In this article
Dua is a direct conversation between you and your Creator, and it can be made at any time, in any place and in any language. Allah says that He is near and responds to the one who calls upon Him (Qur’an 2:186), and He invites us to call upon Him with the promise of an answer (Qur’an 40:60). At the same time, the Prophet ﷺ pointed out certain times and situations in which our hope of acceptance is even greater. In this article, we collect the ones established in authentic hadith, along with the manners that make our dua stronger.
Times When Dua Is Most Hoped to Be Accepted
1. The Last Third of the Night
The Prophet ﷺ taught that every night, when the last third remains, Allah descends to the lowest heaven and says: who is calling upon Me that I may answer him, who is asking Me that I may give him, who is seeking My forgiveness that I may forgive him (Sahih al-Bukhari 1145, Sahih Muslim 758). Even a few quiet minutes of tahajjud and dua at this time can mean a lot.
2. Between the Adhan and the Iqamah
The Prophet ﷺ said that a dua made between the adhan and the iqamah is not rejected (Sunan Abi Dawud 521, Jami’ at-Tirmidhi 212, graded Sahih by scholars such as al-Albani). Next time you hear the adhan, answer it and then use the gap before the prayer to ask Allah for what you need.
3. While in Sujood (Prostration)
The Prophet ﷺ said that a servant is closest to his Lord when he is in prostration, so he told us to make plenty of dua in it (Sahih Muslim 482). He ﷺ also taught that after the tashahhud, before the salam, a person may choose whatever dua he likes (Sahih al-Bukhari 835, Sahih Muslim 402).
4. The Special Hour on Friday
The Prophet ﷺ said that on Friday there is an hour in which a Muslim servant who asks Allah for something good will receive it (Sahih al-Bukhari 935, Sahih Muslim 852). Scholars have different views about its exact time. One narration says it is between the imam sitting on the minbar and the end of the Friday prayer (Sahih Muslim 853). Another narration advises seeking it in the last hour after Asr (Sunan Abi Dawud 1048, graded Sahih by al-Albani). Since we do not know for sure, it is wise to make plenty of dua during both periods.
5. When You Wake Up During the Night
The Prophet ﷺ promised that whoever wakes at night and praises Allah with the words he taught, then makes a dua, his dua will be answered, and if he performs wudu and prays, his prayer will be accepted (Sahih al-Bukhari 1154).
Situations in Which Dua Is Especially Hoped to Be Accepted
6. A Dua for Another Muslim in His Absence
The Prophet ﷺ said that the dua of a Muslim for his brother or sister in his absence is answered, and an angel appointed to him says “Ameen, and for you the same” (Sahih Muslim 2732). So when you pray for your parents, friends and family, you also benefit.
7. The Dua of the Oppressed
The Prophet ﷺ warned Mu’adh ibn Jabal to beware of the dua of the oppressed, because there is no barrier between it and Allah (Sahih al-Bukhari 2448, Sahih Muslim 19). This is a reminder to be fair to everyone and to never wrong another person.
Note: Some other narrations mention the dua of a traveler, a parent for their child, and the Day of Arafah. Scholars grade these narrations as Hasan (good) rather than Sahih, so we mention them only as additional encouragement.
Daily Reminder
لَا تَقْنَطُوا مِنْ رَحْمَةِ اللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا
Do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins.
अल्लाह की रहमत से मायूस न हो। बेशक अल्लाह तमाम गुनाह माफ़ कर देता है।
Never let guilt lead you to despair. Turn sincerely to Allah in repentance.
Manners That Make Your Dua Stronger
- Begin with praise and salawat. The Prophet ﷺ heard a man pray without praising Allah or sending blessings upon the Prophet, and he said the man had been hasty. He then taught that one should start by praising Allah and sending blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ, and then ask for what one wishes (Sunan Abi Dawud 1481, Jami’ at-Tirmidhi 3477).
- Call upon Allah humbly and by His beautiful names. The Qur’an teaches us to call upon our Lord with humility and in a low voice (7:55), and that the best names belong to Allah, so we should call upon Him by them (7:180).
- Ask with firm hope. The Prophet ﷺ said that none of you should say “O Allah, forgive me if You wish”, but he should ask with determination, because nothing can compel Allah (Sahih al-Bukhari 6338, Sahih Muslim 2678).
- Keep your earnings and food halal. The Prophet ﷺ mentioned a traveler who raises his hands to the sky, but whose food, drink and clothing are unlawful, and asked how his dua could be answered (Sahih Muslim 1015).
- Do not ask for sin or for cutting family ties. And do not become impatient and say, “I made dua but it was not answered” (Sahih Muslim 2735, Sahih al-Bukhari 6340).
What If My Dua Seems Unanswered?
The Prophet ﷺ taught that when a Muslim makes a dua that contains no sin or cutting of family ties, Allah gives him one of three things: He grants the request soon, or He stores it for him in the hereafter, or He removes from him an evil equal to it (Musnad Ahmad 11133, graded Sahih by al-Albani). So no sincere dua is ever wasted. Keep asking, and trust that Allah knows what is best for you (Qur’an 2:216).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make dua in my own language? Yes. You can ask Allah in any language you understand. In the prayer itself, the Qur’anic and prophetic words are recited in Arabic, but your personal dua can be in your own words.
Should I wait for these special times? No. Make dua at all times, including right now. These times simply increase our hope and remind us to be consistent.
Final Thoughts
Allah loves to be asked. Whether it is the quiet of the last third of the night, the moment between the adhan and the iqamah, or your sujood in the middle of a busy day, use these opportunities. Ask with humility, with halal means and with patience, and trust that every dua is heard. May Allah accept our supplications and grant us what is best in this life and in the hereafter. Ameen.
Note: This article offers general guidance based on the Qur’an and authentic hadith. For personal questions, please consult a qualified scholar. Allah knows best.
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