Imagine a world without etiquettes. No ethics. No structure. Complete chaos. Perhaps that’s why almost everything conforms to etiquette that is followed by the one carrying out the act.
Similarly, making dua also follows a set of actions which although not mandatory, add a great amount of value and weight to the supplication.
Look at it this way, you wouldn’t go to someone and straight away start asking or demanding what you want from them. First you will greet them, ask how they are, maybe have some small talk to lighten up the mood. Then you will move on to your needs. Similarly, when we approach Allah to ask for all the things we need and want, we should be respectful and follow the prescribed etiquette mentioned by His beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
1. Recite the Bismallah
Being Muslims, we know that starting any good act with the mention of Allah adds barakah (blessing). So before making a dua say “Bismillah”, and remember who you are asking.
2. Praise Allah using His Names
Call Allah by His Beautiful names and the names which are most applicable to what you are asking for. For example, if you are making dua for any type of protection then address Him by using His name Al-Muhaymin, which means The Guardian or The Overseer.
“Oh Allah, You are al-Muhaymin, please protect me from all evil within me and from that which comes from the Shaytan.”
“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.”
[Surah al-A’raf 7:180]
3. Show Gratitude
Gratitude is one of the essential qualities of a Muslim. We must always be grateful to Allah for everything we are blessed with and even for what we haven’t been given. Be thankful for everything which you don’t yet have as well, because it may be a part of His Blessings that you are kept away from it.
“Perhaps you dislike something which is good for you and like something which is bad for you. Allah knows and you do not know.”
[Surah al-Baqarah 2:216]
4. Send Salaawat on the Prophet ﷺ
Praise the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ by sending Salawat. If your dua is preceded and followed by the Salawat, Allah will surely not miss your dua.
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Every dua is kept back until you send blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ.”
Narrated by al-Tabarani in al-Awsat, 1/220; classed as sahهh by al-Albani in Sahih al-Jami’, 4399.
5. Sincere Intentions
Keep your intentions sincere concerning who you are asking and why you want that dua to be accepted. Know that you are asking the Creator and He who is al-Kareem. Realize that you are in front of He who loves to give and who is shy to let His servants leave empty handed. Raise your hands in dua keeping His generosity in mind.
Ask yourself
- Is this something I really want?
- What I’m asking for, it is beneficial to me?
- Is it harmful to anyone?
- Will this help to bring me closer to Allah?
- Will this help me to achieve my purpose and life goal?
- What do I hope to gain by achieving this wish?
6. Establish a conversation
Remember that supplication is not just you verbalizing a thought or reading something. Dua is a voice that comes from within you which is filled with emotions, hope, and a longing that is meant to be shared with Allah, your only true Provider. So therefore, talk to Him, tell him about everything that has happened, how you are feeling, and why some things haven’t worked out and how much you need His help. Open up to Him completely with a strong trust that He Will indeed fulfill your prayers.
7. Stay positive and consistent
Another thing to keep in mind is to stay positive and expect a good outcome. Don’t let negativity reign when it has been a couple of days and the dua hasn’t been fulfilled. We need to have patience and stay consistent. We have to trust that Allah knows that which we know not. Therefore, consistency is key. You can’t get everything right away, therefore have faith in Allah and give it some time. Beg Him. Every day and in every salah. Show Him how badly you want it. He Will surely listen, and if for any reason the said dua is not fulfilled then rest assured that it was indeed for the best and you will get your due reward.
Many times there are Muslims who complain that their duas are not being accepted and because of that they get depressed and unmotivated to make any further duas. If these above-mentioned etiquettes are followed and you keep a positive sense of hope and firm faith in Allah, then insha Allah your duas will get accepted.
