Dua, or supplication, is one of the most powerful tools a Muslim has to connect with Allah. It is not just a ritual, but an intimate conversation between the believer and the Creator. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of making dua, stating that “Dua is worship” (Tirmidhi).
In this article, we will explore how to make dua correctly based on guidance from the Quran and Hadith, ensuring that our supplications are effective and pleasing to Allah.
1. Preparing for Dua
Before making dua, it’s recommended to be in a state of cleanliness. Performing wudu (ablution) is highly encouraged, as it reflects the purity of both body and heart when calling upon Allah. Facing the Qiblah (the direction of the Kaaba) is also advisable. By positioning ourselves physically towards the most sacred site in Islam, we are aligning our hearts with Allah.
2. Praise Allah and Send Salawat on the Prophet (PBUH)
When beginning a dua, it is crucial to start with praise and glorification of Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised us to praise Allah and send peace and blessings upon him before asking for anything. As the Prophet said, “When one of you prays, let him start by praising his Lord, then let him send blessings upon the Prophet” (Tirmidhi).
Here’s an example:
“O Allah, all praise is due to You. You are the Creator of the heavens and the earth. Peace and blessings be upon Your beloved Prophet Muhammad.”
3. Call Upon Allah by His Beautiful Names
One of the etiquettes of making dua is to invoke Allah using His Asma ul-Husna (the Beautiful Names of Allah). The Quran encourages us to do this, saying:
“And to Allah belong the best names, so invoke Him by them” (Quran 7:180).
For instance, if you are asking for forgiveness, you can call upon Allah as Al-Ghaffar (The Forgiving), or if you seek provision, you can invoke Ar-Razzaq (The Provider).
4. Be Specific and Ask for Everything
When making dua, do not hold back or feel that any request is too small. The Prophet (PBUH) encouraged us to ask for everything, even for something as simple as fixing a broken shoe strap. The Prophet also said:
“When one of you calls upon Allah, let him hope for the greatest of things. Verily, nothing has any greatness over Allah” (Ibn Hibban).
This means you should not hesitate to ask Allah for all your needs, both worldly and spiritual.
5. Make Dua for Others
A beautiful teaching of the Prophet (PBUH) is to make dua for others. He said, “No Muslim servant supplicates for his brother behind his back but that an angel says, ‘And for you the same'” (Muslim). Making dua for others, especially in their absence, brings about rewards for both the supplicant and the person for whom the dua is made.
Moreover, it is also important to pray for the entire Ummah (community of believers). This spreads mercy and blessings across the entire Muslim community, reflecting unity and compassion.
6. Be Persistent and Trust Allah
Persistence is key when making dua. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“The servant will continue to have his supplications answered as long as he does not ask for sin or cutting family ties, and he is not impatient” (Bukhari).
Impatience in dua, such as saying, “I have been asking but Allah hasn’t answered me,” is discouraged. Trust that Allah hears and answers all duas in ways that are best for you. Sometimes, the response comes immediately, while at other times, the answer is delayed for your benefit, or it may be reserved as a reward in the Hereafter. Allah knows what is best for us, and we should trust His wisdom.
7. Conclude with ‘Amin’
Once your supplication is complete, say “Amin” to seal your dua. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“If he ends it with Amin, it will be so” (Abu Dawud).
This act symbolizes the completion of your dua and serves as a final plea for Allah’s mercy.
8. Good Deeds Elevate Dua
Good deeds performed with sincerity can elevate and strengthen your dua. Allah says in the Quran:
“To Him do good words go up, and righteous action uplifts them” (Quran 35:10).
Engage in charitable acts, help those in need, and remember that performing good deeds will not only bring you closer to Allah but also make your duas more effective.
9. Dua in Times of Ease and Hardship
It is essential to make dua not only in times of need but also in moments of ease and prosperity. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught that whoever remembers Allah in times of ease, Allah will remember them in times of difficulty. Therefore, make dua a regular part of your daily life, constantly turning to Allah in gratitude and supplication.
How To Make Dua: Conclusion
Dua is a gift that allows us to communicate directly with our Creator. By following the teachings of the Quran and Hadith, we can enhance our supplications, ensuring that we approach Allah with sincerity, patience, and hope.
Always remember to start with praise, invoke Allah by His Beautiful Names, make dua for others, and conclude with “Amin.” Trust in Allah’s wisdom, and never give up, knowing that every sincere supplication is heard and will be answered in the best possible way.
May Allah accept our duas and grant us what is best in this world and the Hereafter. Amin.