Qur-an and Sunnah on supplication in Ramadan: the fasting person, breaking the fast, and Laylat al-Qadr.
Ramadan is a month of dua as much as of fasting – “I am near, I answer” sits right among the fasting verses. This lesson keeps to what is authentically established: the dua after breaking the fast, and the dua the Prophet (peace be upon him) taught for Laylat al-Qadr.
Key points
- The Qur-an places "I am near, I answer the caller" (2:186) directly among the fasting verses.
- There is no authentic set dua before iftar; "Dhahaba z-zama'..." is said after breaking the fast.
- The dua the Prophet (peace be upon him) taught for Laylat al-Qadr is "Allahumma innaka 'Afuwwun Karimun tuhibbu l-'afwa fa'fu 'anni".
- The minutes before iftar are a time to make personal dua.
Practical steps
- In the minutes before iftar, make your own personal dua.
- On breaking the fast, say "Dhahaba z-zama', wa-btallati l-'uruq, wa thabata l-ajr in sha' Allah".
- Through the last ten nights, repeat "Allahumma innaka 'Afuwwun Karimun tuhibbu l-'afwa fa'fu 'anni".
- Keep your regular morning and evening adhkar going through Ramadan.
Qur’an
“The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.”
Surah Al-Baqarah — 2:185
When to read: The verse that names Ramadan as the month of the Qur-an and gives the purpose of fasting: gratitude and magnifying Allah for guidance.
...wa idha sa'alaka 'ibadi 'anni fa-inni qarib. Ujibu da'wata d-da'i idha da'an.
“And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me - indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided.”
Surah Al-Baqarah — 2:186
When to read: Placed right after the fasting verses: Allah is near and answers the one who calls. A direct encouragement to make dua while fasting.
“1. Indeed, We sent the Qur'an down during the Night of Decree. 2. And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? 3. The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. 4. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. 5. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.”
Surah Al-Qadr — 97:1-5
When to read: Recited and reflected on during the last ten nights while seeking Laylat al-Qadr.
Hadith
Dhahaba z-zama', wa-btallati l-'uruq, wa thabata l-ajr in sha' Allah.
The thirst is gone, the veins are moist, and the reward is confirmed, if Allah wills.
Sunan Abi Dawud, no. 2357 — graded hasan by al-Albani.
When to read: Said after breaking the fast. There is no authentic fixed dua to say before breaking it; the time just before iftar is itself a time when dua is answered - use it for personal supplication.
Allahumma innaka 'Afuwwun Karimun tuhibbu l-'afwa fa'fu 'anni.
O Allah, You are Pardoning and Generous, You love to pardon, so pardon me.
Sunan at-Tirmidhi, no. 3513 .
When to read: Aishah asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) what to say if she knew it was Laylat al-Qadr, and he taught her this. Some narrations report it without the word 'Karim'.
Hadith text and grading above are shown as supplied by their source. HikmahBridge does not grade Hadith itself. See Sources & Methodology.
FAQ
Is "Allahumma laka sumtu wa 'ala rizqika aftartu" authentic?
That wording comes through weak chains. The reliably established wording is the one said after breaking the fast (Sunan Abi Dawud 2357). It is safest to rely on that and on your own personal dua.
Is the Laylat al-Qadr dua only for the 27th night?
No. Laylat al-Qadr is hidden among the odd nights of the last ten, and some years may fall on an even night. Say the dua every night of the last ten.
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