Speaker A
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. How many of you brothers have been making the same dua for years and nothing in your situation has changed?
Sh. Abdullah Oduro explains why Allah won't change your situation until you change yourself, focusing on internal transformation and divine protection.
Ask about this video. Answers come from its transcript only — with the timestamp, so you can check them.
Generated from the transcript and can be wrong — check the timestamp.
Key Takeaways
- Allah will not change your situation until you change yourself internally.
- Divine protection and withholding can coexist; Allah's mercy is always present.
- External actions alone are insufficient without sincere internal transformation.
- Understanding and addressing the root cause is essential for effective dua.
- Sincere intention and effort are required to open the door for Allah's blessings.
What the video covers
- Many people make the same dua for years without seeing change because they overlook a key internal factor.
- Allah hears every dua but will not change a people's condition until they change what is within themselves.
- The video references Quran chapter 13 (Raad), verse 11, explaining divine protection and the role of angels.
- Angels protect from before and behind, guarding a person by Allah's decree, which can coexist with divine withholding.
- External efforts like courses or therapy may not bring change without internal transformation.
- The 'one simple thing' men often don't hear directly is the need to work on internal change, not just external actions.
- Divine protection and withholding can happen simultaneously; Allah's mercy is present but requires a window of effort.
- Many make dua for symptoms rather than addressing the root cause or 'seed' of their problems.
- True change requires sincere intention and internal work aligned with Allah's will.
- The video encourages self-reflection and opening the door to internal change for dua to be answered.
Chapters
- 00:00Introduction and Common Dua Challenges
- 00:56The Key Reason Dua Remains Unanswered
- 02:21Understanding Divine Protection and Angels
- 03:30Coexistence of Divine Protection and Withholding
- 04:45Importance of Internal Change Over External Efforts
- 06:07Addressing the Root Cause and Sincere Intention
- 07:40Practical Reflections and Final Advice
Full Transcript — Download SRT & Markdown
Speaker A
If that is you brothers, then stay with me. Listen, Allah has heard your dua and he hears every single dua, every single one.
Speaker A
If that is you, brothers, then stay with me. Listen, Allah has heard your dua, and He hears every single dua, every single one.
Speaker A
many of us here as a portion of it, actually the middle portion, that verily Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves. Read it slowly. Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala is telling you
Speaker A
But there's an ayah in the chapter of Raad, the 13th chapter of the Quran, the 11th verse, where Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala explains why the duas will sit and wait. And when we look at this verse, we see that Allah is telling us
Speaker A
They make dua for their marriage to be rectified and they've done all the classes and courses, but nothing's really changed. The reason is one specific thing, one simple thing that men never get told directly. Today we'll name it inshallah and I will give you
Speaker A
many of us here, as a portion of it, actually the middle portion, that verily Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves. Read it slowly. Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala is telling you
Speaker A
is meant by that one thing that we're talking about. Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala says after audhubillah minashaitanirajim, lahu lahu mu'aqqibatun min bayni yadayhi wa min khalfihi yahfazunahu min amrillah.
Speaker A
something. I'm Abdullah Odurro, and I've dealt with men for years that deal with this challenge of making dua and none of them being answered. Or they make dua for the sister, for the job, and they're wondering why they are not getting it.
Speaker A
Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala says, he has the preservers. Mu'aqqibat is those that are following him following him.
Speaker A
They make dua for their marriage to be rectified, and they've done all the classes and courses, but nothing's really changed. The reason is one specific thing, one simple thing that men never get told directly. Today we'll name it inshallah, and I will give you
Speaker A
So, firstly here to understand that Allah Subhana Wa Ta'ala has angels is one of the opinions that there are angels that preserve you from in front, from in the back.
Speaker A
the exact move that opens what has been waiting for you. Bismillah. Now, brothers, this simple move is mentioned in the chapter of Raad, the chapter of thunder, verses number 11 roughly. And it's broken into three parts, and we will understand what
Speaker A
So, understanding that Allah has already appointed for you a form of creation that is there to protect you.
Speaker A
is meant by that one thing that we're talking about. Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala says after audhubillah minashaitanirajim, lahu lahu mu'aqqibatun min bayni yadayhi wa min khalfihi yahfazunahu min amrillah.
Speaker A
right now. So, recognizing that is a good introduction to that one thing that you need to do that we're talking about.
Speaker A
Innal laha la yughayyiru ma bi qawmin hatta yughayyiru ma bi anfusihim wa idha aradallahu bi qawmin su'an fala maradda lahu wa ma lahum min dunihi min wal.
Speaker A
open. But are you willing to open the door to go through it? This is what is important.
Speaker A
Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala says, He has the preservers. Mu'aqqibat is those that are following him, following him.
Speaker A
and showered upon you, but there has to be a window of effort. So, this is the first part that we really want to understand that the divine protection and divine withholding can be simultaneous.
Speaker A
For each one are our successive angels before him and behind him, protecting him from the decree of Allah. This is the first part of the verse.
Speaker A
financial stability. You're asking Allah for these things or rather you're asking him to change something within you.
Speaker A
So, firstly here, to understand that Allah Subhana Wa Ta'ala has angels is one of the opinions that there are angels that preserve you from in front, from in the back.
Speaker A
So, we don't say, "Oh, Allah is protecting me at this time, and he make even though he's withholding something from me, they must be two different things." So, if he's withholding that change that I'm asking for, that means
Speaker A
That there are angels that protect you by the decree of Allah Subhana Wa Ta'ala.
Speaker A
So, you can be guarded and stuck at the same time. And it's important to understand this when we're making the dua, and subhanallah, the dua is not being answered. The framing works in the way that we understand Allah subhana wa
Speaker A
So, understanding that Allah has already appointed for you a form of creation that is there to protect you.
Speaker A
But, it's for you to open it with the right keys. Now, the second part of the verse is what is well known by people that Inna Allaha la yughayyiru ma bi qawmin hatta yughayyiru ma bi anfusihim, that Allah will not change the condition
Speaker A
And if we look at it in this instance, Allah has already placed angels that are there for you before you were even there. There are angels that will be there for you after you leave. Rotating shifts, on assignment for your life
Speaker A
with the situation with his family, with his wife, etc. So, here it is Allah subhana wa ta'ala making the condition of you making that internal change. So, he tells you that despite all of this coverage of the angels that are
Speaker A
right now. So, recognizing that is a good introduction to that one thing that you need to do that we're talking about.
Speaker A
men sometimes. When we make the effort by doing external things, by going to courses, by listening to tapes because our wife told us to. I mean, sometimes the brothers will come to a retreat saying, "My wife told me to."
Speaker A
Which also shows that you have never been left. Allah has always assigned protection for you. For that anger, for that ego. But for the seed of that anger and ego, which leaves a responsibility to you. Allah's door has always been
Speaker A
So, the condition really named plainly is for you to work mabee anfusihim in internally within yourself.
Speaker A
open. But are you willing to open the door to go through it? This is what is important.
Speaker A
what he has given you or what he plans to give you. Let me repeat that.
Speaker A
Those successive angels that are surrounding you, that are surrounding you and before you, the angels are already there, meaning the care of Allah Subhana Wa Ta'ala, His mercy, His love, all the names and attributes are ready to be implemented
Speaker A
Rather, it is withheld because you have not made the effort to work on yourself.
Speaker A
and showered upon you, but there has to be a window of effort. So, this is the first part that we really want to understand, that the divine protection and divine withholding can be simultaneous.
Speaker A
So, when we're talking about for example uh uh a man that, you know, he gets into an argument and he goes to therapy. You know, his wife says, "We have to go to therapy." He goes to therapy, he goes to
Speaker A
They can coexist. What we mean by this is that although Allah is withholding the reward or withholding that change that you've been making dua for all of this time. Oh Allah, release this anger from me. Oh Allah, bless me with the
Speaker A
Rather, it was something that was external. He He wanted to fix the marriage through visible efforts that she would see.
Speaker A
financial stability. You're asking Allah for these things, or rather you're asking Him to change something within you.
Speaker A
So, sometimes he will do these actions. He'll get presents. He'll go to the therapy. He'll even make dua.
Speaker A
But He's withholding it for a reason. And also, the divine protection is still there. It's still present. It's still constant. It is not contradictory.
Speaker A
of times we make dua for the symptom and not really addressing the seed of the problem. Not really addressing that appetite of the ho ah, rather than just saying, "Release my anger." Although you can say that, but when you're saying
Speaker A
So, we don't say, "Oh, Allah is protecting me at this time, and He makes even though He's withholding something from me, they must be two different things." So, if He's withholding that change that I'm asking for, that means
Speaker A
doesn't say anything. Does that make me angry? This is where that slight shift needs to happen.
Speaker A
that there's no divine protection. La. The divine protection is actually Him withholding that change that you were asking for. They can coincide, coexist simultaneously.
Speaker A
It is something that is surface-level. He's changed his actions and maybe his habits, but really inside he hasn't changed. What's inside of him?
Speaker A
So, you can be guarded and stuck at the same time. And it's important to understand this when we're making the dua, and subhanallah, the dua is not being answered. The framing works in the way that we understand Allah subhana wa
Speaker A
intention. Actions are judged by intention." So, don't punish her if she doesn't say thank you.
Speaker A
ta'ala. And anna anna abdibi, as Allah subhana wa ta'ala says, "I am as my servant thinks of me." So, the door that Allah subhana wa ta'ala has always had for you is always open.
Speaker A
for your kindness, a condition for your consideration, that's where it's become a problem. And that is where you work mabee unfoosee where you work in yourself internally. I appreciate when she appreciates me, but if she doesn't, I'm doing this for Allah.
Speaker A
But it's for you to open it with the right keys. Now, the second part of the verse is what is well known by people that Inna Allaha la yughayyiru ma bi qawmin hatta yughayyiru ma bi anfusihim, that Allah will not change the condition
Speaker A
That is the tell here. That the act the change that the action you're looking at the seed and motivation behind these external behavioral changes.
Speaker A
of a people until they change what is within themselves. Even though this is referring to a group of people or a nation, it can also be minimized to one individual, you. And particularly here, the man that is dealing
Speaker A
And this is what is important. So that's the second part and that's the most important part and that's the one thing we wanted to tell you.
Speaker A
with the situation with his family, with his wife, etc. So, here it is Allah subhana wa ta'ala making the condition of you making that internal change. So, He tells you that despite all of this coverage of the angels that are
Speaker A
thank you and gets angry but in reality he's insecure. He's relying on her appreciation. And also understanding that the man does not that man does not yet exist. If you are the person that still is demanding because of your
Speaker A
preserving you, the first part of the verse, there is still the effort that you have to make. And if you don't make the effort, nothing will change. But there's a small distinction here that I think we mix up and we get confused as
Speaker A
When you do it for Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala that is when you prepare yourself to be the one that Allah will change your situation. And also when understanding that this condition in the building of this type of man
Speaker A
men sometimes. When we make the effort by doing external things, by going to courses, by listening to tapes because our wife told us to. I mean, sometimes the brothers will come to a retreat saying, "My wife told me to."
Speaker A
most neglected by human beings and by men in particular. Where Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala says wa idha aradallahu bi qaumin su'an su'an fala muradda lahu wa ma lahu min dunihim min wal. Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala says and if
Speaker A
But alhamdulillah, I think the retreat serves as a huge transition for them to really transform from the inner instead of just doing that which is external in the outer.
Speaker A
And there is no one that can be his protector for them besides him. How does this tie into what we are talking uh your actions that you are not doing or that you are doing that are detrimental to
Speaker A
So, the condition really named plainly is for you to work mabee anfusihim, internally within yourself.
Speaker A
When you as a man are doing something to your family, so for example, you wait too long to ask for forgiveness. You wait too long to change yourself. You always are yelling at your children because you feel a level of insecurity
Speaker A
Allah is not withholding the change. It is not that He decided. It's not that He didn't decide to give it. Rather, it is withheld if He withholds it because you have not obtained the reality of that which makes you capable to carry
Speaker A
You know this is the father, but you deny it. You don't look deep inside of yourself and see what is the intention behind what I'm doing with my children.
Speaker A
what He has given you or what He plans to give you. Let me repeat that.
Speaker A
personality, etc. What can happen is that by the time you decide to seriously uh take it serious, that distance has calcified. The distance between your family. And when I talk about the distance, I'm talking about the emotional distance. In the
Speaker A
It is not that Allah is withholding the change to happen because He hasn't decided to give it to you.
Speaker A
boxes is what's going to get you to be fine. But you know deep down inside, you haven't changed those intentions to be better. You haven't changed internally to do it for the sake of subhanahu wa ta'ala and whether they decide to stay
Speaker A
Rather, it is withheld because you have not made the effort to work on yourself.
Speaker A
Or that which was pure and fresh ended up calcifying because she doesn't see you making the uh exerted effort that comes from a good place. That comes from a good place. To where when as we mentioned, when she
Speaker A
Therefore, you are not able to withhold that which He decides to give you or has given you in a way that is befitting.
Speaker A
One may think, "Well, why were you initially doing it?" If it was for Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala, it doesn't matter their response.
Speaker A
So, when we're talking about, for example, a man that, you know, he gets into an argument and he goes to therapy. You know, his wife says, "We have to go to therapy." He goes to therapy, he goes to
Speaker A
subhanahu wa ta'ala, as he descends a punishment on a nation because they did not over years change themselves, the punishment will come upon them. In this particular situation, Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala gives you that window for you to
Speaker A
the classes, he attends seminars, he tells his wife, "I'm going to get better." You know, he loves her more consistently, brings her roses, all of that. But it really was not an internal change.
Speaker A
And you have not went through the struggle because the struggle is tiring and the struggle may make you look weak in front of your family. This is all from Shaitan. And the more Shaitan consumes you, the more that gap that
Speaker A
Rather, it was something that was external. He wanted to fix the marriage through visible efforts that she would see.
Speaker A
anymore." And how many times have I seen brothers dread they didn't even know that it was is because they didn't even make a change within themselves. So, that is what it is, brothers. It's really having that internal change to where you look at
Speaker A
But there really was no time where he sat with himself and worked internally.
Speaker A
to be assisted by Allah is where the intention to change is for Allah Subhana Wa Ta'ala. Everything trickles down from that.
Speaker A
So, sometimes he will do these actions. He'll get presents. He'll go to the therapy. He'll even make dua.
Speaker A
and saying, "Oh Allah, I'm going to change for your sake." That intention. That is what is mentioned by the second portion of the verse. And lastly, when we look at this, the third portion of the verse can be
Speaker A
But it is something that did not start from him looking at himself and wanting to, as we mentioned in other verses and in other videos, to work on the seed of the problem. A lot
Speaker A
When you look at the first portion that Allah already has a system to preserve you and he is waiting, that is a means for you to take time to think about what you are doing and how to appropriately modify
Speaker A
of times we make dua for the symptom and not really addressing the seed of the problem. Not really addressing that appetite of the ho ah, rather than just saying, "Release my anger." Al
Speaker A
Sunnah of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, and may Allah Subhana Wa Ta'ala allow you to be of those that always struggle and strive to do that one thing. Inna Huwa Li Dhalika.
Speaker A
Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.
Topics:duainternal changeAllahQuranRaad 13:11divine protectionangelsself-improvementIslamic teachingsSh Abdullah Oduro
