The Relief from Distress: An Explanation to the dua of Prophet Yunus

Author: Ibn Taymiyyah
Translator: Abu Rumaysah
Publisher: Dar as Sunnah Publishers
Pages: 256
Binding: Softcover
ISBN: 1-904336-13-2

About the Book: Shaykh-ul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah, was asked about the saying of the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “The invocation of my brother Yunus: “None has the right to be worshipped save You; glory be to You, far removed are You from any imperfection; I have been amongst the wrongdoers,” None who is experiencing difficulty employs it except that Allaah would relieve him of his difficulty.”

What is the meaning of this d’uaa? Are their any unstated conditions that have to be met when one articulates it? What is the connection between belief in the heart and the meaning of this supplication such that it leads to the removal of difficulty? It is sufficient to acknowledge ones sin alone, or must this be accompanied by repentance and the firm resolve not to repeat that sin in the future? Why is it that difficulty and harm are removed only when a person relinquishes any hope, reliance and dependancy upon the creation? How can the heart relinquish the characteristic of putting hope in the creation and depending upon them, and instead put its hope in Allaah, Exalted is He, and turn to Him in its entirety? What are the methods that would aid the heart in doing this?