Muslims are encouraged to turn to Allah in supplication in all circumstances. The Quran and Sunnah contain many comprehensive duas that combine monotheism, repentance, praise, mercy and requests for relief.
However, describing a dua as “answered” does not mean that a person will necessarily receive exactly what they requested immediately. Allah’s response may take different forms, including granting the request, removing harm or reserving the reward for the Hereafter.
The Dua of Dhul-Nun
Among the greatest supplications mentioned in the Quran is the dua of Prophet Yunus, peace be upon him:
“There is no deity except You. Glory be to You. Indeed, I have been among the wrongdoers.”
After Yunus made this supplication during his distress, Allah says:
“So We responded to him and saved him from the distress. And thus We save the believers.” [Al-Anbiya: 88]
A Dua Containing Allah’s Beautiful Names
Among the supplications reported in the Sunnah is:
“O Allah, I ask You because all praise belongs to You. There is no deity except You, the Bestower, Originator of the heavens and the earth, Possessor of Majesty and Honor, O Ever-Living, O Sustainer.”
This supplication combines praise of Allah, affirmation of His oneness and calling upon Him through His Beautiful Names.
Dua for Relief From Distress
A comprehensive supplication for times of hardship is:
“O Ever-Living, O Sustainer, by Your mercy I seek relief. Rectify all my affairs and do not leave me to myself even for the blink of an eye.”
It expresses complete dependence upon Allah and asks Him to rectify every aspect of a person’s affairs.
A Dua for Relief From Worry
The wording:
“O Allah, I entrust all my affairs to You. You are the best disposer of affairs, so manage my affairs for me, for I do not know how to manage them properly.”
can be used as a general supplication. However, it should not be presented as a confirmed prophetic hadith without evidence.
A Muslim may supplicate Allah with permissible words that carry sound meanings, provided the dua does not contain anything contrary to Islamic teachings.
Times When Dua Is More Likely to Be Answered
The Sunnah identifies several times and circumstances in which Muslims are encouraged to make dua. Among the most important are:
The last third of the night:
This is a virtuous time for supplication and seeking forgiveness, and authentic hadiths mention the special virtue of this period.
During prostration:
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “The closest that a servant is to his Lord is while prostrating, so increase your supplications.”
Between the adhan and iqamah:
A hadith states: “Supplication is not rejected between the adhan and iqamah.” This makes the period between them an important opportunity for dua.
Friday:
Muslims are encouraged to seek the special hour of response on Friday. Several narrations discuss this hour, with one well-known view placing it during the final hour before sunset.
How Can a Person Make Dua With Greater Hope of Acceptance?
A Muslim should make dua sincerely for Allah alone, maintain good expectations of Him, repent and seek forgiveness, and take advantage of the times in which supplication is especially encouraged.
The person should also avoid supplicating for sin or severing family ties and should continue making dua without becoming impatient about the outcome.
Dua is itself an act of worship, so a Muslim’s relationship with Allah should not depend only on receiving a particular worldly request. Supplication should be accompanied by trust in Allah’s mercy and wisdom.
What is one of the greatest duas for acceptance?
The dua of Dhul-Nun is among the greatest supplications: “There is no deity except You. Glory be to You. Indeed, I have been among the wrongdoers.”
When is dua most likely to be answered?
Among the virtuous times are the last third of the night, during prostration, between the adhan and iqamah, and the special hour on Friday.
Is the dua of Dhul-Nun an answered supplication?
It is a great Quranic supplication, and the Quran explicitly states that Allah responded to Prophet Yunus after he made it.
Does every dua get answered exactly as requested?
Not necessarily. Allah’s response may involve granting the request, removing harm or preserving the reward for the Hereafter.
Can a Muslim make dua in any wording?
Yes. A Muslim may use permissible words and sound meanings when supplicating, while avoiding inappropriate requests and attributing unverified wording to the Prophet ﷺ.
