When we make dua, it is essential to observe the proper etiquette. First and foremost, we must recognize and comprehend who we are asking from. Understanding the magnitude of Allah’s power and mercy is crucial. There should be a sense of desperation and sincere earnestness in our hearts when we supplicate to Allah. While people generally do not favour beggars, Allah loves those who come to Him in a state of need. Unlike humans, no matter how much we ask from Him, He will never turn us away. Allah's generosity knows no bounds, and His willingness to answer our prayers is limitless. Therefore, when we make dua, we should do so with full conviction and hope, knowing that we are turning to the Most Merciful and Generous.
The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Let one of you ask his Lord for his needs, all of them, even for a shoestring when his breaks.” Sunan al-Tirmidhī 3973
In this hadith, we are instructed to ask Allah for everything, even for something as seemingly insignificant as a shoelace. This teaching emphasizes that Allah is the Provider of all things, regardless of their size or significance. It underscores the idea that nothing is too small or too big for Him. By encouraging us to seek Allah’s help in all matters, the hadith highlights that Allah is Ar Razaq, our Provider.
The Names of Allah
“And Allah’s names are the best names, so call on Him and leave those who violate the sanctity of His Names. They shall be recompensed for what they did.” [Surah Al-A’raf 7:180]
When making dua, it is highly beneficial to use Allah’s names. Allah SWT has 99 names, each reflecting His different attributes and titles. By incorporating these names in your duas, you are taking a significant step towards understanding Him and recognizing who you are asking from. Each name carries a unique meaning and connotation, allowing you to connect more deeply with Allah.
Some names you can incorporate in your duas are:
Al Mujeeb- The One Who Responds.
If you are in desperate need and are in urgency, this is a powerful name to invoke.
Ar Raheem - The Especially Merciful.
If you feel as if you have fallen into a grave sin and need Allah to forgive you.
Rabbana amanna faghfir lana warhamna wa anta khayru al-rrahimeen
“Our Lord, we have believed, so forgive us and have mercy on us: You are the Best of those who are merciful.” (Surah Al-Mu’minun 23:109)
Ar Razzaq - The Provider.
If you are wanting to get married or need a job, it is Allah who provides you with everything.
The Messenger of Allah Used To Say This Supplication During Fajr Prayer:
Allaahumma innee assaluka ilman nafia, wa rizzqan tayyeebun, wa amalan mutaqabilan.’
‘O Allaah indeed I ask You for beneficial knowledge, and a good Halal provision, and actions which are accepted.’
Al Ahad - The Only One.
This is a reminder that there is only one God. You have no one to turn to but Allah.
Al Wakeel - Disposer of Affairs.
When you are struggling and need a way out.
Hasbunallah wa ni’mal wakeel
(Sufficient for us is Allah and [He is] the best Disposer of Affairs)
Al Lateef- The Most Gentle.
If you struggle to be kind to others, this is a powerful name to invoke.
These are just a few of the names you can use and duas you can recite. By incorporating the names of Allah in your duas, you allow yourself to gain khushoo and feel more connected to Allah. This practice helps cultivate a profound sense of awareness in your heart that Allah hears you and will answer you. Using His names in your prayers deepens your understanding of His attributes and strengthens your faith in His responsiveness and mercy. As you call upon Him with His beautiful names, you foster a more intimate and sincere relationship with your Creator, enhancing the spiritual quality of your supplications.
How to Make Dua
When beginning your dua it is important to get in the zone. Take a moment to take a deep breath and prepare yourself for what comes next.
If you are able to be in wadu and face the qibla then you should do it. It is not a necessary act but it is recommended.
Praise Allah SWT.
Begin your dua by praising Allah.
La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lahu lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu wa huwa ala kulli shay in qadeer
“None has the right to be worshiped but Allah, the Alone Who has no partners, to Him belongs Dominion and to Him belong all the Praises, and He has power over all things.”
Send salawat to the Prophet Muhammed (peace and blessings be upon him.)
Allahumma salli wa sallim 'alaa nabiyyinaa Muhammadin
Oh Allah, we ask you for peace and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
Invoke the names and attributes of Allah SWT.
‘And to Allah belong the Beautiful Names, so invoke Him by them’. [ Qur’an, 7:180]
Begin by supplicating your dua and asking Allah for what you need. Remember, you can ask Allah for anything; His abilities are beyond our comprehension. The best duas are those that come from your heart, where you are truly connecting with Allah and asking Him out of desperation and sincerity. In your supplication, have full conviction and hope that your duas are being answered. Trust in Allah’s infinite power and mercy, knowing that He listens to every prayer. When you make dua with earnestness and faith, you strengthen your bond with Allah and open yourself to His boundless generosity and grace.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, ‘Indeed your Lord - Blessed and Almighty is He - is Shy and Most Generous. He is shy when His servant raises his hands to Him (in du’a) to turn them away empty’. [Abu Dawud]
Make dua for others.
When you are done making your own duas take time to make duas for others.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, ‘No Muslim servant supplicates for his brother behind his back but that an angel says, “And for you the same”’. [Muslim]
When you make dua for others, the angels make the same dua for you.
End your dua with Ameen.
Essentially, when you ask from Allah, you are met with nothing but reward. Whether you receive exactly what you asked for, something better, or a different blessing in disguise, your effort in making dua is always acknowledged and rewarded by Allah. No matter what happens, never give up hope and never give up on your duas. Persevere in your supplications with faith and patience, trusting that Allah knows what is best for you. He listens to every prayer, and His response is always rooted in His infinite wisdom and mercy. So, continue to turn to Him with sincerity and hope, and remain steadfast in your belief that your duas will be answered in the best possible way.
May Allah accept our duas and allow us to gain closeness with Him.
