What Is the “Dua Mashmool”?

According to Saednews:

Why it is called Du’a al-Mashlul

Du’a al-Mashlul (the “Prayer of the Paralyzed”) is named after a well-known narration found in Mafatih al-Jinan. It is attributed to Imam Ali (peace be upon him) and is considered one of the famous supplications in Islamic tradition.

The reason for its name comes from a story in which a young man, afflicted with paralysis due to his wrongdoing and his father’s curse, is guided to this prayer. After sincerely reciting it, he is healed by God’s mercy. Because of this incident, the prayer became known as Du’a al-Mashlul.

The Virtue of Du’a al-Mashlul

According to the narration, Imam Husayn (peace be upon him) describes an event where Imam Ali (peace be upon him) teaches this supplication to a distressed young man at the Kaaba. The prayer is said to contain the “Great Name of God” (Ism al-A‘zam), through which supplications are accepted and hardships are removed.

Imam Ali (peace be upon him) emphasizes important conditions for reciting this prayer:

• It must be recited with sincerity and pure intention

• It should not be used for sinful purposes

• It should be taught only to those who are trustworthy in faith

• The reciter should avoid pride and arrogance

• It is recommended to be in a state of ritual purity (wudu) when reciting it

The narration also states that a sincere person may even see the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) in a dream as a result of this prayer, as a sign of acceptance.

Spiritual Structure of the Prayer

Du’a al-Mashlul is mainly composed of:

• The Beautiful Names of God (Asma’ al-Husna)

• Supplication through God’s attributes and greatness

• References to Qur’anic themes and divine promises

• Salawat (blessings) upon Prophet Muhammad and his family

The prayer ends with asking God directly for one’s needs and naming them clearly.

Reported Benefits and Effects

In traditional sources, Du’a al-Mashlul is described as having many spiritual benefits, including:

• Fulfillment of needs

• Removal of distress and confusion

• Acceptance of prayers

• Healing of illnesses

• Relief from hardship and broken conditions

• Forgiveness of sins

• Opening of blocked opportunities

• Financial relief for the needy

• Repayment of debts

• Protection from harm, envy, and oppression

• Strengthening of faith and guidance toward God

Final Note

This prayer is considered one of the powerful supplications in Islamic devotional literature. However, its effectiveness is linked in the narration to sincerity, moral conduct, and pure intention toward God.