Dua e Nudba ||supplication of lamentation

Among the most important supplications within our tradition is Dua al-Nudbah. It is an invocation where we pray for the hastening of the return of our twelfth Imam, Imam Mahdi (p), and also eloquently build a spiritual link with him. We are taught through traditions to recite this particular prayer on the four festive holidays, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Eid al-Ghadeer, and on Fridays.1 This is a beautiful portrayal of what it means to devote ourselves to the Imam of our time during the period of his occultation. Though the Imam is not in our physical company, we have an opportunity to connect with him on a spiritual level and demonstrating our commitment to him by reciting the powerful words of the supplication. Dua al-Nudba, or the “supplication of lamentation” is traditionally recited weekly on the day of Friday. The supplication is narrated by Sayed Ibn Tawus, who was one of the greatest scholars within the school of Ahl al-Bayt (p), in one of his famous works.2 Ibn Mashadi, who is also one of the greatest scholars, narrates it in his famous encyclopedic work of supplications and visitations of the Holy Household.3 It is known as the “supplication of lamentation” because it brings the believers to tears during the course of its recitation, due to the fact that the Imam is in occultation when we are in great need and desire for his presence. From its early onset, upon praising God and sending salutations upon the Prophet Muhammad and his progeny (pbut), we immediately enter into the emotional invocation. It is known as the “supplication of lamentation” because it brings the believers to tears during the course of its recitation, due to the fact that the Imam is in occultation when we are in great need and desire for his presence