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Dua is a powerful tool that allows you to converse directly with the One Who created you, Allah Almighty. Every day, you can ask Allah for anything, whether it’s forgiveness, rizq, a spouse, happiness, or success in the Hereafter.
What if you could make your duas more impactful by following the etiquettes and Sunnahs taught in Islam? These simple practices can help you increase khushoo (focus) and strengthen your connection with Allah. This article provides a clear, step-by-step guide to making dua properly so you can experience its full benefits.
In Islam, dua is a deeply meaningful act that allows a believer to directly communicate with Allah. Unlike the five daily Salah, it is a more flexible and personal conversation with the Creator, where you can express your deepest hopes, fears, and desires in your own words, anytime and anywhere.
Making dua is very important, so much so that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said,
“Dua (supplication) is itself the worship.”
(Sunan Abi Dawud 1479)
This Hadith highlights that dua is more than just a way of asking for things; it is a profound act of devotion and submission. It nurtures the relationship between a Muslim and Allah, reminding one of His mercy and power.
In this section, you will discover a detailed guide on how to make dua properly, drawing insights from the Quran and Sunnah:
The first step in making dua is to ensure you are in a state of cleanliness. While it is not compulsory to perform wudu (ablution) before making dua, it is the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH). During the Battle of Hunayn, when Abu Amir (RA), a brave Muslim commander, was severely injured, he requested the Prophet (PBUH) to pray for him.
“The Prophet (PBUH) asked for water, performed ablution and then raised hands, saying, "O Allah's Forgive Ubaid, Abu Amir.”
(Sahih Al-Bukhari 4323)
By following this practice, you not only adhere to the Sunnah but also prepare yourself mentally and spiritually, which can make your dua more powerful and heartfelt.
Facing the Qiblah (prayer direction) when making dua is recommended but not obligatory. Dua can be made anywhere and at any time. However, there are different reasons why facing the Qiblah during dua is considered a praiseworthy practice. Firstly, it serves as the focal point of Muslim worship. Secondly, it follows the sunnah of our beloved Prophet (PBUH). Abdullah Bin Zaid (RA) narrated,
“Allah's Messenger (PBUH) went out to this Musalla (praying place) to offer the prayer of Istisqa. He invoked Allah for rain and then faced the Qibla and turned his Rida' (upper garment) inside out.”
(Sahih Al-Bukhari 6343)
Raising hands during dua is also a Sunnah that carries a very deep meaning. To understand how significant and beautiful this practice is, read the following hadith,
Salman al-Farsi narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said,
“Your Lord is munificent and generous, and becomes shy to turn away empty the hands of His servant when he raises them to Him.”
(Sunan Abi Dawud 1488)
SubhanAllah, this hadith sheds light on the beauty of raising your hands when making dua. It shows the humility and submission of the one making dua to Allah Almighty. So, whenever making dua, be sure to raise the palms of your hands towards the heavens, in the manner of a humble person who hopes to be granted something.
The following verse serves as a reminder that Allah is always near, so there is no need to raise your voice. When making dua, whether in the privacy of your room or the mosque, it is important to maintain a humble and low tone, showing reverence and sincerity.
It is also mentioned in the Quran,
“Remember your Lord inwardly with humility and reverence and in a moderate tone of voice, both morning and evening. And do not be one of the heedless.”
(Surah Al-Ar’af, verse 205)
When you are prepared to make dua, do not rush into it. Instead begin by praising the most Merciful, Allah Almighty, in a way that is pleasing to Him. Our beloved Prophet (PBUH) advised Muslims to praise Allah before asking for anything,
“When one of you performs Salat, then let him begin by expressing gratitude to Allah and praising Him. Then, let him send Salawat upon the Prophet (PBUH), then let him supplicate after that, whatever he wishes.”
(Jami At-Tirmidhi 3477)
Allah has 99 names, each referring to a specific attribute of His. You can invoke Allah by any of His names. It is also mentioned in the Quran,
“Allah has the Most Beautiful Names. So call upon Him by them, and keep away from those who abuse His Names. They will be punished for what they used to do.”
(Surah Al-A’raf, verse 180)
You can select the most relevant name for your dua. For instance, if you are asking for forgiveness, you could say Al-Ghaffar (The Most Forgiving), and if you are requesting rizq, you could say Ar-Razzaq (The Provider).
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Another key etiquette for making dua is to send blessings to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The Prophet (PBUH) himself taught us the importance of this act, saying:
“Every dua is kept back until you send blessings upon the Prophet (PBUH).”
(Sahih Al-Jami 4431)
Sending blessings, also known as Salawat, is a way of honouring and showing love for the Prophet (PBUH). It reflects one’s gratitude for his role in delivering the message of Islam and guiding toward the path of righteousness. This act also elevates the status of your dua, ensuring that it reaches Allah and is not held back.
Before making dua, it’s important to seek forgiveness and repentance for any sins or mistakes. This helps to cleanse the soul and remove anything that might block the acceptance of your prayers.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), even though he was free from sin, would regularly ask Allah for forgiveness and turn to Him in repentance, as mentioned in the narration below.
"Sometimes I perceive a veil over my heart, and I supplicate Allah for forgiveness a hundred times in a day."
(Riyad As-Salihin 1869)
Ibn Umar (RA) said that they counted the Messenger's (PBUH) saying the following dua a hundred times during one single sitting:
رب اغفر لي، وتب على إنك أنت التواب الرحيم
Rabb- ighfir li, wa tubb 'alayya, innaka Antat-Tawwabur-Rahim
“My Lord! Forgive me and pardon me. Indeed, You are the Oft-Returning with compassion and Ever Merciful."
(Riyad As-Salihin 1872)
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While making dua, you can ask Allah Almighty for everything lawful you need, without holding back. No desire is too much for Allah to grant. Did you know that when Prophet Suleiman (AS) finished building Masjid Al-Aqsa, he made three huge duas, all of which Allah answered, as shared in the following hadith,
“He asked Allah for three things: the judgment that was in harmony with His judgment, a dominion that no one after him would have and that no one should come to this mosque, intending only to pray there, but he would emerge free of sin as the day his mother bore him.”
The Prophet (PBUH) then said,
“Two prayers were granted, and I hope that the third was also granted.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah 1408)
This example reminds Muslims that nothing has greatness over Allah and they should never put a limit on their duas.
Praying for others is a kind and caring act that helps not only the people you pray for but also brings great rewards to you. When you include your family, friends, and all Muslims in your prayers, it shows love, kindness, and a sense of togetherness as a believer.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasised this virtuous act, saying,
“Whoever seeks forgiveness for believing men and believing women, Allah will write for him a good deed for each believing man and believing woman.”
(At-Tabarani)
When you have finished supplicating to Allah Almighty, say ‘Amin’ to seal your dua. Abu Zuhayr reported that we went out with the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) one night and came upon a man who made supplication with persistence. The Prophet (PBUH) waited to hear him. Then, he said,
“He will have done something which guarantees (Paradise for him) if he puts a seal to it. One of the people asked, What should he use as a seal?”
He replied, “Amin, for if he ends it with Amin.”
(Sunan Abi Dawud 938)
After saying ‘Amin’, follow the Sunnah of wiping your hands over your face; Umar bin Khattab (RA) narrated,
“Whenever the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) would raise his hands in supplication, he would not lower them until he had wiped his face with them.”
(Jami At-Tirmidhi 3346)
Here are some other tips to elevate your dua and increase its impact:
A dua that comes from your heart with pure intentions is valuable, even if it is not a specific dua from the Quran or Sunnah. You can pray in any language; it is how your heart naturally converses with Allah, asking for His blessings and mercy.
The Prophet (PBUH) said,
“Know that Allah does not answer a dua from an inattentive heart.”
( Jami At-Tirmidhi 3479)
At times, you may feel that you have been making dua repeatedly but without any response. As Muslims, we should never forget to trust in Allah’s plan, for He is the All-Knowing and Most Merciful. Whenever you supplicate to Allah, do so with firm faith that you will be answered in the best way by Allah Almighty.
Allah says in the Quran,
“When My servants ask you (O Prophet) about Me: I am truly near. I respond to one’s prayer when they call upon Me.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 186)
Did you know that doing good deeds can strengthen and elevate your dua? Allah highlights this connection in the Quran:
“To Him do good words go up, and righteous action uplifts them.”
(Surah Fatir, verse 10)
This verse reminds everyone that combining one’s duas with righteous actions makes them more impactful. Acts like giving charity, helping others, or being kind to those around you reflect sincerity and devotion, which can bring you closer to Allah.
Dua is more likely to be accepted during special times, such as at the Adhan (call to prayer), when it’s raining, during Tahajjud (the late-night prayer), while travelling, and when fasting. These are great opportunities to make dua, and remembering them can help increase the chances of your prayers being answered.
The Prophet (PBUH) said,
“Two supplications are not rejected, or seldom rejected: the supplication at the call to prayer and under the rain.”
(Sunan Abi Dawud 2540)
While dua can be made at any time and in any place, there are moments considered more favourable than others in Islam. To discover more about these special times, don’t miss out on reading this blog!
In summary, dua holds great significance in Islam, and one must try to make dua as much as possible, as the Prophet (PBUH) said,
“Dua is the essence of worship.”
(Jami At-Tirmidhi 3371)
By making dua with sincerity and trust, we ask for help, show gratitude, and grow closer to Allah. To make your dua stronger, remember to follow the shared steps including raising hands, facing the qiblah, praising Allah and so on. Make dua a regular part of your life to bring peace and strengthen your relationship with Allah.
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