In Islam, supplication (dua) holds a central role in the life of every believer. It is an intimate and direct way to communicate with Allah, seeking His mercy, forgiveness, help, and guidance. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the significance of dua and encouraged Muslims to make dua consistently, as it is a form of worship. Allah Himself has promised in the Qur’an: "Call upon Me; I will respond to you." (Surah Ghafir 40:60).
Although Allah can answer a believer’s call at any time, Islamic teachings highlight specific times and situations when the chances of dua being accepted are greater. Understanding these times enables believers to maximize their spiritual efforts, strengthen their relationship with Allah, and experience the beauty of answered prayers. This article explores these blessed moments in detail.
1. The Last Third of the Night
One of the most sacred times for making dua is during the last third of the night. This part of the night is especially significant because Allah descends to the lowest heaven and listens to the prayers of His servants. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Our Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven when one-third of the night remains and says: ‘Who is calling upon Me, so that I may respond to him? Who is asking from Me, so that I may give him? Who is seeking My forgiveness, so that I may forgive him?’” (Sahih al-Bukhari; Sahih Muslim)
This time is also known as the time of Tahajjud prayer, which is a voluntary night prayer performed after waking up in the latter part of the night. Those who sincerely seek Allah's blessings and engage in heartfelt supplication during this time often witness profound spiritual results and a deepened connection with their Creator.
2. Between the Adhan and Iqamah
The time between the Adhan (the call to prayer) and the Iqamah (the second call signaling the start of congregational prayer) is a golden opportunity for making dua. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“A supplication made between the Adhan and the Iqamah is not rejected.” (Sunan Abu Dawood; Tirmidhi)
This short window of time offers a powerful opportunity to turn to Allah with sincerity. Since the atmosphere is filled with spiritual energy and preparation for prayer, it becomes a highly receptive moment for dua.
3. In Sujood (Prostration)
The closest a servant comes to their Lord is while in sujood, the position of prostration during salah (prayer). In this humble position, a Muslim's heart is most inclined toward submission, making it a perfect moment for supplication.
“The closest that a servant comes to his Lord is when he is prostrating, so make plenty of supplication.” (Sahih Muslim)
Many scholars encourage Muslims to not rush their sujood but to prolong it and pour their hearts out in front of Allah during these sacred moments.
4. On Fridays – Especially the Last Hour Before Maghrib
Friday (Jumu’ah) is considered the most blessed day of the week in Islam. On this day, there is a particular hour during which any sincere supplication is accepted. Although scholars differ on the exact timing, many agree it is the final hour before Maghrib (sunset).
“There is a time on Friday during which if a Muslim happens to pray and ask Allah for something good, He will give it to him.” (Sahih al-Bukhari; Sahih Muslim)
Therefore, it is highly encouraged to make dua consistently on Fridays, especially in the late afternoon, while also engaging in sending blessings upon the Prophet (peace be upon him).
5. While Fasting and at the Time of Breaking the Fast
Fasting is an act of sincere devotion and self-restraint. Dua made while fasting carries a special weight, and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) assured believers of its acceptance.
“Three people’s supplications are not rejected: the fasting person when he breaks his fast, the just ruler, and the one who is oppressed.” (Tirmidhi)
During Ramadan or any other time of voluntary fasting, believers are encouraged to increase their dua, especially just before iftar (the breaking of the fast).
6. While Traveling
A traveler’s dua is among those that are accepted by Allah. Traveling often includes challenges and uncertainties, which naturally humble a person. It becomes a perfect time to seek Allah’s help, protection, and blessings.
“Three supplications are never rejected: the supplication of a parent for his child, the supplication of the fasting person, and the supplication of the traveler.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi)
Whether one is traveling for work, Hajj, Umrah, or any purpose, this is an opportunity to ask Allah for success, ease, and spiritual strength.
7. In Times of Distress and Need
When a person is going through hardship or distress, their heart naturally turns to Allah in humility and desperation. Such heartfelt dua is beloved to Allah and often accepted. One powerful example is the dua of Prophet Yunus (peace be upon him) when he was in the belly of the whale:
"There is no deity except You; Glory be to You! Indeed, I have been among the wrongdoers." (Surah Al-Anbiya 21:87)
Allah responded to his call and saved him from distress. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also taught us that this dua can be recited in our own moments of crisis and difficulty.
8. After Obligatory Prayers
While there is scholarly debate about making dua immediately after the fardh (obligatory) prayers, many scholars agree that it is a time when one's heart is soft, and the angels are present. Thus, it becomes a good moment to supplicate and remember Allah.
It’s recommended to first recite the post-prayer adhkar (remembrances), and then turn to Allah in personal dua, asking for forgiveness, guidance, provision, and anything else one desires.
9. On the Day of Arafah
The Day of Arafah, which occurs on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, is the most sacred day of the Islamic calendar. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“The best supplication is the supplication on the Day of Arafah.” (Tirmidhi)
On this day, Allah descends and boasts to the angels about the pilgrims who have gathered, and He forgives more people on this day than on any other. Even those who are not performing Hajj are encouraged to fast and make abundant dua on this blessed day.
10. When It Rains
Rain is considered a mercy from Allah, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned that supplication during rain is among the accepted times:
“Seek the response to your du’as when the armies meet, when the prayer is called, and when rain falls.” (Abu Dawood)
When the skies open and rain begins to fall, it is a beautiful time to raise one’s hands and ask for personal, spiritual, and worldly needs.
11. During the Month of Ramadan
The entire month of Ramadan is a time of divine mercy, increased worship, and forgiveness. It is a month when the gates of Paradise are opened, and the gates of Hellfire are closed. Any supplication made during this month, particularly in the last ten nights, is highly recommended.
Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Decree, is also within the last ten nights of Ramadan. Allah says in the Qur’an that this night is “better than a thousand months.” (Surah Al-Qadr). A sincere dua made on this night has the power to change a person’s destiny.
Conclusion
Dua is a divine gift and a sign of faith. Through dua, a Muslim expresses their dependence on Allah, opens their heart, and invites divine mercy into their lives. While dua can and should be made at any time, knowing these special moments helps believers to be more mindful and hopeful.
Take advantage of these times, whether it is in the quiet of the night, the sanctity of prayer, the blessed day of Friday, or while facing trials. Know that Allah is always near, and He loves to answer the calls of His servants. As Allah says in the Qur’an:
“And when My servants ask you about Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:186)
So let us turn to Allah with sincerity, hope, and trust, and never underestimate the power of a heartfelt dua made at the right time.
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