Addiction = Compulsive physiological and psychological need for a habit-forming substance.

It’s scary to think that something, anything, whether it be alcohol, gambling, or cigarettes could become an enslaving habit. All it takes is that first sip, rolling of the dice, or a single puff, and before you know it you’re addicted.

I was in Michigan this past weekend at my parents house. I noticed a sudden deterioration in my father’s health. At 48 years of age he is having a bit more trouble breathing than the average healthy 48 year old. Why? Because he smokes. Only god knows how long he has been smoking, but all I can say is its been a very long time and it’s catching up to him. I worry. I worry a lot for him. I have tried everything in the book to try to make him stop, I have been doing so since I was 10 years old. Then I realize that the best and only thing I can do for my dad is to make plenty of d’ua to Allah SWT. For indeed He is the All Knower, the All Powerful.

I know it’s easier said than done. Not only are you psychologically dependent on it, you’re also chemically dependent on it. But in either case there are ways to stop. I hear stories of people’s life taken away by lung cancer, emphysema, COPD, etc. And these people were all young and smoked. I wish there was something I could do to make my father understand that he is no different, it could take his life as well. There are times I have caught him wheezing and having a hard time breathing, and still it makes no difference to him. Who ever thought that something so small could literally take over your life. Something must be done before it’s too late.

It scares me. Scares me that I may lose my father over a filthy cigarette.

***

I have been making du’a for my dad to stop smoking ever since I wrote the above post. At that point I had become so worried about my father and his health. I knew the only thing that would make any difference was a daughter’s du’a for her father!

Subhanallah, Allah SWT has answered my prayers. Alhumdulilah it has been about 3-4 months since my dad has quit smoking-Mashallah. Not only has he stopped smoking, but by the taufiq of Allah SWT my father has also become closer to the deen. He calls himself a born again Muslim . Inshallah may Allah strengthen my father in his efforts.

We need to remember that dua is the weapon of the believer. It is an act of worship and shows our dependence on Allah SWT. Don’t think that something is too small to ask for because Allah is vast in His blessings and has more than enough to give, so ask for everything and anything with du’a!

Often we go to our best friend or perhaps our Mom or Dad to relieve ourselves of the worries and concerns pertaining to our lives. The most they do for us is give us advise and console us. Take a moment and think of someone you can share your secrets and deepest worries with, someone who has the ultimate power to give you what you want…it is none other than Allah.

Making du’a or having a ‘conversation’ with Allah is the most liberating experience. Try it! Take the opportunity when you are alone to speak to Allah from the heart. Experience the connection with Allah!