Du’a (supplication) is a tool for Muslims to establish a profound connection and engage in direct communication with Allah (SWT). Du’a holds immense power – it serves as a means to seek His (SWT)’s guidance, assistance, and mercy.
Du’a involves invoking and calling upon Allah, showing our humility, and acknowledging our reliance on His boundless power and wisdom. Muslims use du’a during moments of joy, sorrow, hardship, or contentment, being fully aware that Allah is the ultimate source of solace and support.
Du’a is like having a personal conversation with our Creator. It allows us to express our thoughts and feelings directly to Allah. Just as we would regularly communicate with someone we love, du’a is our form of communication with our creator. We can use any language or words to ask for blessings and protection in this life and the Hereafter.
When someone we love continuously make requests from us, we may become distant from them. However Allah Almighty loves when we turn to Him and our earnest requests and supplications are accepted.
Du’a is a chance to share our deepest thoughts and seek Allah’s favour not only for ourselves but also for others, including our loved ones, those in need, and humanity.
Du’a is more than just communication or routine practice. It is considered the essence of worship because it shows that we believe only Allah has the power to grant or deny our wishes, desires, and ambitions. When we make du’a, we acknowledge our dependence on Allah and recognise His ultimate authority and control.
Allah (SWT) loves to hear His servant’s voice. He is constantly attentive to our prayers and supplications. Formal acts of worship, such as Salah, are not the only exclusive means of communicating with our Lord. Du’a has no timeframe, limit, or conditions- we are never disconnected or isolated from Him.
Ibn ʿAta’illah (may Allah be pleased with him) beautifully expressed that whenever Allah grants you the ability to speak and make a request, understand that He desires to bestow something upon you. Implying that wouldn’t have permitted you to make that duʿa (supplication) unless He intended to answer it. The greatest blessing of that supplication is that Allah loves to hear it, and as a result, you draw closer to Him.
And when my servants ask you about Me, then tell them I am near. I answer the call of every believer when they call upon me so let them also answer my call and believe in me so they may find rightful guidance
Quran | Surah Al-Baqarah | 2:186
When we invoke Allah, He is near to us. This is the first gift. The second gift is that He answers our prayers in a manner that is suitable for us, in a way that benefits our worldly life and Hereafter, without putting us in harm’s way due to our limited understanding.
We can see how Merciful and Loving our Lord is, just by calling upon Him. Du’a is considered “the weapon of a believer” and it has the power to change fate with His help. Prophet (SAW) said:
Dua diverts fate and good deeds lengthen the age
Hadith | Tirimdhi
In Islam, there are no specific time restrictions for making general dua. Muslims are encouraged to make supplications to Allah (SWT) at any time.
However, certain times are considered more auspicious for supplication. These times are mentioned in the teachings of Islam and are believed to hold special significance. Here are some of the optimal times for making dua:
Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said: “In the last third of every night our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) (Allah (SWT)) descends to the lowermost heaven and says; ‘Who is calling Me, so that I may answer him? Who is asking Me so that may I grant him? Who is seeking forgiveness from Me so that I may forgive him?.’” [Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith Qudsi]
When people are sleeping and busy with worldly pleasures Allah (SWT) gives the believers an opportunity, or an answer hour if they can fight sleep and invoke Allah (SWT) for whatever they need. The Prophet (SAW) said: ‘There is at night an hour, no Muslim happens to be asking Allah any matter of this world or the Hereafter, except that he will be given it, and this (occurs) every night.” [Hadith | Muslim]
Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said: ‘In the last third of every night our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) (Allah (SWT)) descends to the lowermost heaven and says; “Who is calling Me, so that I may answer him? Who is asking Me so that may I grant him? Who is seeking forgiveness from Me so that I may forgive him?.”‘ [Hadith| Bukhari]
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said; Three supplications will not be rejected (by Allah (SWT)), the supplication of the parent for his child, the supplication of the one who is fasting, and the supplication of the traveller. [Hadith | Tirmidhi]
The Prophet (SAW) said: “There is no believing servant who supplicates for his brother in his absence where the angels do not say, ‘the same be for you’” [Hadith | Muslim]
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “The best supplication is the supplication on the day of Arafat.” [Hadith | Tirmidhi and Malik]
“When anyone of you makes du’a, let him start by glorifying his Lord and praising Him, then let him send blessings upon the Prophet (SAW), then let him pray for whatever he wants.” (Hadith | Tirmidhi).
Narrated Abu Hurairah (RA): Allah’s Messenger (SAW) talked about Friday and said: “There is an hour on Friday and if a Muslim gets it whilst praying and asks something from Allah (SWT), then Allah (SWT) will definitely meet his demand.” And he (the Prophet (SAW) pointed out the shortness of that particular time with his hands. [Hadith | Bukhari].
Jaber (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said: “Zamzam water is for what it is drunk for.” [Hadith | Ahmad]. This means that when you drink Zamzam water you may ask Allah (SWT) for anything you’d like to gain or benefit from this water such as healing from illness, etc.
The Prophet (SAW) said: “There are no days during which good deeds are more beloved to Allah than during these ten days.” [Hadith | Bukhari]
Scholars advise adhering to certain practices when making Du’a. These etiquettes encompass:
Islam is a comprehensive, and complete way of life.It recognises the importance of maintaining a deep connection with Allah in every situation and at every moment. As a testament to this, we have special dua’s (supplications) for nearly every occasion, ensuring that we seek Allah’s blessings, protection, and guidance.
From the simple act of wearing new clothes to the profound experience of losing a loved one, Islam offers specific dua’s to be recited, reflecting the comprehensive nature of our relationship with Allah.
In addition, here are some examples of important Du’as:
الْحَمْدُ للهِ الَّذِي أَحْيَانَا بَعْدَ مَا أَمَاتَنَا وَإِلَيْهِ النُّشُورُ
Transliteration: Alhamdu lillaahil-lathee ‘ahyaanaa ba’da maa ‘amaatanaa wa’ilayhin-nushoor.
Translation: Praise is to Allah Who gives us life after He has caused us to die and to Him is the return.
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّداً عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ
Transliteration: Ash-hadu ‘an laa ‘ilaaha ‘illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu wa ‘ash-hadu ‘anna Muhammadan ‘abduh’;u wa Rasooluhu.
Translation: I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, Who has no partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger.
Du’a when getting dressed:
الْحَمْدُ للهِ الَّذِي كَسَانِي هَذَا (الثَّوبَ) وَرَزَقَنِيهِ مِنْ غَيْرِ حَوْلٍ مِنِّي وَلَا قُوَّةٍ
Transliteration: Alhamdu lillaahil-lathee kasaanee haathaa (aththawba) wa razaqaneehi min ghayri hawlim-minnee wa laa quwwatin.
Translation: Praise is to Allah Who has clothed me with this (garment) and provided it for me, though I was powerless myself and incapable.
اللّهُمَّ صَيِّـباً نافِـعاً
Transliteration: Allaahumma sayyiban naafi’an
Translation: O Allah , (bring) beneficial rain clouds.
أعوذُ بِٱللَّهِ مِنَ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنِ ٱلرَّجِيمِ
Transliteration: A’oothu billaahi minash-Shaytaanir-rajeem.
Translation: I seek refuge in Allah from Satan the outcast from that which You provide for us.
للّهُـمَّ إِنِّي عَبْـدُكَ ابْنُ عَبْـدِكَ ابْنُ أَمَتِـكَ نَاصِيَتِي بِيَـدِكَ، مَاضٍ فِيَّ حُكْمُكَ، عَدْلٌ فِيَّ قَضَاؤكَ أَسْأَلُـكَ بِكُلِّ اسْمٍ هُوَ لَكَ سَمَّـيْتَ بِهِ نَفْسَكَ أِوْ أَنْزَلْتَـهُ فِي كِتَابِكَ، أَوْ عَلَّمْـتَهُ أَحَداً مِنْ خَلْقِـكَ أَوِ اسْتَـأْثَرْتَ بِهِ فِي عِلْمِ الغَيْـبِ عِنْـدَكَ أَنْ تَجْـعَلَ القُرْآنَ رَبِيـعَ قَلْبِـي، وَنورَ صَـدْرِي وجَلَاءَ حُـزْنِي وذَهَابَ هَمِّـي
Transliteration: Allaahumma ‘innee ‘abduka, ibnu ‘abdika, ibnu ‘amatika, naasiyatee biyadika, maadhin fiyya hukmuka, ‘adlun fiyya qadhaa’uka, ‘as’aluka bikulli ismin huwa laka, sammayta bihi nafsaka, ‘aw ‘anzaltahu fee kitaabika, ‘aw ‘allamtahu ‘ahadan min khalqika, ‘awista’tharta bihi fee ‘ilmil-ghaybi ‘indaka, ‘an taj’alal-Qur’aana rabee’a qalbee, wa noora sadree, wa jalaa’a huznee, wa thahaaba hammee.
Translation: O Allah, I am Your slave and the son of Your male slave and the son of Your female slave . My forehead is in Your Hand (i.e. you have control over me) . Your Judgment upon me is assured and Your Decree concerning me is just. I ask You by every Name that You have named Yourself with, revealed in Your Book , taught any one of Your creation or kept unto Yourself in the knowledge of the unseen that is with You , to make the Qur’an the spring of my heart, and the light of my chest, the banisher of my sadness and the reliever of my distress.
May Allah make us amongst His Slaves whose prayers and supplications are accepted. Ameen!
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Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.
Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.
Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.
Nadeem Azhar
Nadeem joined Islamic Relief Worldwide in September 2022. He has worked in the charitable sector for over a decade.
He studied Modern History and Politics at Manchester University, and at the University of Law in London before qualifying as a solicitor in 2011.
Nadeem is an experienced corporate, commercial and governance lawyer, having worked with various faith-based and grant making charities as well those in health and education settings. He was a partner at a law firm in London before moving in-house where he focused on setting up and restructuring charities and social enterprises.
Most recently, Nadeem was Lead Counsel at Mind, a leading mental health charity, where he co-authored a new federation agreement, revamped legal processes, and played a major role in developing its strategic and fundraising partnerships.
Nadeem has been a charity trustee for the Seafarers Charity, as well as many grant-making bodies and theatre companies.
Adnan Hafiz
Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.
Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.
Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.
Martin Cottingham joined Islamic Relief in 2012 as IRUK Media Relations Manager, and was appointed Head of Communications in 2015 before taking up his current position as Director of External Relations and Advocacy for Islamic Relief Worldwide.
Martin has helped Islamic Relief to increase its mainstream media profile and expand its campaigning work, producing hard-hitting advocacy reports on floods in Pakistan (2011) famine in Somalia (2012) disaster risk reduction (2013) and aid to Afghanistan (2014). He has over 20 years’ experience working in media, communications and marketing roles for international development and environmental charities.
Martin graduated from the University of London with a degree in English and Drama (1982-85) then trained as a journalist with a postgraduate diploma at City University (1986-87). He has previously worked for Christian Aid as Editor of Christian Aid News and Media Relations Manager (1988-97) for Oxfam as Regional Campaigns Manager (1997-2000) and at the Soil Association as Marketing Director (2001-2006), as well as working for a wide range of organisations as a freelance writer, researcher and communications consultant.
Waseem Ahmad joined the Islamic Relief family over 24 years ago, serving as Programme Officer in the Balochistan province of south-western Pakistan before becoming Head of Programmes in Pakistan. Waseem then moved to Oxfam and Tearfund before returning to Islamic Relief to establish our mission in Malawi. Later serving as Head of Programme Funding and Partnerships, Waseem led the response to major crises across the globe, including the East Africa drought, Pakistan earthquake and the Indian Ocean Tsunami.
Waseem then served for nearly 6 years as our Director of International Programmes, during which time the charity secured and retained the coveted Core Humanitarian Standard certification in recognition of the quality of our programming. He was appointed CEO of Islamic Relief in May 2021.
With a special interest in community mobilisation and infrastructure, Waseem received an MSc in Project Planning and Management from the University of Bradford, as well as an MSc in Economics from Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Waseem has also worked for Lepra Health in Action and is a member of the International Civil Society Centre’s Board of Trustees. The father-of-3 enjoys walking and playing football, and is a keen birdwatcher.