Prayer (Dua) is one of the most powerful acts of worship in Islam.
 |
| The Power of Prayer: Best Times for Supplication (Dua) to Be Accepted |
Introduction
Prayer (Dua) is one of the most powerful acts of worship in Islam. It is a means of communicating directly with Allah, seeking His mercy, guidance, and blessings. Dua has the power to change destiny, as emphasized in the Hadith:
"Nothing can change the decision of Allah except prayer." (Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 2139)
Unlike humans, who may become annoyed when asked for favors repeatedly, Allah loves when His servants ask Him for help. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
"Whoever does not ask Allah for anything, Allah becomes angry with him." (Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 3295)
Allah has promised in the Quran:
"Call upon Me, and I will answer your prayers." (Surah Al-Mu’min, Verse 60)
There are certain times when Dua is more likely to be accepted. Knowing these special moments can help believers maximize the impact of their supplications.
Best Times for Dua to Be Accepted
1. The Last Third of the Night
The last third of the night is a sacred time for prayer. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
"Every day, in the last third of the night, our Lord descends to the lowest heaven and says, ‘Who is calling upon Me so that I may respond? Who is asking of Me so that I may give? Who is seeking My forgiveness so that I may forgive them?’" (Muslim, Hadith No. 1263)
This is the most spiritually rewarding time for supplication because:
- It is a moment of peace and solitude.
- The distractions of daily life are minimal.
- It reflects sincerity and devotion.
How to Make the Most of This Time:
- Wake up before Fajr and engage in Tahajjud (night prayer).
- Make Dua for personal needs, forgiveness, and guidance.
- Recite Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) and praise Allah.
2. The Special Hour on Friday
Friday is the most blessed day in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
"There is a time on Friday when a believer who finds himself praying and asks Allah for something will certainly have his need fulfilled." (Bukhari)
In different narrations, this time is mentioned as:
- Between Asr and Maghrib (Sunan Abu Dawud)
- When the Imam sits on the pulpit until the prayer ends (Sahih Muslim)
Practical Steps:
- Increase supplication between Asr and Maghrib.
- Make special Dua after Jumu’ah (Friday) prayer.
- Send blessings upon the Prophet (PBUH).
3. The Time Between Adhan and Iqamah
The period between the call to prayer (Adhan) and the call to commence (Iqamah) is a time of great acceptance for supplications. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
"The supplication made between the call to prayer and the call to commence is not rejected." (Abu Dawud)
Actionable Steps:
- When Adhan is called, repeat the words of the Mu’adhin.
- Before the Iqamah, raise hands in supplication and make Dua.
- Ask for personal, family, and global well-being.
4. During Prostration (Sujood)
Prostration (Sujood) is the closest position a believer can be to Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
"The closest a servant comes to his Lord is during prostration, so make plenty of supplications during this time." (Muslim, Hadith No. 744)
Best Practices for Making Dua in Sujood:
- Extend the prostration in Salah (prayer).
- Make Dua for personal and spiritual needs.
- Recite Subhana Rabbiyal A’la (Glory is to my Lord, the Most High) with sincerity.
5. When Breaking the Fast
Fasting is a time of heightened spirituality. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
"The supplication of three people is never rejected: the supplication of a fasting person when breaking the fast, the supplication of a just ruler, and the supplication of an oppressed person." (Musnad Ahmad, Tirmidhi)
How to Make the Most of This Time:
- Before breaking the fast, make a heartfelt Dua.
- Pray for forgiveness, guidance, and sustenance.
- Recite Bismillah and break the fast with gratitude.
6. The Night of Power (Laylatul Qadr)
Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Power, is the holiest night in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
"Whoever stands in prayer on the Night of Power with faith and hope for reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven." (Bukhari)
Ways to Seek Allah’s Mercy on Laylatul Qadr:
- Pray extra voluntary prayers.
- Recite the Dua: Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni (O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love to forgive, so forgive me).
- Read the Quran and seek forgiveness.
7. The Day of Arafah
The 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, known as Arafah Day, is a day of immense mercy. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
"The best of supplications is the supplication on the Day of Arafah." (Tirmidhi)
Actions on Arafah Day:
- Fast on this day (for non-Hajj pilgrims).
- Spend time in worship and remembrance of Allah.
- Make lengthy supplications for personal and global well-being.
8. During Rainfall
Rain is a sign of Allah’s mercy, and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged making Dua when it rains:
"There are two times when supplications are not rejected: the supplication at the time of the call to prayer and the supplication at the time of rain." (Abu Dawud, Hadith No. 2178)
Best Practices:
- Step outside and pray when it rains.
- Ask for blessings, provision, and forgiveness.
9. After Obligatory Prayers
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was asked:
"O Messenger of Allah! At which time is the supplication most quickly accepted?"
He replied:
"In the last part of the night and after the obligatory prayers." (Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 3421)
Effective Supplication Routine:
- After every Fard (obligatory) Salah, take a few moments for personal supplication.
- Seek forgiveness and guidance.
10. Times of Hardship and Journey
Certain situations make Dua more likely to be accepted:
- In moments of distress (Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum, Bi Rahmatika Astagheeth).
- During travel, as the supplication of a traveler is accepted.
- When oppressed, as Allah answers the Dua of the oppressed.
Conclusion
Dua is a direct connection between a believer and Allah. By making supplications at these blessed times, we can increase the likelihood of our prayers being answered.
May Allah accept our prayers and guide us toward righteousness. Ameen.
Also read:
COMMENTS