As Muslims, making Dua (supplication) is an act of devotion and an integral part of our spiritual journey. We aspire to connect with Allah through this act of supplication, asking for guidance, wisdom, and blessings in our daily lives.
It is not just about asking for our needs; observing proper etiquette and manners while making Dua is essential.
To make Dua properly, performing ritual ablution or Wudu is highly recommended for spiritual purification. It is recommended to make dua facing the Qiblah.
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Also, we should send blessings upon Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as he is a mercy to humanity, enhancing the acceptance of the supplication. These are just a few of the many recommended practices.
We will discuss all the etiquette and manners of making Dua so that our supplications are more effective and meaningful.
How to Properly Make Dua: Etiquette and Guidelines
When making dua, it is necessary to observe certain etiquette and guidelines. These include:
1. Performing Ritual Ablution (Wudu)
Before making Dua, performing the ritual ablution (Wudu) is essential, as it purifies the body and soul. Islam places great importance on cleanliness and purity, as it is believed to enhance the sincerity and acceptance of one’s supplications.
Making Wudu before making Dua demonstrates a person’s commitment to seeking spiritual purity and reverence when communicating with Allah.
2. Face the Qiblah (The Direction of the Kaaba)
To properly make dua, the supplicant needs to face the Qiblah, the sacred direction of the Kaaba in Mecca. This act holds great significance in Islam as it symbolizes the unity of the Muslim community and the submission to Allah.
Our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would face the Qiblah when making dua, which serves as an excellent example for all believers. During dua, facing the Qiblah shows devotion and sincerity to Allah and an understanding of the spiritual connection between the Kaaba and the supplicant.
3. Send Blessings Upon Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
Every Dua should begin and end with blessings for Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as an expression of respect and devotion to him.
Sending blessings upon the Prophet is a sign of respect and gratitude, and it’s believed to be a means to enhance the acceptance of one’s supplication.
This practice is supported by the hadith narrated by al-Tabarani, where the Prophet said,
“Every Du’a is kept back until you send blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)” (Classed as Sahih by al-Albani in Sahih al-Jami’, 4399)
4. Raise Both Hands
While making Dua, raising both hands humbly and openly is a recommended practice. This physical gesture is a symbol of the supplicant’s dependence on Allah and expresses humility and openness to His mercy.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) consistently raised his hands during supplication, setting a precedent for the believers.
In a hadith found in Sunan Abi Dawud 1487, Anas ibn Malik narrated:
“I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) supplicating Allah in this manner with the palms of his hands and also with their backs upwards.”
So, raising both hands in dua is a sunnah and an essential etiquette.
5. Commence With Bismillah and Allah’s Praise
Initiating the Dua with “Bismillah” (In the name of Allah) and praising Allah is a sign that you acknowledge Allah’s greatness and authority. This practice is rooted in recognizing Allah’s authority and purifying one’s intention before supplicating.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of praising Allah before making requests.
In a Hadith found in Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3476, it’s narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) advised a man who rushed into making supplications without praising Allah first.
Invoking Allah’s beautiful names is an important part of making dua properly. Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful), Ar-Rahim (The Most Compassionate), Al-Ghaffar (The Forgiving ), and Al-Malik (The Sovereign) are just a few examples of Allah’s names that can be invoked during dua.
Allah Himself encourages believers to call upon Him by His beautiful names in Surah Al-A’raf 7:180, stating that:
“Allah has the Most Beautiful Names. So call upon Him by them, and keep away from those who abuse His Names. They will be punished for what they used to do.”
6. Incorporate Quranic and Hadith-Based Duas
To properly make dua, incorporate Quranic and Hadith-based prayers. These Duas hold immense significance as they’re derived from the Quran’s divine words and the Prophet Muhammad’s teachings (peace be upon him).
The Quran contains numerous verses that serve as powerful supplications, addressing various aspects of life, including seeking forgiveness, guidance, and protection.
For example, a dua for forgiveness mentioned in the Quran is:
رَبَّنَا ظَلَمْنَآ أَنفُسَنَا وَإِن لَّمْ تَغْفِرْ لَنَا وَتَرْحَمْنَا لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلْخَـٰسِرِينَ
“Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You do not forgive us and have mercy on us, we will certainly be losers” (Quran 7:23).
Similarly, the Hadith literature provides a comprehensive guide for believers, offering specific supplications for various situations.
An example of a dua for protection against all forms of harm is:
بِسـمِ اللهِ الذي لا يَضُـرُّ مَعَ اسمِـهِ شَيءٌ في الأرْضِ وَلا في السّمـاءِ وَهـوَ السّمـيعُ العَلـيم
“In the Name of Allah, Who with His Name nothing can cause harm in the earth nor in the heavens, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.” (Abu Dawud 4/323, At-Tirmidhi 5/465, Ibn Majah 2/332, and Hisn al-Muslim 86).
While reciting Duas, it’s also recommended to express one’s desires and concerns to Allah, being specific and detailed to demonstrate the seriousness of the requests. This practice helps the supplicant to concentrate their intentions and show their sincerity in seeking Allah’s help.
A hadith found in Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3604i, Thabit narrated from Anas, who said,
“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Let one of you ask his Lord for his every need, even until he asks Him for the strap of his sandal when it breaks.’”
7. Recite Duas With Enthusiasm
The supplicant should recite Duas with enthusiasm, speaking with intention and feeling to enhance the sincerity and heartfelt nature of their supplications.
Islam encourages believers to recite Duas with enthusiasm, as it strengthens the connection between the supplicant and Allah. By reciting enthusiastically, one demonstrates eagerness and sincerity in seeking Allah’s blessings and guidance.
8. Repeat Duas Thrice
Repeating Duas three times is a practice that finds its basis in specific incidents from the Prophet’s life. The repetition emphasizes the earnestness and sincerity of the supplicant, demonstrating a deep desire for Allah’s response.
9. Say Duas Silently
Silently Reciting Duas enhances the intimacy and sincerity of the supplication process. This practice, recommended by the Prophet Muhammad, allows the believer to establish a personal and intimate connection with Allah.
10. Conclude With “Amin”
After completing the Dua, it is customary to conclude with the word ‘Amin.’ Saying ‘Amin’ is a practice that signifies the supplicant’s affirmation and agreement with the content of the prayer.
It is a moment of conviction, expressing confidence in Allah’s ability to answer the supplication.
11. Pass Hands Over Face After Dua
After completing the dua, it’s customary to gently pass one’s hands over one’s face as a symbolic gesture of purification and humility. This practice is based on the actions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who would make this gesture after making dua.
Follow the Etiquette of Dua to Strengthen the Spiritual Connection with Allah
The proper etiquette of making Dua is a profound aspect of Islamic devotion, connecting believers with Allah on a spiritual journey. Following the recommended steps, from ritual ablution to invoking Allah’s beautiful names and incorporating Quranic and Hadith-based Duas, makes supplications more effective.
The meticulous attention to detail, such as facing the Qiblah, sending blessings upon Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and concluding with ‘Amin,’ reflects a sincere and humble connection with the Divine.
With the right mindset and adherence to these guidelines, we can make a dua that is sincere, humble, and ultimately answered by Allah’s mercy and grace.
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Sources:
https://islamqa.info/en/answers/36902/how-to-make-dua
https://muslimhands.org.uk/latest/2021/04/how-to-make-dua-according-to-quran-and-hadith
https://thepilgrim.co/how-to-make-dua
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