Islamic Duas and Quotes. The word dua in Arabic means ‘calling’, which in other terms mean the act of calling upon Allah (SWT). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Dua is worship” (Sunan Abi Dawud 1479, Jami at-Tirmidhi 2969); it is a gift that Allah (SWT) bestowed on human beings.

For a new Islamic year, also see the duas for the start and end of the Hijrah year.

It is like a source for a needy person where he is able to directly communicate with Allah Al Mighty, who is always willing to listen and help. Apart from the daily prayers, Muslims are encouraged to ask Allah for forgiveness, strength and guidance towards the straight path. Muslims can make dua or personal supplication in any language and in their own words (see also the duas of the Prophets and these duas for success) but some of them are recommended examples from the Quran and Sunnah. Following are those examples;

Most Powerful Duas Every Muslim Should Know

↓25 – Dua Before Sleeping

Translation: O Allah (SWT), with Your name, do I die and live. (Sahih al-Bukhari 6312; also Jami at-Tirmidhi). Also have a look at these Islamic Quotes about Daughters.

↓24 – Dua When You Wake Up

Via

Translation: All praise is due to Allah SWT who has given us life after death and to Him is the return after death. (Bukhaari Vol. 2, Pg. 934)

↓23 – Before Entering The Toilet

Via

Translation: O Allah SWT, I seek refuge in You from the male and female evil ones (jinn and devils). (Sahih al-Bukhari 142, Sahih Muslim 375)

↓22 – After Leaving The Toilet

Via

Translation: I seek Your pardon. Praise be to Allah (SWT) who removed from me discomfort and gave me relief. (Ibnu Majah, Pg.26)

↓21 – For Increase In Knowledge

Translation: O My Lord, Increase me in knowledge. (Sura Ta’ha, S.20/V.114)

This short dua from the Quran is a good one to make before studying or learning; ask Allah sincerely for knowledge and pair the dua with effort.

↓20 – Before Wudhu (Ablution)

Via

Translation: (I commence Wudhu), in the name of Allah SWT the Great and all praise be to Allah SWT (for keeping me faithful) in the Deen (religion) of Islam. (this wording is reported in Majma az-Zawa’id and its chain is weak according to many scholars). The established sunnah is to say “Bismillah” before starting wudu; scholars differ on whether it is obligatory or recommended.

↓19 – While Performing Wudhu

Via

Translation: O Allah SWT, forgive my sins and grant me abundance in my home and blessings in my livelihood. (Amalul Yawmi wal Layla, Nasai, Pg172). Here are 35 Islamic Quotes About Greed.

↓18 – After Wudhu

Via

Translation: O Allah SWT, make me of the repenters and make me of the purified. (Tirmidhi, Vol. 1, Pg. 9)

Note: the hadith about the eight gates of Jannah being opened is reported in Sahih Muslim (234) for the one who performs wudu well and then recites the testimony of faith; this dua is added after it in the narration of Jami at-Tirmidhi (55).

↓17 – Before Leaving The House

Prophet (SAW) said that whosoever recites this dua when leaving his home, then it is said to him (by the angels) “You shall be guided, your needs shall be taken care of, you will be protected and may shaytaan go far away from you.” (Tirmidhi)

Via

↓16 – When Entering Home

Via

Translation: In the Name of Allah we enter, in the Name of Allah we leave, and upon our Lord we depend [then say As-Salaamu ‘Alaykum to those present. [Abu Dau’d]

↓15 – Dua Before Meal

Via

Translation: In the name of Allah (SWT) and upon the blessings of Allah (SWT). (Al-Hisnul Haseen Pg. 141)

↓14 – When Forgetting To Recite The Dua Before Eating

Via

↓13 – Dua After Meal

Translation: All praise be to Allah (SWT) who gave us food and drink and made us Muslims. (Al-Hisnul Haseen Pg. 144).

Allah SWT becomes delighted to see his slave praise Him after the meal.

↓12 – Dua When Seeing Someone Who Is Facing Any Sort Of Hardship

Prophet (SAW) said, “If anyone sees a person who is caught up in any calamity (such as illness or some hardship etc.) then he should read the following dua and he will not be afflicted with that same affliction (Jami at-Tirmidhi 3431). Scholars advise saying it quietly so as not to hurt the person who is suffering.

Translation: All praise is due to Al’laah Who protected me from that with which He tested you and Who definitely favoured me over much of His creation. (Tirmizi Shareef Vol.2 Pg.181).

↓11 – Dua for Entering A Mosque

Via

↓10 – Dua When Leaving A Mosque

Via

↓9 – Dua After Azaan

Via

Translation: Oh Allah! Lord of this perfect call and this prayer to be established, grant Muhammad Al-wasilah (a high and special place in Jannah) and Al-fadheelah (a rank above the rest of creation) and raise him to a praised platform which you have promised him.

Jabir ibn Abdullah narrates that the Prophet (SAW) said, whoever recites the following when he hears the call (to prayer, i.e. after the Adhan) then my intercession for him becomes binding on the day of resurrection. Do have a look at these 50 Islamic Quotes about Success with Images.

↓8 – Dua for Travelling

Via

Translation: Glory be to Al’laah who has given us control over this (mode of transport) and without his Grace, we would not have been able to control it and undoubtedly we are to return towards our Lord. [Tirmizi, Abu Dawood]

There is always a matter of safety when it comes to traveling, so it is very important that one asks for safety from Allah (SWT) before traveling.

↓7 -Dua When Looking In The Mirror

Via

↓6 -Dua When Wearing New Clothes

Via

↓5 – Dua After Drinking Milk

Via

↓4 – Dua When The Rain Falls

Via

Translation: O Allah SWT, do send upon us beneficial rain. (Bukhaari, Vol. 1, Pg. 140)

↓3 – Dua When A Loss Occurs

Via

Translation: Surely we belong to Allah SWT and to Him is our return. (Muslim, Vol. 1 Pg. 300)

↓2 – Dua for Difficult Situation

                                               لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنْتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ

Translation: O Allah, there is none worthy of worship besides You. You are Pure, definitely, I have oppressed my soul by sinning.

The Qur’an states that these words were recited when Yunus (A.S.) called upon Allah from the belly of the fish. Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.) states that when a Muslim recites this dua and asks for something from Allah Al Mighty, Allah responds to him, as reported in Jami at-Tirmidhi 3505.

↓1 – When Sad Or Depressed

لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ الْعَظِيمُ الْحَلِيمُ، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّه السَّمَوَاتِ، وَرَبُّ الْأَرْضِ، وَرَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْكَرِي

Translation: There is no god except Allaah, the All-Mighty, the Forbearing; there is no god except Allaah, the Lord of the Mighty Throne; there is no god except Allaah, Lord of the heavens, Lord of the earth and Lord of the noble Throne. (Al-Bukhari 8/154, Muslim 4/2092, )

In al-Saheehayn it was reported from Ibn ‘Abbaas that Prophet (SAW) used to recite this dua when he felt distressed or worried.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to make dua in Arabic?

No. You may make personal dua in any language and in your own words. Reciting the Arabic supplications of the Quran and Sunnah is recommended, but understanding what you ask for is also important. In the formal prayer itself, scholars generally require the prescribed Arabic recitations.

Are all the duas in this list from the Quran and authentic hadith?

The duas here are widely taught from the Quran and the hadith collections cited next to them, but hadith scholars sometimes grade the chains of individual narrations differently. If a particular wording matters to you, check its grading with a qualified scholar.

What are the best times to make dua?

Narrations mention the last third of the night, between the adhan and iqamah, during prostration, on Friday and while travelling or fasting. See our collection of duas of the Prophets for more examples.

Should I raise my hands when making dua?

Raising the hands is an established etiquette of dua in many narrations, though not required for every dua, such as the short supplications said during daily activities.

What if I forget to say bismillah or the dua before eating?

The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught that one who forgets should say “Bismillahi awwalahu wa akhirahu” when they remember (Sunan Abi Dawud, Jami at-Tirmidhi). For personal rulings, ask a qualified scholar.