How To Make Dua – Step By Step Guide

Being a form of worship itself, dua is one of the amazing rituals of Islam as you are directly calling upon the Almighty, Allah SWT. It is a beautifully intimate conversation between you and the One who created you. By making dua, you are requesting Allah SWT to fulfil your desires and wishes.

For many people, dua works like therapy, giving them a sense of calm and relief that when no one listens to them, Allah SWT does, and He (SWT) even replies by answering your prayers and giving you whatever you wished for.

Throughout his life, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) instructed people to live by dua not only to ask Allah SWT for worldly blessings but also to praise Him, ask for forgiveness and be thankful.

So, how often do we want to make a heartfelt dua, yet we struggle to convey our words to Allah SWT every time? Or even when making dua in general, most of the time we feel like we don’t have words to express our wants, needs, or even grief.

To help you out, we have created a guide on how to make dua more effective, highlighting the actions and etiquettes that will help bring more purpose when asking or talking to Allah SWT. So, without further ado, let’s learn the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on how to make dua.

What is a Dua?

The term dua is an Arabic word meaning supplication, invocation, and request. According to al-Khattābī, dua is calling out to Allah SWT for help. It is constant two-way communication between the mumin (person) and his Rabb (Lord), asking for the Almighty’s support throughout the different phases of life.  In other terms, it is a form of Zikrullah (remembrance of Allah SWT) and Ibadah (worship).

The Quran and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) comprise various duas, each dedicated to a specific purpose or life event. The Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT has highly encouraged the Ummah to recite these duas as they will prove beneficial in both worlds.

However, there is no standard template or guide on making dua. Allah SWT has given us the liberty to personalise our prayers by using our own words and the language that we are comfortable using. Even if your dua may sound unorganized or even when you have no words to express what you feel, know that Allah SWT is the creator of the universe and so He (SWT) best understands your intentions and thoughts.

Why do Muslims make dua?

The Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT said, “Dua is the most powerful weapon of a mumin worshipper.”

Our lives in this world are characterized by fluctuating conditions that make us either sad or happy. No person experiences a life full of misery or perpetual bliss. Instead, life is a test, a mixture of emotions and experiences, and the power to face them can be only attained through dua. We also make dua because it keeps us humble. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “God will be angry with those who do not make requests from Him.” (Sunan At-Tirmizi)

Hence, dua is a reminder for us that we are the servants of Allah SWT and so we should only ask Him (SWT) for whatever we need.

Dua is also a reminder of one’s closeness with Allah SWT: “And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad SAW) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor). So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be on the right path.” [Holy Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:186]

Making dua in times of difficulty, in a low voice, accompanied by raising your hands and shedding tears is assuring and uplifting as it cleanses, invigorates, refreshes, and provides relief and solace to a broken heart.

What to say when making a dua

Consider dua, not worship but a form of communication between you and Allah SWT. Though there is no perfect template to make a dua, your dua must include the following:

• Praise of Allah SWT and zikr of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
• Talk to Allah SWT about what you really want.
• Tell Allah SWT how you feel.
• Pray for your loved ones.
• Ask for forgiveness.
• Conclude with Ameen.

How to praise Allah SWT when making a dua

It is the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to start your dua by reciting a verse that reflects praise towards Allah SWT: “O My Lord! All praise be to you as it is suited to your grandeur, your majesty and your splendour, and your magnificent kingdom which knows no bounds…I as your servant and slave simply do not possess the capacity nor the ability to utter any praiseworthy of your majesty as it is suited to Your splendour.”

Also, be sure to call out to Allah SWT by using His (SWT) names. Allah SWT has a total of 99 names, each of which can be used to reach out to Him (SWT) according to the need of the hour. For example, if you are asking for help, you can call Him (SWT) Al-Wakil. On the other hand, if you are asking for forgiveness, refer to Allah SWT as Al-Ghafur.

Etiquettes for making a dua

Even though there are ideal times when dua is accepted, such as in the depths of the night (Tahajjud), before saying Salam in prayer, when it is raining, between the Azan and Iqamah, and during Sujood, Allah SWT has not specified any time to make dua.

You can pray to the Almighty any time from as soon as you wake up till before you fall asleep, in private or in public, or even while praying or going about your day, Simply raise your hands in dua with the belief that Allah SWT is there and He (SWT) is listening to you at all times.

Although you can make dua in any language or for any halal need or want, there is a guided way (adab) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to make dua which will prepare you spiritually and mentally:

Perform wudu

Though it isn’t compulsory to perform ablution (wudu) before making dua, Allah SWT has given you the liberty to pray at any point during the day. Being the Islamic way of purification for the body and soul, wudu helps in getting you a clear mindset and preparing you before you speak to Allah SWT.

Face the Qiblah

Like performing wudu, facing the Qiblah when making dua isn’t compulsory. However, it is the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Abdullah bin Zaid (RA) narrated, “Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) went out to this Musalla (praying place) to offer the prayer of Istisqa (a prayer for rain). He invoked Allah for rain and then faced the Qiblah and turned his cloak inside out…” (Bukhari)

Raise your hands

Raising your hands when making dua has a beautiful meaning behind it. The act portrays to Allah SWT that you are calling upon Him, requesting and begging Him to fulfil your wishes. It has been reported by different companions that it was a Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to raise his hands when making dua.

The Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT 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 dua) to turn them away empty.” (Abu Dawud)

Call upon Allah SWT in a low and soft voice

Abu Musa Al-Ashari (RA) reported, “We were in the company of the Prophet (PBUH) on a journey, and whenever we ascended a high place, we used to say Takbir (in a loud voice). The Prophet (PBUH) said, ‘O people! Be kind to yourselves, for you are not calling upon a deaf or an absent one, but you are supplicating the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.’” (Bukhari)

The aforementioned hadith is a reminder that when a person is making dua, the distance between him and Allah SWT decreases, and He (SWT) is close to them. Therefore, there isn’t any need to speak loudly as Allah SWT can even listen to what your heart says. Allah SWT in a Quranic verse said, “And remember your Lord by your tongue and within yourself, humbly and with fear, without loudness in words, in the morning and in the afternoon, and be not of those who are neglectful.” [Holy Quran, 7: 205]

Note that making dua in a low voice doesn’t only apply when you are praying alone but when you are in a Masjid as well. It is understood if you get emotional while making dua and start crying. Even our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to cry when asking Allah SWT for His blessings and forgiveness. However, he (PBUH) made sure not to disturb those around him and so we should also ensure to maintain a low tone when speaking with the Almighty.

How to start a dua

When making dua, start by calling upon Allah SWT in a manner that is pleasing to Him (SWT) and has been taught to us by the beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “When any one of you have performed Salah (prayer) and wants to supplicate, let him begin with praising His Lord (SWT) and glorifying Him, then send prayers upon the Prophet (PBUH). Then he may supplicate for whatever he wishes.” (Tirmidhi)

Followed by this invoke Allah SWT by his names, stated in the Holy Quran, ‘And to Allah belong the Beautiful Names, so invoke Him by them’. [Holy Quran, 7:180]

After this, make sure to send Salawat or durood upon the beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as narrated by the Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT himself, “Every dua is kept back until you send blessings upon me.”

How to Make Dua for Something You Really Want

When making dua, the most important part is to have complete faith that your dua will be accepted by Allah SWT and He (SWT) will reply one way or another.

Ibn al-Jawzi (RA) said, “I think part of the test is when a believer supplicates and receives no response, and he repeats the dua for a long time and sees no sign of a response. He should realize that this is a test and needs patience.”

How to make dua for someone you love

It is also important to make dua for the Ummah in general, for example by saying, “Our Lord, forgive all the believers.” As the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Whoever seeks forgiveness for the believing men and women, Allah will record a good deed for him by each man and woman.” (Tabarani)

Don’t miss out on making dua for other people! The Messenger (SAW) of Allah (SWT) said, “No Muslim servant supplicates for his brother behind his back but that an angel says, ‘And for you the same.’” (Muslim)

The Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT said, “If a believer desires something desperately for himself such as a spouse or health or offspring since he is childless so he must start making duas for his brother whom he perceives is in the same situation as him and If Allah SWT wills his dua will be accepted in the best manner for himself and his Muslim brother.”

Can a dua change destiny?

Yes, dua can indeed change destiny. As Muslims, we have a firm belief that everything that happens in our lives is already decided, it is planned and written by Allah SWT and only He (SWT) has the power to change our destiny.

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “Nothing can change the Divine decree except dua.” (Musnad Ahmad, 5/677; Ibn Majah, 90; Jami` Al-Tirmidhi, 139. Classed as Hasan by Albani)

The Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT also said, “Nothing increases one’s lifespan except good deeds, and nothing repels Divine Decree except dua. And very, a person may be deprived for sustenance due to a sin that he does!” (Narrated by Ibn Majah #90 and confirmed authentic by Shaykh al-Albani in as-Sahihah #154)

The Prophet (PBUH) said, “No precaution can protect against the decree of Allah SWT. Dua is beneficial with regard to what has been decreed and what has not been decreed. The dua meets the calamity that has been decreed and wrestles with it, until the Day of Resurrection.”(Narrated by al-Tabaraani, 2/800 (33). Al-Albaani said in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 7739, (it is) Hasan)

Does Allah SWT always accept duas?

Allah SWT in the Holy Quran says, “And when My servants ask you concerning Me, then surely I am very near; I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he calls on Me, so they should answer My call and believe in Me that they may walk in the right way.” [Holy Quran, 2:186]

Summary – How to Make Dua

Dua isn’t just a way of communicating with Allah SWT. It is also a sign of hope, faith, and belief that no matter what happens, the Almighty is there, He (SWT) is listening to us and will help us in our time of need. The etiquettes of making dua include doing wudu, facing the Qiblah, raising your hands, and calling upon Allah SWT in a low voice. Dua should be made with a humble heart, with tears in our eyes, and must include praise for Allah SWT and salutations on our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW), without which dua is incomplete.

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