Dua is one of the greatest sources of strength for a believer and a powerful means of strengthening the bond with Allah. Through sincere dua, a servant turns to Allah with hope, humility and complete reliance.

Allah hears every sincere call and responds to His servants at all times. However, the Holy Qur’an and authentic Hadith mention several blessed occasions when the likelihood of Allah accepting dua is especially great.

Allah says:

“Call upon Me; I will respond to you.” (Surah Ghafir, 40:60)

Below are 10 special moments when dua is especially encouraged:

1. The last third of the night

The final third of the night ranks among the best times for dua. While most people sleep, those who rise to worship and supplicate to Allah receive His mercy.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“During the last third of every night, our Lord descends to the lowest heaven and says: ‘Who is calling upon Me so that I may answer him? Who is asking Me so that I may give him? Who is seeking My forgiveness so that I may forgive him?'” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith: 1145)

2. Between the adhan and iqamah

The period between the call to prayer (adhan) and the commencement of prayer (iqamah) is another blessed time for dua.

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

“The dua made between the adhan and the iqamah is not rejected.” (Jami’ al-Tirmidhi, Hadith: 212)

3. During sujood (prostration)

Sujood is the moment when a believer is closest to Allah.

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

“A servant is closest to his Lord while in prostration, so increase your dua during it.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 482)

4. Before concluding the obligatory prayer

The period after reciting the Tashahhud and Durood, but before ending the prayer with salam, is one of the best times to make dua.

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

“The dua made during the last part of the night and at the end of the obligatory prayers is most likely to be accepted.” (Jami’ al-Tirmidhi, Hadith: 3499)

5. A special moment on Friday

Friday contains a blessed hour during which Allah accepts the dua of His servants.

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

“There is a time on Friday when, if a Muslim asks Allah for something good, He will surely grant it.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith: 935)

6. Before breaking the fast

The dua of a fasting person before iftar enjoys a special status.

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

“Three people’s dua is never rejected: a just ruler, a fasting person until he breaks his fast, and an oppressed person.” (Jami’ al-Tirmidhi, Hadith: 2526)

7. During rainfall

Rain symbolises Allah’s mercy and is regarded as a favourable time for dua.

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

“Two supplications are generally not rejected: one made during the adhan and one made while it is raining.” (Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith: 2540)

8. The Day of Arafah

The ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, known as the Day of Arafah, is regarded as the best day of the year for dua.

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

“The best dua is the dua made on the Day of Arafah.” (Jami’ al-Tirmidhi, Hadith: 3585)

9. Laylat al-Qadr

Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Decree, is better than a thousand months and offers a unique opportunity to seek Allah’s forgiveness and mercy.

The Prophet (PBUH) taught Aisha (RA) to recite:

Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul-‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni.

Meaning: “O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me.” (Jami’ al-Tirmidhi, Hadith: 3513)

10. The dua of the oppressed and those in distress

Allah swiftly responds to the sincere dua of those who suffer injustice or hardship.

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

“Beware of the dua of the oppressed, for there is no barrier between it and Allah.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith: 2448)

Allah also says:

“Who responds to the distressed when they call upon Him and removes their suffering?” (Surah An-Naml, 27:62)

A reminder for believers

Dua is not limited to a specific time or place. A believer can call upon Allah at any moment and under any circumstance. However, the Qur’an and authentic Hadith highlight these blessed occasions as times when the hope of acceptance is especially great.

Muslims should therefore make the most of these opportunities by turning to Allah with sincerity, seeking His mercy, forgiveness and guidance. May Allah grant us the ability to remember Him often, accept our dua and bless us with steadfast faith. Ameen.