Dua is defined as any invocation or prayer addressed to Allah. It is the essence of ibadah or worship. Dua should be the first and the last resort of the believer, as it is at its core a conversation with Allah. Perspectives on the ideal timing, presentation, and phrasing of dua can vary widely among the faithful, but there is universal agreement that you must approach dua with humility, clarity, submission, and certainty that Allah will hear and respond.

What Is Dua?

The word dua in the Arabic language (دعاء) can mean different things. The first meaning is to praise Allah. The second meaning is to seek Allah and beg Him. The third meaning is to call upon Allah. All three of these definitions accurately describe the main objective behind making dua to Allah, which is to call upon Him for whatever it is we need. Prophet Muhammad PBUH had once said: “dua is the brain of worship”. 

Our brains are at the top of our bodies. They are also essential for us to stay alive. This hadith shows us the importance of making dua. In another narration, the Prophet PBUH said:  “the most excellent form of worship is dua”. Making dua is the essence of worship. If we want a strong relationship with Allah, we must engage in making dua on a regular basis. Allah SWT is All-Hearing. Allah likes to hear us call out to Him. 

Why should we make dua?

Making dua is an important act of worship. By allowing us to make dua to Him, Allah has given us a direct hotline to speak to Allah, literally whenever we want. Think of how merciful and generous Allah SWT is. Who else should we go to with our needs and concerns,  other than the One who can solve all our problems in the blink of an eye if He chooses to? Allah loves to give to us. He is Al-Kareem. In a hadith, Prophet Muhammad PBUH said, “Verily your Lord is Generous and Shy. If His servant raises his hands to Him (in supplication) He becomes shy to return them empty.” (Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi). 

Make Dua For Everything

The sahaba (may Allah be pleased with them) used to make dua for the smallest of things. They used to even ask Allah for salt for their food. In one hadith, Prophet Muhammad PBUH used to tell them “let one of you ask his Lord for everything that he needs, even a lace for his shoe if it breaks.” This teaches us that nothing is too big or small to ask Allah for. 

Another beautiful reminder to hold onto, is that we should strive to make dua like a child. Children make dua for the most trivial of things. They also ask for things with incredible sincerity and detail. This is exactly how we should be when forming our duas. The scholars say that it is better for a dua to be detailed and specific, than undetailed and general. In other words, tell Allah exactly what you want.

Etiquette Of Making Dua

In order to properly make a dua that is more likely to be accepted by Allah SWT, there is a specific etiquette and form we must stick to. You must try to “sandwich” your duas in between the names of Allah and sending blessings or salawat on the Prophet PBUh. 

Here is how you should form your dua (in order): 

Start the dua by invoking the names of Allah SWT that are relevant to your dua. For example: if you are asking Allah to give you something, use the names Al Razzaq or Al Wahhab. If you are asking Allah to heal you from sickness, use the name Al Shafi. Allah SWT has 99 names. Use them. 

Mention your request. Remember to make it specific and detailed. You can also make dua for more than one thing at the same time. Allah’s power and mercy is limitless.

End your dua by sending peace and blessings upon Prophet Muhammad PBUH. Prophet Muhammad PBUH is the master of the universe and the best of all creation. Anything he PBUH has touched is blessed. Sending peace, prayers and blessings upon him will give our dua the best and most blessed seal.

Special Times For The Acceptance of Duas

1. On Fridays, during the last hour of Asr before maghrib.
2. On Wednesdays between dhuhr and asr.
3. Make dua in sujood
4. Make dua at the end of prayer (Right before saying salam in prayer)
5. Make dua during the last third of the night
6. Make dua when it rains and when the time of prayer enters
7. Make dua during the days and nights of Ramadan
8. Make dua when you travel

How Allah responds to your Dua

Your Dua never goes unanswered. Allah responds to your dua in one of three ways:

1. Yes
2. Yes, but not now
3. I have a better plan for you

Allah’s wisdom is beyond our comprehension, so he knows what is best for us and when it is best for us to have it. Therefore, in any case, a dua never gets a negative response and never goes unanswered, so stay optimistic, content, and hopeful Allah will respond with what is best for you.

source: faith.consulting, by Gheed Al Nassan