Muslims turn to Allah in supplication for guidance, relief, forgiveness, provision, and help in all aspects of life. The Quran and Sunnah contain many profound and comprehensive supplications, including the famous supplication of Prophet Yunus: “There is no deity except You; glory be to You. Indeed, I was among the wrongdoers.”
A Muslim should also seek the times in which supplications are most likely to be accepted, while maintaining sincerity, humility, and certainty in Allah.
Best Supplications for Answered Prayers
The Supplication of Prophet Yunus
Allah mentions the supplication of Prophet Yunus:
“There is no deity except You; glory be to You. Indeed, I was among the wrongdoers.”
It is one of the great supplications mentioned in Islamic tradition, and the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ highlighted its virtue.
Supplication for Distress
Among the prophetic supplications for distress is:
“There is no deity except Allah, the Most Great, the Most Forbearing. There is no deity except Allah, Lord of the Mighty Throne. There is no deity except Allah, Lord of the heavens, Lord of the earth, and Lord of the Noble Throne.”
This is among the supplications reported from the Prophet ﷺ for times of hardship and distress.
Supplication Mentioning Allah’s Greatest Name
Another comprehensive supplication is:
“O Allah, I ask You because all praise belongs to You. There is no deity except You, the Bestower of blessings, Originator of the heavens and the earth, O Possessor of Majesty and Honor, O Ever-Living, O Sustainer.”
The supplication contains praise of Allah and calls upon Him through His beautiful names and attributes.
Supplication for Anxiety and Grief
The Prophet ﷺ taught the following supplication:
“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and grief, from weakness and laziness, from cowardice and miserliness, from the burden of debt and from being overcome by people.”
Best Times for Supplication
The Last Third of the Night
The last third of the night is one of the most virtuous times for worship and supplication. Muslims may use this quiet period for prayer, seeking forgiveness, and making dua.
During Prostration
Prostration, or sujood, is another important time for supplication. Muslims are encouraged to make abundant dua while prostrating.
Between the Adhan and Iqamah
The period between the call to prayer and the beginning of the congregational prayer is also a recommended time to make supplication.
Friday
Friday is a blessed day in Islam, and authentic traditions mention a special hour during which supplication is accepted. One well-known view places this hour during the final part of Friday before sunset.
Etiquette of Supplication
A Muslim should observe several manners when making dua, including:
- Beginning with praise and glorification of Allah.
- Sending blessings upon Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
- Maintaining humility and presence of heart.
- Having certainty and a good opinion of Allah.
- Avoiding impatience when waiting for an answer.
- Persisting in supplication.
- Seeking lawful food and clothing.
- Raising the hands when appropriate.
Is There a Supplication That Guarantees an Answer?
There is no single formula that guarantees that a person's request will be granted exactly as requested. The response to supplication is ultimately in Allah's hands.
A Muslim should make dua using authentic supplications, seek the virtuous times for prayer, remain sincere, and avoid becoming impatient.
The answer to a supplication may come through granting the requested matter, removing a harm, or reserving its reward for the believer.
What is the best supplication for an answered prayer?
One of the greatest supplications is the supplication of Prophet Yunus: “There is no deity except You; glory be to You. Indeed, I was among the wrongdoers.”
What is the best time to make dua?
Among the virtuous times are the last third of the night, during sujood, between the adhan and iqamah, and the special hour on Friday.
How can I make my supplication more likely to be accepted?
Maintain sincerity, humility, certainty in Allah, lawful provisions, persistence in dua, and patience.
Is the supplication of Prophet Yunus accepted?
The supplication of Prophet Yunus has a special virtue mentioned in the Sunnah: “There is no deity except You; glory be to You. Indeed, I was among the wrongdoers.”
