By: Dr. Mubarak Ali

RECOMMENDED DU'A (SUPPLICATIONS)

5.5 THE BEST TIMES AND PLACES TO MAKE SUPPLICATION

 Although one can supplicate to Allah (glory be to Him) at any time according to one’s needs or circumstances, there are preferred times, circumstances and locations in which acceptance of one’s supplication is given greater responsiveness. These are summarized as follows:

1. On the day of ‘Arafat.
2. During the month of Ramadan.
3. At the time of breaking the fast[1].
4. On Friday.[2]
5. During the latter part of the night.[3]
6. At the time of dawn.
7. During prostration.[4]
8. Immediately after Salat.
9. When it is raining.
10. Between the Adhan and Iqamah.
11. When facing the army of the enemy.
12. In times of panic, distress or disaster.
13. When being treated unjustly or being oppressed.
14. By one Muslim for his brother Muslim who is not present.[5]
15. A father for his children.
16. A traveler.[6]

[1] The Prophet (pbuh) said: “The supplications of three persons are not rejected: [1] the supplication of a fasting person at the time of breaking the fast [2] of a just ruler, and [3] a person who is wronged. Allah causes their supplications to rise above the clouds, and the gates of heavens are opened for them, and Allah says: ‘By My Majesty, I will help you, even it be after a while.’” (At-Trimidhi)

[2] The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: :…on this day [Friday], there is a time during which if anyone asks anything of Allah it will be granted to him unless he asks for something which is forbidden…” (Abu Lubanah al-Badri in Ahmad and Ibn Majah).

[3] The Prophet (pbuh) was asked: ‘What supplication finds the greatest acceptance?’ He answered: ‘A prayer offered in the middle of the latter part of the night and after the prescribed prayers’ (Abu Umamah in At-Trimidhi).

[4] The Prophet (pbuh) said: “The servant is nearest to his Lord when he is prostrating to Him, so make supplication in this state” (Abu Hurairah in Muslim).

[5] The Prophet (pbuh) said: “The supplication that gets the quickest answer is the one made by one Muslim for another in his absence” (Abdullah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘As). Againhe assured: “The supplication of a Muslim for his brother in his absence is accepted when he makes a supplication for blessing for his brother, and the commissioned Angel says, “Ameen. May it be for you too” (‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab in As-Sayyid Sabiq, Fiqh us-Sunnah: Funerals and Dhikr’.

[6] The Prophet (pbuh) said: “The supplications of three persons are accepted, and there is no doubt concerning their acceptance: [1] the supplication of a father, [2] of a traveler, and [3] one who is wronged or oppressed” (Ahmad, Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi).