Dua - The Weapon of the Believer

Mairo

Maryama
Bismillahi ir-rahman ir-rahim

1. The Meaning of Dua
Dua is a Noble spiritual form of worship in which a persons calls out to Allah (swt) of any and every type of help both for this world and the next. Linguistically the Dua means to call out, or cry, or to say something out loud. Qur’an uses this linguistic meaning along with to request, to implore, to seek aid. The Sharia meaning is to ask Allah (swt) to give you something of benefit or prevent some evil coming to you.

The Dua is the essence and height of worship. To not make Dua you are not worshipping Allah (swt). Allah (swt) has said make Dua to me and I will respond to you. And those who are too arrogant to worship me are going to enter the fire of hell humiliated.

Dua is a clear sign of ones imaan and is related to concept of Tawheed (the concept of monotheism – oneness of Allah). It is related to all the three types of Tawheed (1, Tawheed of Allah’s Lordship, 2 Tawheed of Allah’s names and attributes 3, Tawheed of Allah’s right to be worshipped) Dua affirms all three types of Tawheed.

Making Dua to anyone other then Allah (swt) whether that be a man, animal, idol, prophet is Shirk with is the gravest of all sins. Allah (swt) says “Those whom you call out besides Allah they cannot hear you… …and even if they could they have no power to do anything”. That includes our beloved Prophet Mohammed (pbuh).


2. Types of Dua
There are two types of Dua. The first Dua Ul-Masalah (Dua of asking) e.g. Oh Allah please for give me, Oh Allah grant me a good job, Oh Allah grant me a child. This is where we ask of Allah for something that we want. The second is Dua Ulibadah (the linguistic meaning the call\the plea not necessarily an ask or request). This is every single action where we worship Allah (swt) e.g. Salaat, Dhikr, recitation of Qur’an. The first part of Surah Al-Fatiah is Dua Ul-Ibadah and the second being Dua Ul-Masalah. Dua Ul-Ibadah (worship) necessitates Dua Ul-Masalah (asking). Both are linked to one another. The perfect Dua is when you use both types, you worship Allah (swt) and then you ask of him.


3. The Excellence and Benefits (Status) Of Dua
According to the Prophet (pbuh) there are over 20 blessings in Dua. The most important ones are as follows:
1. Dua is the noblest act in the sight of Allah (swt) – this is because it puts man in his proper place at the same time giving Allah (swt) the right to be praised and worshipped.
2. Dua is the best act of worship this is why salaat is full of dua.
3. Dua is the essence of worship
4. Allah (swt) has commanded us to make Dua and when we do we are obeying Allah (swt)
5. Allah (swt) comes close to one who makes Dua
6. Allah (swt) loves us when we make Dua and when we leave it the opposite applies
7. Dua is a sign of Allah’s generosity.
8. Dua is a sign of ones humility, ones humbleness and ones imaan. Arrogance is one of the major sins. The Prophet (pbuh) said whosoever has one atoms worth of arrogance will not enter Jannah.
9. Dua repels Allah’s anger and brings about Allah’s love. The Prophet (pbuh) said; the one who does not ask of Allah, Allah (swt) gets angry. The more you ask the more Allah (swt) will love you. This is the beauty of Dua.
10. The Dua will save you from the fire of hell.
11. Dua is the only act that can change Qadr (predestination).
12. Every single Dua will be responded to. The Prophet (pbuh) said there is no Muslim on earth that will not have their Dua answered in some shape or form, either in this life by granting the request, or by removing some affliction that was due to him, or in the next life.
13. The Dua is the weapon of the weak and suppressed
14. Dua opens up a relationship and a dialogue with Allah (swt).
15. Dua is the easiest act of worship.


4. The Preconditions of Dua
The state you should be in before making Dua to increase the chances of it being accepted. The following preconditions must be met:
1. The belief that only Allah (swt) responds to the Dua
2. Once you realise that only Allah can respond then be sincere (ikhlaas). Even a kaafirs Dua can be responded to when one says it with ikhlaas.
3. The realisation that we must be persistence and not be hasty for a response. When there is impatience Allah (swt) will not respond to the Dua. You must also realise that the response may not be what you have asked for.
4. You must ask for something that is halal.
5. You must have a halal intention for what you are asking for e.g. requesting for money but then using to buy alcohol is obviously not permitted.
6. You must be halal, your food, your clothes, your earnings must be 100% halal
7. You must have an attentive heart and soul, to pay attention to the Dua and be sincere. These days this is lacking in so many Muslims one of the main reasons being they do not know\remember the meaning of the Dua. The Prophet (pbuh) said that Allah (swt) does not respond to a Dua from an inattentive Dua.
8. Dua should not interfere with something more important then the dua i.e. the time of Salaat should not be delayed because you’re making dua.


5. The Etiquettes of Dua
What should you do while making Dua.
1. Praise Allah (swt) before asking for anything. i.e. first part of Surah Al-Fatiah
2. Use Allahs (swt) names and attributes. i.e. for forgiveness start with Ya Rahim (the All-merciful) or for money start with Ya Razzaq (the sustainers).
3. Give salaam to our Prophet (pbuh) by sending a darood when concluding your dua. Use the name and attributes that are befitting for the type of dua. Also use the greatest of the names and there are two strong opinions on this. 1, the name Allah itself, 2, Al-Haiyul-Qaiyum (self subsisting, eternal). This concept is called Tawassul.
4. Raise your hands up to Allah (swt). Both palms should be directly facing upwards at chest level. They should be like a beggar and we are begging Allah (swt). Do not close your hands. At time of extreme situations the Prophet (swt) raised his hands so high his armpits could be seen. This type should be used at the day of Arafat during the Hajj. It is also permitted to raise the forefinger for small requests. For general duas like entering in to the mosque you do not raise your hands.
5. You should face the Qibla when making the dua
6. You should have wudu when making dua
7. Cry when making dua. This shows how sincere one is how humble he is
8. To expect the best from Allah (swt) – be hopeful of Allah (swt). Be certain that Allah (swt) WILL respond to you. Allah (swt) says I will do as the servant thinks I will do i.e. when he thinks I will respond to the dua then I will (hadith qudsi)
9. We should have humility and humbleness.
10. Complain (the sympathy type) to Allah (swt) only i.e. you want sympathy you should want it from Allah not from the creation. Perfection of imaan is not to want sympathy from mankind
11. Make Dua quietly. Not loud but secretly. Making dua silently is a sign of imaan, it shows respect, a means to achieving humbleness, a means of achieving sincerity, allows you to concentrate, demonstrates the closeness that one feels with Allah, allows you to have lengthy duas, prevents distraction to others, prevents others showing envy and jealousy towards you.
12. Acknowledge your sins.
13. Be determined. Be firm, sincere and determined. i.e. Do not say oh Allah forgive me if you wish, you should say oh Allah forgive me. You can put conditions when you don’t know whether it will be good for you. For worldy matters such oh Allah give me this job if it is good for me. Deen matters should not have conditions i.e. guide me to the straight path or grant me jannah
14. Make dua for yourself first and then others i.e. oh Allah guide me and the Muslims.
15. Make dua for your brothers and sisters in Islam. Whoever seeks forgiveness for the believing men and the believing women, Allah writes for him - for every believing man and woman - a good deed." Tirmidhi and Ahmad
16. Complete with Ameen. Ameen means oh Allah respond to the pray. Do not lengthen the A of Ameen or the M of Meen. The een can be lengthened.
17. Make dua regularly especially at times of ease. When you have good health ask for good health. This shows your continuity, imaan and not only when you need Allah (swt). Allah (swt) will then respond when you do need him
18. Make dua for all matters not just big matters. Make dua for the most trivial things. Once again this shows your imaan
19. Make duas at the certain times and conditions (detailed later)

Dua may be accepted without all of the above but it is preferred and increases your chances of the dua being accepted.


6. The Prohibited Acts of Dua
The following things are prohibited as well as the opposite of the above.
1. Poetry in dua.
2. Transgression in the dua, i.e. ask for something halal but want it for haraam or asking for needless matters. Do not go in to too much specifics i.e. ask for Jannah but not, grant me Jannah and the hoorain of Jannah and a big white house etc…
3. Ask for something that has already been decreed i.e. Oh Allah grant the Muslim’s Jannah.
4. Ask for the dunya only and not for the hereafter
5. Improperly use names and attributes of Allah (swt)
6. Making dua against yourself and others i.e. making dua against ones children
7. The Prophet (pbuh) said do not make your dua against yourself, children, servants, wealth or property
8. Do not curse other people in your dua.
9. Do not ask for death
10. During the salaat you must not look upwards. Have a humble appearance by looking down towards the place of sajdah.
11. Do not experiment in your dua. I.e. make a dua and see if Allah gives it to me.
12. Do not say give me this and then I won’t ask you again. You’re accusing Allah of being miserly.
13. Do not ask other people for making dua for you when you do not make dua yourself.
14. Cry in public during your dua unless it is beyond your control as it goes against the private aspects of the dua. Cry in front of Allah not other people.
15. Making long duas when you are the imam. The dua should short and concise.


7. The Recommended Times of Dua
This is from the mercy of the Allah (swt) who has allowed certain time of the day and night, the month, the year where the dua is more likely to be accepted. This allows us to be more hopeful at these times.
1. The last 1/3 of the night. Allah (swt) comes down to the skies of the heaves and asks who is there that is making dua to me that I can respond, who is there that is asking me so that I can give, who is there that is seeking my forgiveness that I can forgive. The last 1/3 of the night is the most powerful time where a dua is most likely to be accepted.
2. When the adhaan is being called.
3. Between the adhaan and iqamah
4. During the salaat itself.
5. While in sajdah (it can be in your mother tongue if you don’t speak Arabic)
6. At the end of salaat in private. Not congregational dua as that has no basis in the Quran and sunnah.
7. When the armies meet
8. 1 hour on Friday. Some scholars say between Asr and Magrib which is the stronger opinion, others say when the imam sits down between the two kutbahs on the Jummah prayer
9. After making wudu
10. Before drinking the water of zumzum
11. Month of Ramadan especially Laylatul Qadr nights (odd nights of the last 10 nights of Ramadan). Example dua is Allhumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul afwa fa'fu anni - Oh Allah! You are Forgiving and love forgiveness so forgive me (Bukhari)
12. All of the occasions of Hajj especially on the day of Arafat. The Prophet (pbuh) said the best dua is the dua on the day of Arafat.
13. When rain falls (rain is from the mercy of Allah swt)


8. The Situations and Conditions Where the Dua Is More Likely To Be Accepted
1. A person who is in severe circumstances like a person drowning. When there is no hope there is the most hope.
2. When other people have wronged you
3. The traveller
4. The parent for or against his son or daughter
5. The children for their parents especially after their death
6. The one who is fasting especially one who is about to break the fast
7. After reciting the Qur’an (also for when you go for Hajj, Umrah or Jehaad)
8. For a person who remembers Allah (swt) all the time by way of zikr and reciting the Qur’an.
9. For a Muslim in his absence. The Prophet (pbuh) said if you make dua for another Muslim an angel will make dua for you asking Allah for the same for you. A dua of Angels are more likely to be accepted. When making dua for another Muslim you in affect praying for yourself.


9. The Factors That Increase And Decrease Chances of Dua Being Accepted
Factors that increase duas from being accepted:
1. Sincerity (ikhlaas) is the single most important factor. Praying with your heart and soul. You must understand what you are asking i.e. for those who don’t understand Arabic must learn the meaning of duas especially the whole of the Salaat.
2. Expect the best of Allah
3. Doing good deeds
4. Fulfilling the rights of the parents
5. Repent from your sins
6. Dishevelled appearance (when in Arafat or travelling)
7. Times and places of response. Times as discussed previously and places being all the holy places (masjids)

Factors that decrease duas from being accepted:
1. Praying to anyone other then Allah (swt) including our Prophet (pbuh) or saints. This is shirk and makes you a non-Muslim.
2. Haram sustenance (haram eating, haram earning, haram clothes)
3. Sins – continuous sinning act as barrier for your dua being accepted
4. When you leave advising one another. When you leave enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong. E.g. advising someone who does not pray salaat to fear Allah and pray salaat.
5. Being hasty. When your dua is not responded to quickly and you give up.
6. The Prophet (pbuh) said that Allah (swt) does not respond to a dua of an inattentive heart. The duas that we have memorised in hour childhood and we recite without thinking or knowing what they mean. These are the duas that Allah (swt) does not respond to. It is important to learn the meanings.


10. The Wisdom Behind Delayed Answering of Dua
1. Allah (swt) is Al-Malik (The King). He has the right to do what he wants and when he wants and is not questionable. What he gives is from his wisdom and what he withholds is from his wisdom.
2. Recognition of Man status. He has no right over Allah (swt). Allah (swt) has created him as a servant.
3. This is a type of test and shows your level of imaan. What will be your response when a dua is not responded to?
4. You might hate something but is good for you and what you might like something but it might turn out to be evil for you e.g. you are going through some physical pain but Allah (swt) is cleansing of your sins or you might want a job where you will earn a lot and it will be detrimental to your deen and the hereafter. Allah (swt) knows from his love and wisdom what is best for you. We have limited perception so trust in Allah.
5. Man does not know result of ones dua.
6. Trials and fitnas bring you closer to Allah (swt). If Allah loves a person he tests him in order to raise his ranks up. The delay of answering of a dua should be taken as an indication of this.
7. When a dua is not responded to it makes a person stop in his tracks, to ponder over his life, to think about his relationship with Allah (swt), to contemplate his own sins and the little good that he’s done. When you have fitna and trials then you think about religion but when things are all fine and rosy one doesn’t tend to think about religion. It is a blessing of Allah (swt) that you’re given this opportunity in this life to examine yourself before it is too late.
8. If Allah (swt) responds to every dua there is a risk of a person becoming complacent and even arrogant.
9. Dua may have been responded to in other ways that you may have not seen. We are narrow minded and only see what we want ignoring all the other blessings that have been bestowed upon us.
10. You might ponder on the dua itself, ensuring you meet the preconditions and etiquettes discussed earlier. Am I only asking for dunya and forgetting the hereafter? It causes you examine the very dua you want a response for.
11. A delayed response manifests Allah’s names and attributes.
12. It perfects a person ibaadah by prolonging your hope and fair of Allah, it shows your need of Allah realising that if Allah doesn’t wish it, it won’t come to you. It shows your pleasure of Allah’s decree and accept it. It also proves your humility towards Allah by continuing with the dua.
13. Combating the plots of Satan who uses this opportunity to say look Allah is not responding to you and by returning to Allah you are renewing your imaan with Allah.
Remember even our Prophet’s (pbuh) duas were not always accepted so do you think all of our duas will be accepted?

So when your dua is unanswered do not ask why Allah has not responded but look at the benefits and wisdoms behind it and thank Allah that he has chosen and option for you that is better that you desire as the one in charge of you is more aware of what is good for you. But do not give up on the dua as Allah will continue to give even though not exactly what you ask for.


11. The Relations of Dua with Qadr (Destiny)
People ask why make dua when it is already written whether I will get what I ask for?
You can ask a question back, why buy groceries if it is already written that you will eat? Dua is a means, tool, a path that we must take to arrive at our destination. Whether it is written or not we don’t know but you must make dua for you to obtain your goal.

It is also possible for Allah to write something for a person but also add a condition on to it i.e. if he makes dua that he doesn’t become ill then he won’t become ill. If he doesn’t make dua he will. Of course Allah knows whether this condition will be met.

The point is in we do not know what is in our qadr and therefore must not base our action upon it. We must try our best spiritually and physically. In one hadith the Prophet (pbuh) says that the dua comes out of the Muslim and fights qadr and one will be victorious over the other.

Additional points:
-Wiping ones face after dua – there are a few hadith. Some scholars make them authentic and some weak but whatever one follows there is evidence for wiping your face after dua.
-We must remember to not only ask for this dunya but also for the hereafter.
-Don’t think you are not pious enough to make dua to Allah as remember Satan made a dua and it was accepted.
-Dua is our weapon against our enemies which includes Satan. It is like a sword. For it to be affective we must keep it sharp, ensure we know how to use it and make sure our arms are strong. Follow the above conditions and Inshallah our duas will be accepted.

Summary of a lecture by Sheikh Yasir Qadi called Dua – The Weapon of the Believer.
 

Aapa

Mirajmom
Assalaam walaikum,

Excellent post...got a question...its about Zamzam water...I have read that we should not make dua as there is no precedent for it.
 

Mairo

Maryama
:salam2: Aapa

Thanks for your comment!

I believe the reason for the mention of dua and Zamzam water is related to the narration in this hadith:
Jaber (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said: "Zamzam water is what one intends to drink for. When one drinks it to be healed, Allaah heals him; when one drinks it be full, Allaah makes him full; and when one drinks it to quench his thirst, Allaah quenches it." [Ahmad 3:357 and Ibn Maajah 3062]


Here is an augmented list of the best times for dua which includes reference to the above hadith, as well as many others:


1. The Last Third Of The Night
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]

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]


2. Late at night
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.'
[Muslim #757]


3. Between Adhan and Iqamah
Anas (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) 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)]


4. An Hour On Friday
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 while offering Salat (prayer) 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.[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).


5. While Drinking Zamzam Water
Jaber (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) 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 (SWT) for anything you like to gain or benefit from this water such as healing from illness.... etc.


6. While Prostrating
Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SAW), said: 'The nearest a slave can be to his Lord is when he is prostrating, so invoke (supplicate) Allah (SWT) 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 (SWT) and when he prostrates he is the nearest he can be to Allah (SWT) so it is best to invoke Allah (SWT) 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.


7. When Waking Up at Night
Narrated Ubada Bin As-Samit that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) 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 (SWT) He is the only one who has no partners. His is the kingdom and all the praises are for Allah (SWT) All the glories are for Allah (SWT) And none has the right to be worshipped but Allah (SWT) and Allah (SWT) is the most Great and there is neither might nor power except with Allah (SWT) and then says, Allahumma ighfir li (O Allah! Forgive me) or invokes Allah (SWT), he will be responded to and if he makes ablution and performs Salat (prayer), his Salat (prayer) will be accepted. [Sahih al-Bukhari]


8. At The End Of The Obligatory Salat:
Narrated Abu Omamah (RA): that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) was asked, O Messenger of Allah, which supplication is heard (by Allah (SWT), 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)


9. The Night Of 'Qadr' (Decree)
This night is the greatest night of the year. This is the night which the almighty Allah (SWT) 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.


10. During The Rain
Narrated Sahel Ibn Sa'ad (RA): that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) 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 (SWT) so, one should take advantage of this time when Allah (SWT) is having mercy on His slaves.


11. 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]


12. The One Who Is Suffering Injustice and Opression
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said to Mua'ad Ibn Jabal (RA), '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 (SWT)' [Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

The prophet (SAW) 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 (SAW) 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 (SWT) when he invokes Allah (SWT) to retain his rights from the unjust one or oppressor. Allah (SWT) has sworn to help the one who is suffering from injustice sooner or later as the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said.


13. The Traveler
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 traveler. [al-Bayhaqi, at-Tirmidhi - Sahih]

During travel supplication is heard by Allah (SWT) 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.


14. The Parent's Supplication for their Child
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 traveler. [al-Bayhaqi, at-Tirmidhi - Sahih]


15. Dua after praising Allah and giving salat on the Prophet (SAW) in the tashahhud at the end of salat.
Narrated Faddalah ibn Ubayd (RA): that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) 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 (SAW), then let him pray for whatever he wants'
[abu Dawud #1481, at-Tirmidhi #3477]

In another hadith; Baqiy ibn Mukhallid (RA) narrated that that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: 'Every du'a is not responded to until one sends blessings upon the Prophet (SAW)' [al-Bayhaqi]

In another hadith; Umar (RA) narrated that the Prophet (SAW) 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 (SAW)' [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 (SAW), 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 (SAW) said:
'Ask, and you shall be given it! Ask, and you shall be given it!' [at-Tirmidhi #593 - hasan, Mishkat al-Misbah #931]


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


17. Dua on the Day of Arafat
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) 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.


18. 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 (SAW) saying: 'When Ramadan comes, the Doors of Mercy (another narration says Paradise) are opened, and the doors of Hell are closed, and the Shaitans 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]


19. 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 (RA) narrtaed the the Prophet (SAW) 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]


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

The Prophet (SAW) 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]


21. First Ten days of Dhul-Hijjah
The Prophet (SAW) 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]


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


23. At Midnight

Abu Umamah (RA) said, the Prophet (SAW) was questioned; 'Which du'a is heard (by Allah)?' He answered, 'At midnight and at the end of every obligatory prayer.' [at-Tirmidhi - Hasan]


24. Dua of people after the death of a person

In a long hadith, Umm Salamah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (SAW) 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]


25. Dua of the one fasting until he breaks his fast.

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 traveler. [al-Bayhaqi, at-Tirmidhi - Sahih]


26. Dua of the one fasting at the time of breaking fast

The prophet (SAW) 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]


27. Dua of a just Ruler

The prophet (SAW) 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]


28. 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]


29. Dua immediately after wudu

Umar ibn Al-Khattab reported that the Prophet (SAW) 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)


30. 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 (SAW) 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]


31. At the Crowing of a Rooster

Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (SAW) 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]


32. 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 (SAW) entered the House (Ka'bah), he made du'a in all of its corners [Muslim 2: 968 and others]


33. Du'a on the mount of Safa or Marwah during Umrah or Hajj

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


34. Dua at any of the holy sites.


35. While reciting Surah al-Fatihah

The Prophet (SAW) 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]


36. Saying 'Ameen' during prayer

After finishing the recitation of al-Fatihah, the saying of'Ameen' in congregation. The Prophet (SAW) 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]


37. While visiting the sick, and dua made by the sick

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

Ali (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) 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


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Aapa

Mirajmom
Assalaam walaikum,

Now, sister you must post on dhikr. That is so essential to keeping our heart alive. It is easy and we are so lazy.
 
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