Mahdi (as) and it also has many spiritual effects:-
It increases contact, love and hearty attachment with Imam (as) and as much it is recited that much love is increased. Also, love towards Ahle Bayt increases which results in moral reformation in this world and salvation in the hereafter.
Imam Ali Reza (as) relates from the Holy Prophet (sawa) that, The one who desires to meet Allah in such state where his belief is perfect and his Islam is complete must love Hazrat Hujjat Sahebuzzaman (as). (Beharul Anwar volume 36 page 296 tradition no. 125).
The recitation of this dua reminds of Imam Mahdi (as) and it is one of the duties of a Muslim of every age to remember the Imam of his time regularly and not to forget him even for a second. Thus we can fulfill our responsibility by reciting this dua. It is said in Dua Nudbah that, “May my life be sacrificed for you Though you are away from our eyes, no gathering is devoid of your remembrance. May I be your ransom. Though you may be far away from us, your remembrance is not.”
This dua is for the safety and wellbeing of Imam Mahdi (as) because it is in the power of Allah to accept the dua, change the circumstances and destiny. Hence we are asking for enhanced protection and security from Allah .We are always praying and wishing that Imam Mahdi (as) should remain safe and secure from all sorts of calamities and hardships. No grief or sorrow should strike him. This is the least which a friend desires for his beloved. While the same desire is intense for the Ahle bayt (as).
If we will pray regularly for Imam (as) then certainly he too will respond and reciprocate to our feelings and remember us in his duas because he is a generous master, the son of a generous father. What else can be imagined as a greater bounty or blessing than the dua of Imam (as)?
The conclusion is that it is imperative upon all of us to regularly recite this dua . Through the medium of this dua we must ask from Allah for the best of bounties and favours of Imam (as). Also, we should desire that Hazrat should remain safe and secure under the impregnable tutelage of Allah, and ask Allah to enlighten our spirit and gladden our heart by the remembrance of Imam (as) and invoking salawat on him.
Read more: Duas, Namaz and Ziyarats | Resources on Imam Mahdi (as)
