Dua (supplication) is one of the most powerful and intimate forms of worship in Islam. It is a moment when a believer directly communicates with Allah, seeking His help, forgiveness, mercy, or blessings. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught not only the importance of making dua but also the proper etiquettes that enhance its sincerity and increase the likelihood of acceptance.
Even if one cannot follow every recommended etiquette, they should never abandon making dua. Allah listens to every supplication, and dua remains beneficial in all circumstances, InshaAllah.
ETIQUETTES OF MAKING DUA
1. Firm Belief in Tawheed (Oneness of Allah)
The first and foremost condition of an accepted dua is a heart that affirms the Oneness of Allah in His Lordship, Worship, and Names and Attributes.
“And when My servants ask you concerning Me—indeed, I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me…”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:186)
2. Halal Income and Sustenance
Unlawful earnings act as a barrier between the servant and their Creator. Consuming haram invalidates the sincerity of a dua.
“Allah does not accept the dua of a person who consumes haram (unlawful) food, drink, and earnings.”
(Muslim 1015)
3. Precede Dua with a Righteous Deed
Performing an act of worship—like prayer, charity, or kindness—prior to dua invites Allah’s mercy.
“If a servant commits a sin, then performs ablution, prays two rak’ahs, and seeks forgiveness, Allah will surely forgive him.”
(Musnad Ahmad 1/223)
4. Face the Qiblah
Facing the Qiblah is a recommended Sunnah that reflects spiritual focus and reverence.
“The Prophet ﷺ faced the Qiblah and raised his hands in dua during the Battle of Badr.”
(Muslim 1763)
5. Raise the Hands in Supplication
Raising the hands while making dua symbolizes humility and dependence on Allah.
“Indeed, your Lord is modest and generous. He is too shy to leave the hands of His servant empty when he raises them to Him in supplication.”
(Abu Dawood 1488)
6. Begin with Praise and Salawat
It is recommended to begin with praising Allah and sending blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ before asking for one’s needs.
“Every dua is withheld until you send blessings upon the Prophet.”
(Tabarani)
7. Use Allah’s Most Beautiful Names
Invoke Allah using His Names and Attributes that align with your request.
“And to Allah belong the best names, so call Him by them.”
(Surah Al-A’raf 7:180)
8. Have Certainty in Acceptance
Doubt undermines the sincerity of dua. Pray with full confidence that Allah will respond in the best way.
“Call upon Allah with certainty that He will answer you.”
(Tirmidhi 3479)
9. Be Persistent and Patient
Consistency in making dua is beloved to Allah. Don’t give up—even if there’s a delay.
“The servant’s dua is accepted as long as he does not become impatient and say, ‘I made dua but it was not answered.’”
(Bukhari 6340)
10. Be Clear and Firm in What You Ask
Avoid vague statements. Ask confidently, believing Allah is fully capable of answering.
“When you make dua, be firm in your request…”
(Bukhari 6339)
11. Repeat the Dua Three Times
Repeating your supplication three times is a practice of the Prophet ﷺ and reinforces sincerity.
“The Prophet ﷺ would repeat a dua three times.”
(Bukhari)
12. Make Dua in Times of Ease
Dua is not only for times of hardship. Consistent supplication in good times invites mercy when you are tested.
“Whoever wishes that Allah responds to him in hardship and distress, let him make abundant dua in times of ease.”
(Tirmidhi 3/140)
13. Honor and Serve Your Parents
Being dutiful to your parents is linked to the acceptance of dua.
“There will come to you Owais bin Amir… He has a mother to whom he is very dutiful… If he swears by Allah, Allah will fulfill it.”
(Sahih Muslim 4/1969)
14. Praise Allah Before Dua
Saying Allahu Akbar, SubhanAllah, and Alhamdulillah before your supplication adds to its spiritual strength.
“Say Allahu Akbar ten times, SubhanAllah ten times, and Alhamdulillah ten times, then ask for whatever you wish. Allah will surely respond.”
(Tirmidhi 1/149)
SPECIAL TIMES WHEN DUA IS MORE LIKELY TO BE ACCEPTED
There are blessed moments when supplications are more readily answered:
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Last third of the night (Tahajjud time)
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During the Adhan (call to prayer)
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After obligatory prayers
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During prostration (sujood)
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Friday (especially the final hour before Maghrib)
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While fasting, particularly at the moment of Iftar
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During Laylatul Qadr (Night of Decree)
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Upon completing the Qur’an
CONCLUSION
Understanding the etiquettes of dua enhances the sincerity, focus, and likelihood of your prayers being accepted. Supplication is not merely a request—it is a connection with your Creator, a sign of your trust, and a reflection of your belief in His mercy.
Whether in hardship or ease, never stop making dua. It is your most direct and powerful link to Allah. Strengthen that link through sincerity, good deeds, and unshakable faith.
