Times When Du`a Is Accepted

Summary

Du’a (supplication) is one of Islam’s most powerful acts of worship. While Allah hears all supplications, certain times and situations have been highlighted in authentic Hadiths as particularly effective for du’a. These include:

1. Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Decree)

This night occurs in the last ten nights of Ramadan and is better than a thousand months.

• The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
  “Whoever prays on Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.”
  (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1901; Sahih Muslim, 760)

• When asked what to recite, the Prophet (ﷺ) told Aishah (RA):
  “Say: Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibb ul-‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni” (O Allah, You are forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me).
  (Sunan at-Tirmidhi, 3513; Ibn Majah, 3850)

2. The Last Third of the Night

• The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
  “Our Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven in the last third of the night and says: ‘Who is calling upon Me, that I may answer him? Who is asking of Me, that I may give him? Who is seeking My forgiveness, that I may forgive him?’”
  (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1145; Sahih Muslim, 758)

3. After the Prescribed Prayers

• The Prophet (ﷺ) was asked: “Which supplication is heard (by Allah)?” He said:
  “At the last part of the night and after the obligatory prayers.”
  (Sunan at-Tirmidhi, 3499)

4. Between the Adhan and Iqamah

• The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
  “A du’a made between the Adhan and Iqamah is not rejected.”
  (Sunan Abi Dawood, 521; Sunan at-Tirmidhi, 212)

5. At the Time of Adhan

• The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
  “When you hear the Adhan, repeat what the Mu’adhin says, then ask Allah to send blessings upon me, then ask Him for Al-Wasilah for me, for whoever does this, my intercession will be permissible for him.”
  (Sahih Muslim, 384)

6. When Rain Falls

• The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
  “Two supplications are never rejected: The supplication when the Adhan is called and at the time of rainfall.”
  (Sunan Abi Dawood, 2540)

7. On a Special Hour on Friday

• The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
  “On Friday, there is a moment in which, if a Muslim prays and asks Allah for something good, He will grant it.”
  (Sahih al-Bukhari, 935; Sahih Muslim, 852)

8. When Drinking Zamzam Water

• The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
  “Zamzam water is for whatever purpose it is drunk for.”
  (Sunan Ibn Majah, 3062)

9. While Prostrating (Sujood)

• The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
  “The closest a servant comes to his Lord is when he is prostrating, so make plenty of du’a then.”
  (Sahih Muslim, 482)

10. When Hearing the Crowing of a Rooster

• The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
  “When you hear a rooster crow, ask Allah for His bounty, for it has seen an angel.”
  (Sahih al-Bukhari, 3303; Sahih Muslim, 2729)

11. Du’a of the Sick

• The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
  “When you visit the sick, ask them to pray for you, for their du’a is like the du’a of the angels.”
  (Ibn Majah, 1441)

12. During the Month of Ramadan

• The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
  “When Ramadan comes, the gates of mercy are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained.”
  (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1899; Sahih Muslim, 1079)

13. On the Day of Arafah

• The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
  “The best supplication is the supplication on the Day of Arafah.”
  (Sunan at-Tirmidhi, 3585)

14. While Traveling

• The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
  “Three supplications are answered: the supplication of the oppressed, the supplication of the traveler, and the supplication of a father for his child.”
  (Sunan at-Tirmidhi, 1905)

15. Du’a of a Fasting Person Before Iftar

• The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
  “Three supplications are not rejected: the supplication of a fasting person when he breaks his fast, the just leader, and the supplication of the oppressed.”
  (Sunan at-Tirmidhi, 2526)

16. At the Moment of Death

• The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
  “When death approaches one of you, let him say La ilaha illa Allah (There is no god but Allah).”
  (Sunan Abi Dawood, 3113)

17. Du’a of a Parent for Their Child

• The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
  “Three supplications are never rejected: the supplication of a parent for his child, the supplication of a fasting person, and the supplication of the traveler.”
  (Sunan at-Tirmidhi, 1905)

18. Du’a of an Oppressed Person

• The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
  “Beware of the supplication of the oppressed, for there is no barrier between it and Allah.”
  (Sahih al-Bukhari, 2448; Sahih Muslim, 19)

19. While Waking Up at Night and Making Du’a

• The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
  “Whoever wakes up at night and supplicates, Allah will respond to him.”
  (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1154)

20. Visiting the Sick

• The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
  “When you visit the sick, make du’a for them, for their du’a is accepted.”
  (Sunan Ibn Majah, 1441)

Conclusion

Making du’a is a direct connection between a believer and Allah. It is an act of devotion, reliance, and submission to the Almighty. While one can supplicate at any time, utilizing these specific moments increases the chances of acceptance. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) taught us to be persistent in du’a, remain hopeful, and trust in Allah’s wisdom.