Rabbana Afrigh Alayna Sabran — The Dua of Talut

In the Noble Qur'an, the army of Talut made this dua before going out against the army of the tyrant Jalut. "When they met Jalut and his army they said, 'Our Lord! Pour patience upon us, make our feet firm, and help us against the disbelieving people'" (Al-Baqarah 250).

The dua contains three important requests: patience (the strength to endure hardship), the making firm of the feet (steadfastness, not fleeing) and the help of Allah (victory). Allah accepted this dua; it is stated, "So they defeated them by the permission of Allah, and Dawud killed Jalut" (Al-Baqarah 251).

The expression "Afrigh ʿalaynā ṣabran" (pour patience upon us) is a very powerful one. Patience is asked for abundantly, like rain. "Thabbit aqdāmanā" (make our feet firm) means not fleeing the field of battle and standing firm on the path of truth.

This dua is not only for war; it holds good for every trial of life. It can be recited in working life, in illness, in financial hardship, in times of turmoil and in every kind of distress. We should make this dua often for oppressed Muslims and for our brothers and sisters who are in difficulty.