HOW TO MAKE OUR DU’A MORE EFFECTIVE

February 22, 2020February 26, 2020 Steps2Allah

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH THE MOST GRACIOUS, THE MOST MERCIFUL

INTRODUCTION

Everyone must understand that a du’a is a powerful weapon for a believer. A weapon will only be effective when 3 things are occurring at the same time:

Allah makes it possible
The user is trained well to use the weapon
The weapon itself is effective to be used

If these 3 things are not present – the weapon will be ineffective, or even worse, it will be completely of no use.

The same with du’a:

Allah is the one who Answers our du’a and therefore our relationship with Him must be maintained, such as don’t commit shirk;
A believer must at all times make the effort to know when is the best time to make du’a and ensure that no elements are present to nullify the du’a, such as haram income, etc;
The du’a itself must be effective and specific for the needs. Verses from the Qur’an and specific du’a from authentic hadiths.

Allah Assured us, in surah al Baqarah (2) verse 186:

“And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad SallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor). So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright.”

We have to understand that when Allah said that he is “near” it simply means that He is aware of everything that we do, as He Al Khabir (All Aware), Al ‘Alim (All Knower), As Sami’ (All Hearer) and Al Basir (All Seer). He is always above His Throne.

Allah also Reminded us:

“And your Lord said: “Invoke Me, [i.e. believe in My Oneness (Islamic Monotheism)] (and ask Me for anything) I will respond to your (invocation). Verily! Those who scorn My worship [i.e. do not invoke Me, and do not believe in My Oneness, (Islamic Monotheism)] they will surely enter Hell in humiliation!” (Surah Ghafir 40, verse 60)

Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said:

( الدُّعَاءُ هُوَ الْعِبَادَةُ ( قَالَ رَبُّكُمُ ادْعُونِى أَسْتَجِبْ لَكُمْ

Dua is worship. Your Lord said: call on Me and I’ll answer you.[ Abu Dawud 1329; graded as being Sahih by Imam Al-Albani.]

Imaam Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:

“duas and ta’awwudhaat [prayers seeking refuge with Allaah] are like a weapon, and a weapon is only as good as the person who is using it; it is not merely the matter of how sharp it is. If the weapon is perfect and free of faults, and the arm of the person using it is strong, and there is nothing stopping him, then he can lay waste the enemy. But if any of these three features is lacking, then the effect will be lacking accordingly.”

(al-Daa’ wa’l-Dawaa’, p. 35).

Understanding the above, lets us look at how we should make our du’a more effective.

Understand how our du’a is answered by Allah
Our personal relationship with Allah
Applying the etiquette of making du’a
Certainty that the du’a will be answered by Allah
Beseeching and humbling oneself
Understand the du’a in your own language
Say the du’a silently
Don’t be hasty for your du’a to be answered
Repeat the du’a
Making du’a at a specific time
Seeking knowledge on the various du’a for different occasions
Other factors

UNDERSTAND HOW ALLAH WILL RESPOND TO OUR DU’A

Allah will respond to our du’a in 3 ways:

The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) taught us that supplications are answered in one of three ways:

By actually giving the thing being asked
By warding off a harm that would have otherwise afflicted the person;
As gifts awaiting the person in the next life, which is the best form of du’a being answered.

[Musnad Ahmad]

So, it is always a win-win situation, unless of course the person did something which causes all du’a to be rejected, or he/she makes du’a for something sinful.

The Messenger of Allah (SallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “Whenever a Muslim supplicates Allah, He accepts his supplication or averts any similar kind of trouble from him until he prays for something sinful or something that may break the ties of kinship.” Upon this, someone of the Companions said: “Then we shall supplicate plenty.” The Messenger of Allah (SallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “Allah is more plentiful (in responding).” [At- Tirmidhi].

We also must understand some of the beautiful Names of Allah:

Al Mujib – the One who Responds

As Sami’ – the All-Hearer
Al ‘Alim – the All –Knower
Al Khabir – the All Aware

HOW IS OUR PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH ALLAH

All of us would definitely know if our relationship with Allah is good or bad. We just need to ask ourselves:

Am I constantly obeying Allah?
Have I committed sins deliberately?
How often do I seek His Forgiveness?
Do I do more voluntary deeds which eventually will gain His Love?
Have I been helping others sincerely in this world?
Have I read the Qur’an constantly with understanding?
Have I tried to follow the ways of our beloved prophet Muhammad SallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam? (3: 31)

Don’t deceive ourselves by claiming that our relationship with Allah is good if we have missed prayers regularly. In our jobs, if we are constantly lying, being dishonest, taking bribes, etc we cannot say that our relationship with Allah is good. Some of them bring us very far away from Allah which would lead our du’a to be rejected.

In general, the more Allah Loves us, the more Allah will Grant our du’a. We need to know how to earn His Love:

Al-Bukhaari (6502) narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Allah says: ‘Whoever takes a close friend of Mine as an enemy, I declare war on him. My slave does not draw closer to Me by anything more beloved to Me than that which I have made obligatory upon him, and My slave continues to draw closer to Me by doing naafil (supererogatory) deeds until I love him, and if I love him I will be his hearing with which he hears, his vision with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes and his foot with which he walks. If he were to ask of Me, I would surely give to him; if he were to seek refuge with Me, I would surely grant him refuge. I do not hesitate about anything that I want to do as I hesitate to take the soul of a believer, for he hates death and I hate to hurt him.” This hadith clearly and concisely highlights the way to become a close friend of Allah, may He be exalted, for the one who wants to be one of His close friends.

However, we also must understand that when Allah Loves us He would Test us:

“I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, which people are most severely tested?’ He said: ‘The Prophets, then the next best and the next best. A person is tested according to his religious commitment. If he is steadfast in his religious commitment, he will be tested more severely, and if he is frail in his religious commitment, his test will be according to his commitment. Trials will continue to afflict a person until they leave him walking on the earth with no sin on him.’ [Ibn Majah]

Trials are an inevitable part of this life. Reflect on the stories of the Prophets (upon them be blessings and peace), and how much they were tested. Being in the dunya can be unbelievably painful. It can also contain tremendous joy. All this passes – the good of it, and the bad of it. I pray that Allah grants you a multitude of ways to cope, out of His Mercy. InshaAllah your heartache is expiation for you, and an elevation of your rank in Jannah.

“Verily, with the hardship, there is relief.” [Qur’an, 94:6]

ETIQUETTE OF MAKING DU’A
Sincerity towards Allaah alone in making du’aa’.

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allaah, and worship none but Him Alone (abstaining from ascribing partners to Him)” [al-Bayyinah 98:5]

Du’aa’ is worship, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, so sincerity (ikhlaas) is a condition of its being accepted.

We should praise Allaah as He deserves before we call upon Him.

Al-Tirmidhi (3476) narrated that Fadaalah ibn ‘Ubayd (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: Whilst the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was sitting, a man came in and prayed and said, “O Allaah, forgive me and have mercy on me.” The Messenger of Allaah (S) said, “You have been too hasty, O worshipper. When you have prayed and are sitting, praise Allaah as He deserves to be praised, and send blessings upon me, then call upon Him.” According to another version (3477): “When one of you prays, let him start with praise of Allaah, then let him send blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), then let him ask whatever he likes after that.” Then another man prayed after that, and he praised Allaah and sent blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “O worshipper, ask and you will be answered.” Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, 2765, 2767.

Sending blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Every du’aa’ is kept back until you send blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).” Narrated by al-Tabaraani in al-Awsat, 1/220; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 4399.

Ask forgiveness from Allah SWT

haddad bin Aws radi Allahu anhu narrated that the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa salaam said, “The supreme way of asking for forgiveness from Allah is to say: ‘O Allah, You are my Lord, There is none worthy of worship but You, You have created me, and I am Your servant. I am commited to my covenant and my promise to You as much as I can. I seek refuge with You from the evil I have done. I acknowledge before You all the bleesings You have bestowed upon me, and I confess to you all my sins. So grant me forgiveness for no one can forgive sins except You.” The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa salaam added, “If somebody says it during the day with firm faith in it, and dies on the same day before the evening he will be among the people of Paradise. And if someone says it at night with firm faith in it and dies before the morning, he will be among the people of Paradise.”(Bukhari reported it)

The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa salaam also said,

“That the dua of Dhu Al-Nun (The man of the fish i.e. Yunus/Jonas) by which he invoked Allah from inside the belly of the whale is: There is none worthy of worship but You, Glory be to You, verily I am amongst the wrong doers. No muslim ever makes dua by it but Allah will grant it.”

(Reported by al-Tirmidhi in his sunnan [4/260], Ahmad [1/170] & al-Hakim [2/383] who authenticated it. Al-Dhahabi agreed to it. Also our Sheikh al-Albani in “Al-Kalim al-Tayyib” no.122)

We should ask of Allaah by His most beautiful names.

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And (all) the Most Beautiful Names belong to Allaah, so call on Him by them, and leave the company of those who belie or deny (or utter impious speech against) His Names” [al-A’raaf 7:180]

HAVE CERTAINTY (YAQEEN) THAT YOUR DU’A WILL BE ANSWERED

Having certain faith that Allaah will respond, and focusing with proper presence of mind, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Call upon Allaah when you are certain of a response, and remember that Allaah will not answer a du’aa’ that comes from a negligent and heedless heart.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 3479; classed as hasan by Shaykh al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, 2766.

Making the dua conditional, such as saying, “O Allaah, forgive me if You will” or “O Allaah, have mercy upon me if You will.” The person who makes dua has to be resolute in his supplication, striving hard and earnestly repeating his dua. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Let not any one of you say, ‘O Allaah, forgive me if You will, O Allaah, have mercy on me if You will.’ Let him be resolute in the matter, whilst knowing that no one can compel Allaah to do anything.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari and Muslim.

BESEECHING AND HUMBLING ONESELF, HOPING FOR ALLAH’S REWARD AND FEARING HIS PINISHMENT

This is the spirit, essence and purpose of du’aa.

Allah (SWT) says (interpretation of the meaning): “Invoke your Lord with humility and in secret. He likes not the aggressors” [al-A’raaf 7:55]

“Verily, they used to hasten on to do good deeds, and they used to call on Us with hope and fear, and used to humble themselves before Us” [al-Anbiya’ 21:60]

“And remember your Lord within yourself, humbly and with fear and without loudness in words in the mornings and in the afternoons” [al-A’raaf 7:20]

UNDERSTAND THE DU’A THAT YOU ARE MAKING

It is so important to understand the du’a that you are making. Many people make du’a without understanding. The worst thing is that people are making mistakes in the Arabic language of the du’a which may even change the meaning of the du’a.

SAY THE DU’A SILENTLY

Saying du’aa’ silently and not out loud. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Invoke your Lord with humility and in secret” [al-A’raaf 7:55]

And Allaah praised His slave Zakariyyah (peace be upon him) by saying (interpretation of the meaning): “When he called to his Lord (Allaah) a call in secret” [Maryam 19:3]

DON’T BE HASTY FOR YOUR DU’A TO BE ANSWERED

Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The dua of any one of you will be answered so long as he is not impatient and says, ‘I made dua but it was not answered.’” Narrated by al-Bukhaari and Muslim.

The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa salaam said: “The servant’s dua will be answered provided he does not ask for what is sinful or for the breaking off of relations, and also if he does not show impatience.” He was asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah, what is impatience?’ And he replied, “That the servant says: I invoked, but I do not think it (my invocation) was answered, and he becomes disappointed and abandons dua.” (Muslim from Abu Hurairah)

REPEAT THE DU’A (SAY MORE THAN ONCE)

Saying du’aa’s three times. Al-Bukhaari (240) and Muslim (1794) narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “Whilst the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was praying at the Ka’bah, Abu Jahl and his companions were sitting nearby. They had slaughtered a camel the previous day, and Abu Jahl said: “Which of you will go and get the abdominal contents of the camel of Banu So and so and put it on the back of Muhammad when he prostrates?” The worst of the people went and got it, and when the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) prostrated, he placed it between his shoulders. They started laughing, leaning against one another. I was standing there watching, and if I had had any power, I would have lifted it from the back of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) remained in prostration, not lifting his head, until someone went and told Faatimah. She came with Juwayriyah, and lifted it from him, then she turned to them and rebuked them. When the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had finished his prayer, he raised his voice and prayed against them – and when he made du’aa’ or asked of Allaah he would repeat it three times – and he said: “O Allaah, punish Quraysh” three times. When they heard his voice, they stopped laughing and were afraid because of his du’aa’. Then he said, “O Allaah, punish Abu Jahl ibn Hishaam, ‘Utbah ibn Rabee’ah, Shaybah ibn Rabee’ah, al-Waleed ibn ‘Uqbah, Umayyah ibn Khalaf and ‘Uqbah ibn Abu Mu’ayt,” and he mentioned the seventh but I cannot remember who it was. By the One Who sent Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) with the truth, I saw those whom he had named slain on the day of Badr, then they were dragged and thrown into the well, the well of Badr.

Restricting it to three times is preferable, in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). Ibn Mas’ood (may Allaah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) liked to say a dua three times and ask for forgiveness three times. This was narrated by Abu Dawood and al-Nasaa’i.

MAKING DU’A AT SPECIFIC TIMES
The Last Third Of The Night

Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘In the last third of every night our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) (Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala)) 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]

Amr ibn Absah narrated that the Prophet said: ‘The closest any worshipper can be to His Lord is during the last part of the night, so if you can be amongst those who remember Allah at that time, then do so.’ [at-Tirmidhi, an-Nasa’i, al-Hakim – Sahih]

Late at night

When people are sleeping and busy with worldly pleasures Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) gives the believers an opportunity, or an answer hour if they can fight sleep and invoke Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) for whatever they need.

The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) 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.’ [Muslim #757]

Between Adhan and Iqamah

Anas (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘A supplication made between the Adhan and Iqama is not rejected.’ [Ahmad, abu Dawud #521, at-Tirmidhi #212, Sahih al-Jami #3408, an-Nasai and Ibn Hibban graded it sahih (sound)]

An Hour on Friday

Narrated Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu): Allah’s Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) talked about Friday and said: ‘There is an hour on Friday and if a Muslim gets it while offering Salat (prayer) and asks something from Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala), then Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) will definitely meet his demand.’ And he (the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) pointed out the shortness of that particular time with his hands. [Sahih al-Bukhari]

Some have said that this hour is from the time the Imam (prayer’s leader) enters the mosque on Friday’s prayer until the prayer is over (ie between the two khutbahs), whereas others have said that it is the last hour of the day (ie after the Asr prayer until the Maghrib prayer).
(Note: when we say an hour here we do not mean the hour everyone knows (60 minutes) but an unspecified period of time because the time counters which we use today came after the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) had died.

While Drinking Zamzam Water

Jaber (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘Zamzam water is for what it is drunk for.’ [Ahmad 3: 357 and Ibn Majah #3062]

This means that when you drink Zamzam water you may ask Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) for anything you like to gain or benefit from this water such as healing from illness…. etc.

While Prostrating

Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam), said: ‘The nearest a slave can be to his Lord is when he is prostrating, so invoke (supplicate) Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) much in it. [Muslim, abu Dawud, an-Nasa’i and others, Sahih al-Jami #1175]

When a Muslim is in his Salat (prayer) he is facing Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) and when he prostrates he is the nearest he can be to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) so it is best to invoke Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) at this time. It is said that while in prostration, one should not ask for worldy needs (ie a nice car, a new job, etc), but for the Hereafter.

When Waking Up at Night

Narrated Ubada Bin As-Samit that Allah’s Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘Whomever wakes up at night and says La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la shrika lahu lahulmulku, wa lahul hamdu, wa huwa ala kulli shai’in qadir. Alhamdu lillahi, wa subhanallahi wa la ilaha illallahu, wallah akbir, wa la hawla wala quwata illa billah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) He is the only one who has no partners. His is the kingdom and all the praises are for Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) All the glories are for Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) And none has the right to be worshipped but Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) and Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) is the most Great and there is neither might nor power except with Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) and then says, Allahumma ighfir li (O Allah! Forgive me) or invokes Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala), he will be responded to and if he makes ablution and performs Salat (prayer), his Salat (prayer) will be accepted. [Sahih al-Bukhari]

At The End Of The Obligatory Salat:

Narrated Abu Omamah (radiAllahu anhu): that Allah’s Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) was asked, O Messenger of Allah, which supplication is heard (by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala), he said the end of the night and at the end of the obligatory Salat (prayer) [at-Tirmidhi]

This time is after saying ‘At-tahyat’ , and before making Tasleem (finishing prayer)

The Night Of ‘Qadr’ (Decree)

This night is the greatest night of the year. This is the night which the almighty Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) said about it, “The night of Al-Qadar (Decree) is better than a thousand months.” [Surah al-Qadr, 97: 3]

The Night of Decree is one of the odd nights of the last ten nights of the blessed month of Ramadan. The angels descend down to the earth, and the earth is overwhelmed with peace and serenity until the break of dawn and when he doors of Paradise are opened, the worshipper is encouraged to turn to Allah to ask for his needs for this world and the Hereafter.

During The Rain

Narrated Sahel Ibn Sa’ad (radiAllahu anhu): that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘Two will not be rejected, Supplication when the Adhan (call of prayer) is being called, and at the time of the rain’. [Al-Hakim 2: 114, and Abu Dawud #2540, ibn Majah]

‘Seek the response to your du’as when the armies meet, and the prayer is called, and when rain falls’ [reported by Imam al-Shafi’ in al-Umm, al-Sahihah #1469]

The time of the rain is a time of mercy from Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) so, one should take advantage of this time when Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) is having mercy on His slaves.

At the Adhan

‘Seek the response to your du’as when the armies meet, and the prayer is called, and when rain falls’ [reported by Imam al-Shafi’ in al-Umm, al-Sahihah #1469]

In another hadith; ‘When the prayer is called, the doors of the skies are opened, and the du’a is answered’ [al-Tayalisi in his Musnad #2106, al-Sahihah #1413]

The one Who Is Suffering Injustice and Opression

The Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said to Mua’ad Ibn Jabal (radiAllahu anhu), ‘Beware of the supplication of the unjustly treated, because there is no shelter or veil between it (the supplication of the one who is suffering injustice) and Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala)’ [Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

The prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) declared, ‘Three men whose dua is never rejected (by Allah) are: the fasting person until he breaks his fast (in another narration, when he breaks fast), the just ruler and the one who is oppressed.’
[Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi – Hasan]

In another hadith; The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) declared: ‘Three du’as are surely answered: The du’a of the oppressed, the du’a of the traveler, and the du’a of the father/mother (upon their child)’

The one who is suffering injustice is heard by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) when he invokes Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) to retain his rights from the unjust one or oppressor. Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) has sworn to help the one who is suffering from injustice sooner or later as the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said.

The Traveler

The Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said; Three supplications will not be rejected (by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala)), the supplication of the parent for his child, the supplication of the one who is fasting, and the supplication of the traveler. [al-Bayhaqi, at-Tirmidhi – Sahih]

During travel supplication is heard by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) if the trip is for a good reason, but if the trip is for a bad intention or to perform illegal things (making sins) this will not apply to it.

The Parent’s Supplication for their Child

Dua after praising Allah and giving salat on the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) in the tashahhud at the end of salat.

Narrated Faddalah ibn Ubayd (radiAllahu anhu): that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘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 (salAllahu alayhi wasalam), then let him pray for whatever he wants’ [abu Dawud #1481, at-Tirmidhi #3477]

In another hadith; Baqiy ibn Mukhallid (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘Every du’a is not responded to until one sends blessings upon the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam)’ [al-Bayhaqi]

In another hadith; Umar (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘Du’a is detained between the heavens and the earth and no part of it is taken up until you send blessings upon your Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam)’
[at-Tirmidhi #486]

After a person has finished his tashahhud and before saying the ’salam’, supplication at this time is one likely to be responded to. Ibn Mas’ud narrates: I was once praying, and the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam), Abu Bakr and Umar (were all present). When I sat down (in the final tashahhud), I praised Allah, then sent salams on the Prophet, then started praying for myself. At this, the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:‘Ask, and you shall be given it! Ask, and you shall be given it!’ [at-Tirmidhi #593 – hasan, Mishkat al-Misbah #931]

The dua of a Muslim for his absent brother or sister Muslim stemming from the heart.

The prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) 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” [Muslim]

Dua on the Day of Arafat

The Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘The best supplication is the supplication on the day of Arafat’.[at-Tirmidhi and Malik]

The day of Arafat is the essence and pinnacle of Hajj. on this great and momentous day, millions of worshippers gather together on one plain, from every corner of the world, with only one purpose in mind – to respone to the call of their Creator. During this auspicious day, Allah does not refuse the requests of His worshippers.

Dua during the month of Ramadan

Ramadan is month full of many blessings, thus the du’a of Ramadan is a blessed one. This can be inferred from the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) saying: ‘When Ramadan comes, the Doors of Mercy (another narration says Paradise) are opened, and the doors of Hell are closed, and the Sahitans are locked up’ Thus, it is clear that du’a during Ramadan has a greater chance of being accepted, as the Gates of Paradise and Mercy are opened.
[Sahih al-Bukhari #1899, Muslim #1079 and others]

Dua when the Armies meet

When the Muslim is facing the enemy in battle, at this critical period, the du’a of a worshipper is accepted.

Sahl ibn Sa’d (radiAllahu anhu) narrtaed the the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
‘Two duas are never rejected, or rarely rejected: the du’a during the call for prayer, and the du’a during the clamity when the two armies attack each other’

[abu Dawud #2540, ibn Majah, al-Hakim]

In another narration: ‘Seek the response to your du’as when the armies meet, and the prayer is called, and when rain falls’[reported by Imam al-Shafi’ in al-Umm, al-Sahihah #1469]

When Muslims gather for the purpose of invoking and remembering Allah (Dhikrullah) .

The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
If a group of people sit together remembering Allah, the angels will circle them, mercy will shroud them, peace will descend onto them and Allah will remember them among those with Him. [Muslim]

First Ten days of Dhul-Hijjah

The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
‘There are no days during which good deeds are more beloved to Allah than during these ten days’ [Sahih al-Bukhai #969 and others]

Dua when the heart reaches out to Allah and is ready to be totally sincere

At Midnight

Abu Umamah (radiAllahu anhu) said, the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) was questioned; ‘Which du’a is heard (by Allah)?’ He answered, ‘At midnight and at the end of every obligatory prayer.’[at-Tirmidhi – Hasan]

Dua of people after the death of a person

In a long hadith, Umm Salamah (radiAllahu anha) narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, when Abu Salamah had just passed away, and had closed his eyes,
‘Do not ask for yourselves anything but good, for the angels will say ‘Ameen’ to all that you ask for. O Allah, forgive Abu Salamah, and raise his ranks among those who are guided.’
[Muslim, abu Dawud, Ahmad]

Dua of the one fasting until he breaks his fast.

Dua of the one fasting at the time of breaking fast

The prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) declared,
‘Three men whose dua is never rejected (by Allah) are: when a fasting person breaks fast (in another narration, the fasting person until he breaks his fast), the just ruler and the one who is oppressed.’ [Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi – Hasan]

Dua of a just Ruler

The prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) declared,
‘Three men whose dua is never rejected (by Allah) are: the fasting person until he breaks his fast (in another narration, when he breaks fast), the just ruler and the one who is oppressed.’
[Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi – Hasan]

Dua of a son or daughter obedient to his or her parents

It is well known in the story narrated in hadith os three men who were trapped by a huge stone in a cave. one of them who was kind to kis parents asked Allah to remove the stone, and his du’a was answered. [Sahih al-Bukhari 3:36 #472]

Dua immediately after wudu

Umar ibn Al-Khattab reported that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
‘There is not one of you that makes wudu, and does it perfectly, then says: I testify that there is no diety worthy of worship except Allah. he is Alone, having no partners. And I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and messenger’, except that the eight gates of Paradise are opened for him, and he can enter into it through whichever one he pleases’
[Muslim #234, abu Dawud #162, Ahmad, an-Nasa’i]

Saying what has been mentioned in the hadith that is directly related to it (ablution)

Dua after stoning the Jamarat at Hajj

The stoning of the small Shaitan (jamrat sugra), or the middle Shaitan (jamrat wusta) pillars during Hajj.

It is narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) would stone the small Jamarah (one of the three pillars that is stoned in the last days of Hajj), then face the qiblah, raise his hands, and make du’a for a long time. He would then stone the middle Jamarah and do the same. When he stoned the large Jamarah, he would depart without making any du’a. [Sahih al-Bukhari #1753 and others]

At the Crowing of a Rooster

Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
‘When you hear a rooster crowing, then ask Allah for His bounties, for it has seen an angel, and when you hear a donkey braying, then seek refuge in Allah from Shaitan, for it has seen a Shaitan’ [Sahih al-Bukhari, Muslim, Ahmad, Sahih al-Jami #611]

Du’a made inside the Ka’bah

The Ka’bah is a sanctuary that has no comparison in the entire world. The du’a of one who prays inside the hijr is considered as being made inside the ka’bah, as it is part of the house (Baitullah). [This is the semicircle to the right of the Ka’bah if you face the door, opposite to the Yemeni corner and the Black stone wall.]

Usamah ibn Zayd narrated, ‘When the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) entered the House (Ka’bah), he made du’a in all of its corners [Muslim 2: 968 and others]

Du’a on the mount of Safa or Marwah during Umrah or Hajj

It is narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) would make long du’as at Safa and Marwah. [Muslim #1218 and others]

Dua at any of the holy sites.

While reciting Surah al-Fatihah

The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said that Allah the Exalted had said:
‘ I have divided the prayer into two halves between Me and My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks for. When the servant says: Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the universe, Allah the Most High says: My servant has praised Me. And when he (the servant) says: The Most Compassionate, the Merciful, Allah the Most High says: My servant has lauded Me. When he (the servant) says: Master of the Day of Judgment, He remarks: My servant has glorified Me, and sometimes He will say: My servant entrusted (his affairs) to Me. When he (the worshipper) says: Thee do we worship and of Thee do we ask help, He (Allah) says: This is between Me and My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks for. Then, when he (the worshipper) says: Guide us to the straight path, the path of those to whom Thou hast been Gracious — not of those who have incurred Thy displeasure, nor of those who have gone astray, He (Allah) says: This is for My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks for.
[Muslim 4: 395]

Saying ‘Ameen’ during prayer

After finishing the recitation of al-Fatihah, the saying of‘Ameen’ in congregation.
The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘When the Imam says ‘Ameen’, then recite it behind him (as well), because whoever’s Ameen coincides with the Ameen of the angels will have all of his sins forgiven.’ [Sahih al-Bukhari #780, Muslim #410 and others] #

While visiting the sick, and dua made by the sick

Umm Salamah narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
‘When you visit the sick, or the dead then say good, because the angels say ‘Ameen’ to whatever you say [Muslim #2126]

Ali (radiAllahu anhu) reported that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
‘When a Muslim visits his sick Muslim brother in the morning, seventy thousand angels make dua for his forgiveness till the evening. And when he visits him in the evening, seventy thousand angels make dua for his forgiveness till the morning, and he will be granted a garden for it in Jannah.’ [at-Tirmidhi, abu Dawud]

SPECIFIC DU’A FOR SPECIFIC OCCASIONS

When you want to seek forgiveness, make du’a in relations to forgiveness from the Qur’an. When you wish to make du’a to increase provision, then you make du’a specific for provision.

OTHER FACTORS
Facing towards the qiblah.

Muslim (1763) narrated that ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: On the day of Badr, the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) looked at the mushrikeen, who were one thousand strong, and his companions numbered three hundred and nineteen. Then the Prophet of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) turned to face the qiblah, then he stretched forth his hands and started to cry out to his Lord: “O Allaah, grant me what You have promised me, O Allaah, give me what You have promised me. O Allaah, if this small band of Muslims perishes, You will not be worshipped on earth.” He kept on crying out to his Lord, stretching forth his hands, facing towards the qiblah, until his cloak fell from his shoulders…

al-Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in Sharh Muslim: This shows that it is mustahabb to face towards the qiblah when making du’aa’

one should have ablution.

Abu Musa reported, “When the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa salaam had finished from the battle of Hunayn he sent Abu ‘Amir to lead an army to Atwas, and he sent me with him. Abu ‘Amir was struck in his knee by an arrow which a man from Jusham had shot, and it lodged in his knee. I removed it, and water oozed out of it. He said, ‘O son of my brother, convey my greetings to the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa salaam, and request him to ask Allah’s forgiveness for me.’ He survived for a short while then died. I returned and called on the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa salaam at his house, and found him lying in a bed made of the stalks of date palm leaves knitted with ropes and on it there was bedding. The strings of the bed had left their marks on his back and sides. I told him about our and Abu ‘Amir’s news, and his request (to tell him to ask Allah’s forgiveness for him). The Prophet asked for water, performed ablution, and raised his hands saying, ‘O Allah forgive your servant Abu ‘Amir.’ I saw the whiteness of the Prophet’s underarm. He continued, ‘O Allah make him on the Day of Resurrection superior to many of Your human creatures.’ I said, ‘Would you ask Allah’s forgiveness for me as well?’ He said,

‘O Allah, forgive the sins of Abdullah ibn Qays and admit him to a nice entrance on the Day of Resurrection,’”

Hafiz ibn Hajr said in “Al-Fath” 8/35, “It is indicated in this report that performing ablution when making dua is desirable (mustahab).”

Crying while making du’a

Abdullah ibn Amr ibn Al-‘As radi Allahu anhu reported that, “The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa salaam recited the words of Allah about Ibrahim alaihi salaam,

“O my Lord they have indeed led astray many among mankind. He then who follows my ways is of me.” (14:36)

and Isa’s alaihi salaam saying,

“If You punish them them they are Your servants, but if You forgive them, verily You are The Exalted, The Wise.” (5:118)

Then he raised his hands and said, ‘O Allah, my community, my community’ and he cried. Allah said, ‘O Jibril, go to Muhammad -and your Lord knows better- and ask him what makes him cry.’ Jibril came to the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wa salaam and asked him. The Prophet told him about his concern for his community. Jibril returned to Allah Almighty and informed Him – while Allah knew everything. Allah The Most High said, ‘O Jibril, go to Muhammad and tell him that: We shall please you concerning your community, and shall not cause you to be unhappy.’” (Muslim Reported)

Raising hands when making du’a

Raising the hands. Abu Dawood (1488) narrated that Salmaan (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Your Lord, may He be blessed and exalted, is Kind and Most Generous, and He is too kind to let His slave, if he raises his hands to Him, bring them back empty.” Classed as saheeh by Shaykh al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood, 1320.

The palm of the hand should be raised heavenwards, in the manner of a humble beggar who hopes to be given something. Abu Dawood (1486) narrated from Maalik ibn Yasaar (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When you ask of Allaah, ask of Him with the palms of your hands, not with the backs of them.” Classed as saheeh by Shaykh al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood, 1318.

Should the hands be held together when raising them or should there be a gap between them?

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) stated in al-Sharh al-Mumti’ (4/25) that they should be held together. What he said is: “As for separating them and holding them far apart from one another, there is no basis for that in the Sunnah or in the words of the scholars.” End quote.

Choosing the clearest and most concise words and the best of duas.

The best of duas are the duas of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), but it is permissible to say other words according to the specific needs of a person.

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