Dua in the night
What to say after Tahajjud, and why the night is described as a time of answer.
Pending scholarly review · Last updated 9 August 2026
The invitation
"Our Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven when the last third of the night remains, and says: Who will call upon Me that I may answer him? Who will ask of Me that I may give him? Who will seek My forgiveness that I may forgive him?" (Sahih al-Bukhari 1145; Sahih Muslim 758)
What to say
There is no fixed script. Ask in whatever language your heart speaks. A simple shape:
- Begin with praise of Allah and sending peace upon the Prophet ﷺ.
- Seek forgiveness.
- Ask — for your religion, your family, your character, your provision, and for the Muslims.
- Ask for others as well as yourself.
A note on expectations
Dua is always answered — but the form of the answer belongs to Allah, not to us. It may be given, delayed, or exchanged for something better. Do not let anyone tell you that a specific prayer guarantees a specific worldly result.
References
Sahih al-Bukhari — 1145hadith
The invitation to ask in the last third.
Islamic educational content is provided with references. For personal religious rulings, please consult a qualified scholar.
Put this into practice tonight
See Isha, Islamic midnight, the last third and Fajr calculated for your own location.
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