How do I make a dua that is accepted?
Answer
Dua is worship in itself (Tirmidhi 3371), so it is never wasted. But there are conditions and times that the texts single out.
Begin by praising Allah and sending salutations upon the Prophet ﷺ, then ask. Ask with certainty of a response: "Call upon Allah while certain of a response, and know that Allah does not answer a dua from a heedless, inattentive heart" (Tirmidhi 3479). Ensure your income and food are lawful — the Prophet ﷺ mentioned the traveller who raises his hands while his food and clothing are unlawful, asking how such a person is answered (Muslim 1015).
Times mentioned in the sunnah: the last third of the night (Bukhari 1145), between the adhan and iqamah, in sujud, on Friday in the last hour, and while fasting.
Allah answers in one of three ways: He gives what was asked, He delays it for something better, or He turns away a harm equal to it (Ahmad 11133). None of those is a refusal.
Persist. Ask by name, in your own words, for exactly the thing you need.
References
- Jami at-Tirmidhi 3371
- Jami at-Tirmidhi 3479
- Sahih Muslim 1015
- Sahih al-Bukhari 1145
- Musnad Ahmad 11133
Answered by Tahajjud editorial team
This answer is educational and referenced — it is not a fatwa, and no ruling here is AI-generated. For a ruling on your personal situation, ask a qualified scholar you can speak to directly. Sources & accuracy policy
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