How do I make dua?
Dua is talking to Allah in your own words, at any time and in any language. A good way is to raise your hands, praise Allah, send blessings on the Prophet (peace be upon him), ask for what you need, and close with salawat and "Ameen".
By Benjamin · Last updated
Step by step
- Raise your hands. Palms facing up, the posture of asking.
- Praise Allah. Begin by thanking Him, for example "Alhamdulillahi Rabbil-'alamin".
- Send salawat on the Prophet. "Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad".
- Ask. Ask for what you need, in your own words and your own language.
- Close. End with salawat again and say "Ameen".
Duas to start with
Good in this life and the next (Quran 2:201)
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina 'adhaban-nar
Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the Fire
Relief from worry and grief
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-hammi wal-hazan
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from worry and grief
Increase in knowledge (Quran 20:114)
رَبِّ زِدْنِي عِلْمًا
Rabbi zidni 'ilma
My Lord, increase me in knowledge
A promise
Allah says: "Call upon Me; I will respond to you" (Quran 40:60). A dua is never wasted: Allah gives what was asked, turns away a harm, or keeps the reward for the hereafter.
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Common questions
Can I make dua in my own language?
Yes. Outside the fixed words of the prayer, dua can be made in any language.
When is a good time for dua?
Any time. Many make extra dua in prostration, at the end of the prayer before salam, and before breaking the fast in Ramadan.
Do I have to wipe my face after dua?
Many people do. Scholars differ on it, so it is optional.
Practise it with audio
Revertly walks you through this with a recitation for every word, at your own pace. Can't afford the app? Ask for a free code.