How often do you want to make heartfelt dua, yet struggle to covey your words to Allah? Or, even when making a general dua, do you feel like you are lost for words? Well, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide on how you can make your duas more effective. We’ve highlighted both the etiquettes and actions of dua which will help bring more substance and purpose when you’re asking or generally speaking to Allah (swt).

“And when My servants ask you concerning Me, then surely I am very near; I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he calls on Me, so they should answer My call and believe in Me that they may walk in the right way.” [2:186]

Etiquettes of your dua:

1. Start off with salawat on the prophet saw (Allahummasalli…)

The Prophet (saw) said, “Every dua is kept back until you send blessings upon the Prophet.”

2. Use Allah’s beautiful names to call Him. E.g., Al-Rahman, Al-Raheem, Al-Khaliq

3. Praise Allah as He deserves

4. Face the qiblah

‘Umar (ra) narrated, “..then the Prophet (saw) turned to face the qiblah, then he stretched forth his hands and started to cry out to his Lord”

5. Raise your hands into the position of making dua

6. Have faith that your dua will be accepted and Allah will respond one way or another

Ibn al-Jawzi (rh) said. “I think part of the test is when a believer supplicates and receives no response, and he repeats the dua for a long time and sees no sign of a response. He should realise that this is a test and needs patience.”

7. Ask frequently – don’t lose hope. Remember, Allah’s kingdom is vast, so do not restrict yourself when asking Him for something.

8. Be firm in your asking - i.e. don’t say “Allah forgive me if you wish”, rather, beg Allah for exactly what you want.

Content of your dua:

1. Ask Allah for exactly what you want. Talk to Allah like you’re having a conversation with Him. Describe to Him what’s on your mind. Tell Him how you feel. Be very precise in your dua.

2. When making dua for all the Muslims around the world, don’t just end it at “Allah help all the Muslims.” Rather, be specific, describe to Allah what's going on. Ask Him specifically for those in Rohingya, in Syria, in Gaza etc. For that, you'll need to be aware of what’s happening to our brothers and sisters around the world. Do your research, stay aware and make dua for them all.

3. Sometimes when we make dua, we run out of things to say and so we say ‘ameen’ and end our dua quickly. However, don’t give up, when you face that silence in your dua, stay how you are, you'll eventually think of many more things to make dua for.

4. Lastly, finish your dua off with salutations to the prophet (saw).

We hope this guide is of benefit to you, allowing you to structure your dua more efficiently. We pray that Allah (swt) accepts your duas and grants you what’s best for you. Please utilise this guide on the blessed days of hijjah, allowing you to gain maximum benefit on these blessed days.