A short core of supplications for every day - the ones the Prophet (peace be upon him) said most often.
If you learn nothing else from this section, learn these. They are the supplications the Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have said most often – short, complete, and fitting any moment of the day.
Key points
- "Rabbana atina fi d-dunya hasanah..." was the Prophet's (peace be upon him) most frequent supplication.
- "Ya Muqalliba l-qulub, thabbit qalbi 'ala dinik" was the dua Umm Salamah said he made most often.
- The Qur-an frames dua as a command ("Call upon Me") and as worship in itself.
- A few duas kept consistently are worth more than many said once.
Practical steps
- End every dua with "Rabbana atina fi d-dunya hasanah, wa fi l-akhirati hasanah, wa qina 'adhaba n-nar".
- After each prayer, say "Allahumma a'inni 'ala dhikrika wa shukrika wa husni 'ibadatik".
- Repeat "Ya Muqalliba l-qulub, thabbit qalbi 'ala dinik" through the day.
- Add "Rabbana la tuzigh qulubana..." and "Rabbi zidni 'ilma" as they fit.
Qur’an
Rabbana la tuzigh qulubana ba'da idh hadaytana, wa hab lana min ladunka rahmah, innaka anta l-Wahhab.
“[Who say], "Our Lord, let not our hearts deviate after You have guided us and grant us from Yourself mercy. Indeed, You are the Bestower.”
Surah Al Imran — 3:8
When to read: A dua for firmness on guidance - "do not let our hearts deviate after You have guided us". Said by "those of understanding".
...Rabbi zidni 'ilma.
“So high [above all] is Allah, the Sovereign, the Truth. And, [O Muhammad], do not hasten with [recitation of] the Qur'an before its revelation is completed to you, and say, "My Lord, increase me in knowledge."”
Surah Ta Ha — 20:114
When to read: "My Lord, increase me in knowledge" - the phrase Allah taught the Prophet (peace be upon him) himself.
...ud'uni astajib lakum.
“And your Lord says, "Call upon Me; I will respond to you." Indeed, those who disdain My worship will enter Hell [rendered] contemptible.”
Surah Ghafir — 40:60
When to read: Not a dua but the foundation of dua: "Call upon Me; I will respond to you." A reminder that supplication is itself commanded and is worship.
Hadith
Allahumma Rabbana atina fi d-dunya hasanah, wa fi l-akhirati hasanah, wa qina 'adhaba n-nar.
O Allah, our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.
Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 6389 (Qur'an 2:201) .
When to read: Anas reported this was the supplication the Prophet (peace be upon him) made most often. A complete request in one sentence - suitable to end any dua.
Allahumma a'inni 'ala dhikrika wa shukrika wa husni 'ibadatik.
O Allah, help me to remember You, to thank You, and to worship You well.
Sunan Abi Dawud, no. 1522 — graded sahih by al-Albani.
When to read: The Prophet (peace be upon him) told Mu'adh he loved him and instructed him never to leave this after every prayer.
Ya Muqalliba l-qulub, thabbit qalbi 'ala dinik.
O Turner of hearts, keep my heart firm upon Your religion.
Sunan at-Tirmidhi, no. 3522 — graded sahih by al-Albani.
When to read: Umm Salamah reported this was the dua the Prophet (peace be upon him) said most frequently. Said at any time, especially when fearing for one's faith.
Hadith text and grading above are shown as supplied by their source. HikmahBridge does not grade Hadith itself. See Sources & Methodology.
FAQ
When are duas most likely to be answered?
The Sunnah highlights: the last third of the night, between the adhan and iqamah, in sujood, at the end of the obligatory prayers, while fasting, on the Day of Arafah, and when travelling or wronged. But any time is valid.
Do I have to raise my hands and face the qiblah?
Raising the hands is recommended for general dua (not for every situation, e.g. not during the khutbah except for rain). Facing the qiblah is recommended but not required. The heart's attention matters most.
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