Making dua (supplication) is a powerful way to connect with Allah (SWT) and seek His guidance and assistance. While we can make dua at any time, there are specific times mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah when dua is particularly effective. This blog post explores these special moments and provides authentic references to help you maximize your prayers.
Understanding the significance of timing can enhance the effectiveness of your duas. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of making dua at certain times when Allah (SWT) is most receptive to our prayers. By aligning our supplications with these moments, we can increase the likelihood of our prayers being answered.
1. Dua During The Last Third of the Night
Among the most powerful and spiritually rich times to make duʿāʾ is the last third of the night — a time described in the Sunnah as a moment of divine nearness, mercy, and acceptance. It is a time when distractions fade, hearts soften, and the veils between the servant and His Lord are lifted by His mercy.
‟يَنْزِلُ رَبُّنَا تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى كُلَّ لَيْلَةٍ إِلَى السَّمَاءِ الدُّنْيَا حِينَ يَبْقَى ثُلُثُ اللَّيْلِ الآخِرِ، فَيَقُولُ: مَنْ يَدْعُونِي فَأَسْتَجِيبَ لَهُ؟ مَنْ يَسْأَلُنِي فَأُعْطِيَهُ؟ مَنْ يَسْتَغْفِرُنِي فَأَغْفِرَ لَهُ؟‟
“Our Lord, Blessed and Exalted is He, descends every night to the lowest heaven when the last third of the night remains, and He 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 forgiveness from Me so that I may forgive him?’”
Sahih al-Bukhārī (ḥadīth 1145), Sahih Muslim (ḥadīth 758)
Allah’s ﷻ Nearness Without Likeness
Scholars emphasize that this “descent” (nuzūl) is a reality affirmed by authentic hadith and accepted by Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jamāʿah. However, we do not liken it to the descent of creation, nor do we ask how. As Imam Mālik (رحمه الله) famously said, “The descent is known; the how is unknown; belief in it is obligatory; questioning it is an innovation.”
This moment is not symbolic, but real — known only in its true nature to Allah ﷻ — and represents His immense mercy and readiness to forgive, answer, and bestow upon His sincere servants.
Why This Time Is so Special
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It Is a Time of Solitude and Sincerity
The world is quiet. The distractions of the day are gone. The heart is more likely to be humbled and focused on Allah ﷻ. This silence and stillness naturally direct the believer’s soul inward, toward reflection, worship, and longing for closeness to the One who never sleeps nor forgets.
It Is the Time of Qiyām al-Layl (Night Prayer)
In the Qur’an, Allah ﷻ praises those who forsake their beds and rise to worship Him in the night:
﴾كَانُوا قَلِيلًا مِّنَ اللَّيْلِ مَا يَهْجَعُونَ﴿
“They used to sleep but little of the night.”
— Surah adh-Dhāriyāt (51:17)
Quran.com – 51:17
﴾تَتَجَافَىٰ جُنُوبُهُمْ عَنِ ٱلْمَضَاجِعِ يَدْعُونَ رَبَّهُمْ خَوْفٗا وَطَمَعٗا﴿
“Their sides forsake their beds, calling upon their Lord in fear and hope…”
— Surah as-Sajdah (32:16)
Quran.com – 32:16
The night is not only for physical rest — it is a moment of spiritual awakening. Those who take advantage of it are described among the most sincere and beloved of Allah’s servants.
It Aligns with the Practice of the Prophet ﷺ
The Prophet ﷺ would consistently wake up during the last third of the night to pray and make duʿāʾ. This was part of his lifelong routine and a practice he encouraged for others.
‟أَفْضَلُ الصَّلَاةِ بَعْدَ الْمَكْتُوبَةِ صَلَاةُ اللَّيْلِ”
“The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer.”
— Sahih Muslim (1163)
Sahih Muslim 1163 – Sunnah.com
What to Ask in Duʿāʾ During This Time
In the last third of the night, the believer should feel safe to pour their heart out to Allah ﷻ — for no one listens as He does. Among the things one can ask:
- Forgiveness for sins, past and present
- Guidance in decisions or hardship
- Barakah (blessing) in family, wealth, and time
- Healing for oneself and others
- Entrance into Jannah and protection from Hell
- Relief from anxiety, fear, loneliness, or illness
- For one’s parents, the deceased, the Ummah
Practical Advice: How to Catch the Last Third of the Night
To calculate it:
Take the time between Maghrib and Fajr, divide that duration by three. The last third is the final portion before Fajr begins.
🕰 Example:
- Maghrib: 6:00 PM
- Fajr: 5:00 AM
- Total night: 11 hours
- One third: ~3 hours 40 minutes
- Last third begins around 1:20 AM – 5:00 AM
Even if one cannot wake up regularly, making duʿāʾ once or twice a week during this time is deeply meritorious.
Reflection: a Time for Hope, Not Despair
When Allah ﷻ says, “Who is asking Me so that I may give?” — it is not because He does not know, but to invite us. This is an open door to His mercy, where angels do not stand between you and your Lord. If you’ve wronged yourself, if you carry guilt or fear, or if you feel your duʿāʾs have gone unanswered — then this is the time to try again. As long as you are alive, the door of rahmah is still open.
2. Dua Between the Adhan and Iqamah
In Islam, the Adhān (call to prayer) is not only a call to physical presence at the masjid—it is a spiritual signal, a reminder of Allah ﷻ and a prelude to an audience with Him. Between the Adhān and the Iqāmah (second call to prayer) lies a sacred interval where duʿāʾ (supplication) is highly encouraged and, as taught by the Prophet ﷺ, not rejected.
Authentic Hadith on Duʿāʾ Between the Adhān and Iqāmah
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
‟الدُّعَاءُ لَا يُرَدُّ بَيْنَ الْأَذَانِ وَالْإِقَامَةِ”
“The duʿāʾ made between the Adhān and the Iqāmah is not rejected.”
Sunan Abī Dāwūd 521 – Sunnah.com
This hadith confirms the virtue of this time and encourages believers to take full advantage of it. Just as the Adhān proclaims the greatness of Allah ﷻ and calls to success, the time that follows becomes fertile ground for the believer’s plea to their Lord.
Why Is This Time So Special?
- It follows an act of worship (Adhān)
The Adhān is an act that glorifies Allah ﷻ. Following it with sincere duʿāʾ keeps the heart in a state of remembrance and devotion. - It is just before the Salah begins
Salah is the greatest act of submission. Duʿāʾ made right before entering it reflects the believer’s eagerness to draw near to Allah ﷻ. - It is a moment of divine attention
According to this hadith, Allah ﷻ does not reject duʿāʾ at this time, provided it is made with a sincere heart and halal intentions.
How to Use This Time Effectively
- Be consistent: Make it a habit to raise your hands and make duʿāʾ between every Adhān and Iqāmah.
- Memorize prophetic duʿāʾs: Recite known and authentic supplications from the Sunnah.
- Ask for both Dunyā and Ākhirah: This time is a gift—ask Allah ﷻ for guidance, healing, provision, forgiveness, and Jannah.
- Include others in your prayers: Remember your family, the Ummah, the oppressed, and the deceased.
Complementary Practice: Responding to the Muʾadhdhin
Before making duʿāʾ, one should also respond to the Muʾadhdhin (caller to prayer), as it is a Sunnah:
‟إِذَا سَمِعْتُمُ الْمُؤَذِّنَ فَقُولُوا مِثْلَ مَا يَقُولُ”
“When you hear the Muʾadhdhin, say what he says.”
Sahih al-Bukhārī 611 – Sunnah.com, Sahih Muslim 383 – Sunnah.com
And after responding, one should make the specific duʿāʾ for the Prophet ﷺ:
‟اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ هَذِهِ الدَّعْوَةِ التَّامَّةِ، وَالصَّلَاةِ الْقَائِمَةِ، آتِ مُحَمَّدًا الْوَسِيلَةَ وَالْفَضِيلَةَ، وَابْعَثْهُ مَقَامًا مَحْمُودًا”
Sahih al-Bukhārī 614 – Sunnah.com
Translation: “O Allah, Lord of this perfect call and the established prayer, grant Muhammad the means and virtue, and raise him to a praised station…”
This duʿāʾ ensures the believer receives intercession from the Prophet ﷺ on the Day of Judgment, as mentioned in authentic narrations. Every prayer is an opportunity. And the time between the Adhān and the Iqāmah is among the most blessed for supplication. It is a short but potent window, accessible five times a day. Those who are mindful of it and make consistent duʿāʾ during this time, with presence of heart and humility, are among those most likely to be answered by Allah ﷻ. Let your heart speak. Let your voice rise in duʿāʾ. And trust that the One who hears all, sees all, and knows your needs better than you do — is closer than you think.
Related: Dua After Adhan | A Moment of Spiritual Opportunity
3. Dua During Sujood (Prostration) in Salah
A Moment of Intimacy with Allah ﷻ | Among the most spiritually profound positions in Islamic prayer is sujood (prostration). It is in this moment of complete humility—when one’s forehead touches the ground—that the believer is closest to Allah ﷻ. In this sacred state, the barriers of pride fall, and the soul is most receptive to divine mercy.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
‟أَقْرَبُ مَا يَكُونُ الْعَبْدُ مِنْ رَبِّهِ وَهُوَ سَاجِدٌ، فَأَكْثِرُوا الدُّعَاءَ”
“The closest that a servant is to his Lord is when he is prostrating, so increase supplications therein.”
Sahih Muslim 482 – sunnah.com
This hadith encourages us not to rush through our sujood, but rather to extend it with heartfelt duʿāʾ, whether for forgiveness, guidance, healing, or any matter of the heart.
4. Dua on Fridays
Friday (Yawm al-Jumuʿah) holds a unique and elevated status. It is described in authentic narrations as the best day upon which the sun rises, a weekly Eid for the Ummah, and a day filled with immense mercy and divine favor.
A Moment of Accepted Duʿāʾ on Friday
One of the greatest virtues of Friday is the presence of a specific hour during which duʿāʾ is accepted. The Prophet ﷺ said:
‟فِيهِ سَاعَةٌ، لَا يُوَافِقُهَا عَبْدٌ مُسْلِمٌ، وَهُوَ قَائِمٌ يُصَلِّي، يَسْأَلُ ٱللَّهَ تَعَالَى شَيْئًا، إِلَّا أَعْطَاهُ إِيَّاهُ”
“There is a moment on Fridays in which a Muslim does not ask Allah for anything except that He gives it to him.”
Sahih al-Bukhārī 935 – sunnah.com
Scholars differ on the exact timing of this hour. The two most reported views are:
- Between the adhan and the iqāmah of the Jumuʿah prayer
- The last hour after ʿAṣr until Maghrib
Both times are recommended for quiet, heartfelt supplication and turning to Allah ﷻ with sincerity.
The Sunnah of Jumuʿah
There are several authentic Sunnahs associated with the blessed day of Jumuʿah. Observing them draws one nearer to Allah ﷻ and increases the barakah of the day.
1. Taking a Ritual Bath (Ghusl)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
‟غُسْلُ يَوْمِ ٱلْجُمُعَةِ وَاجِبٌ عَلَى كُلِّ مُحْتَلِمٍ”
“Ghusl on the day of Jumuʿah is obligatory upon every adult.”
Sahih al-Bukhārī 879 – sunnah.com
This is a highly emphasized Sunnah, promoting cleanliness and preparation for congregational worship.
2. Wearing Clean Clothes and Applying Fragrance
It is Sunnah to wear one’s best clothing and apply ʿitr (perfume) when attending the Jumuʿah prayer, as a sign of reverence and dignity for the occasion.
3. Arriving Early for Jumuʿah Prayer
The Prophet ﷺ encouraged coming early to the mosque for Jumuʿah. The earlier one arrives, the greater the reward.
‟مَنْ غَسَّلَ وَاغْتَسَلَ، وَبَكَّرَ وَابْتَكَرَ، وَمَشَى وَلَمْ يَرْكَبْ، وَدَنَا مِنَ الْإِمَامِ، فَاسْتَمَعَ وَلَمْ يَلْغُ، كَانَ لَهُ بِكُلِّ خُطْوَةٍ عَمَلُ سَنَةٍ”
“Whoever performs ghusl, comes early, walks to the masjid, sits close to the imam, and listens attentively—each step he takes is counted as the reward of fasting and praying qiyām for one year.”
Sunan Abī Dāwūd 345 – sunnah.com
4. Reciting Surah al-Kahf
It is Sunnah to recite Sūrah al-Kahf on Fridays.
‟مَنْ قَرَأَ سُورَةَ الْكَهْفِ فِي يَوْمِ الْجُمُعَةِ، أَضَاءَ لَهُ مِنَ النُّورِ مَا بَيْنَ الْجُمُعَتَيْنِ”
“Whoever recites Surah al-Kahf on the day of Jumuʿah, a light will shine for him between the two Fridays.”
[Al-Mustadrak 3392 – authenticated by al-Albānī]
5. Sending Salawat Upon the Prophet ﷺ
The Prophet ﷺ said:
‟إِنَّ مِنْ أَفْضَلِ أَيَّامِكُمْ يَوْمَ الْجُمُعَةِ، فَأَكْثِرُوا عَلَيَّ مِنَ الصَّلَاةِ فِيهِ”
“The best of your days is Friday, so increase in sending prayers upon me during it.”
Sunan Abī Dāwūd 1531 – sunnah.com
It is recommended to increase salawāt (sending peace and blessings) upon the Prophet ﷺ throughout the day and especially before the Jumuʿah prayer.
Best Practices on Friday
- Wake up early and perform Fajr in congregation
- Perform ghusl, wear clean clothes, and apply perfume
- Read Surah al-Kahf
- Increase salawāt upon the Prophet ﷺ
- Make duʿāʾ, especially after ʿAṣr
- Attend Jumuʿah prayer early and listen attentively to the khuṭbah
- Avoid engaging in worldly speech during the khutbah
Friday is a weekly spiritual retreat. It is a time to realign one’s heart, increase remembrance of Allah ﷻ, and prepare for the week ahead with iman, humility, and renewed purpose.
Let each Jumuʿah be a means of elevating our rank with Allah ﷻ, drawing us nearer to His mercy and forgiveness.
5. Dua During Rainfall | Dua for Rain | Salat Al-Istisqa
Rain is not just a physical blessing that nourishes the earth—it is also a spiritual opportunity. In Islam, rainfall is considered a sign of Allah’s ﷻ mercy, and a time when duʿāʾ is accepted.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
‟اثْنَتَانِ مَا تُرَدَّانِ: الدُّعَاءُ عِندَ النِّدَاءِ، وَتَحْتَ الْمَطَرِ”
“Two (supplications) are not rejected: the duʿāʾ made at the time of the call to prayer, and at the time of rain.”
[Sunan Abī Dāwūd 2540 – Sunnah.com]
This authentic hadith clearly outlines the virtue of making supplication while it rains, a moment when Allah ﷻ opens the doors of mercy, forgiveness, and response.
Rain as a Sign of Allah’s ﷻ Mercy
In the Qur’an, Allah ﷻ describes rain as a mercy and a source of life:
﴾وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِي يُنَزِّلُ ٱلْغَيْثَ مِنۢ بَعْدِ مَا قَنَطُوا۟ وَيَنشُرُ رَحْمَتَهُ﴿
“And it is He who sends down the rain after they had despaired and spreads His mercy.”
— Surah Ash-Shūra (42:28)
Quran.com – 42:28
Rain is referred to in this verse as “His mercy”, a reminder that divine mercy is always near, even after hardship or delay.
Dua to Say During Rain
While rain falls, it is recommended to take a moment, raise one’s hands, and ask Allah ﷻ for forgiveness, guidance, and blessings. One of the common duʿāʾs reported from the Prophet ﷺ is:
﴾ٱللَّهُمَّ صَيِّبًا نَافِعًا﴿
“O Allah, (bring) beneficial rain.”
[Sahih al-Bukhārī 1032 – Sunnah.com]
This short yet powerful duʿāʾ reminds us to seek blessing in the rain, not harm or destruction. Rain is not just a seasonal change—it is a divine invitation to turn back to Allah ﷻ, renew trust in His wisdom, and open the heart in sincere supplication. May Allah ﷻ grant us the ability to take full advantage of this blessed time, and may our duʿāʾs during rainfall be a means of mercy, acceptance, and nearness to Him.
6. When Breaking the Fast (Iftar) | Dua for Iftar
Among the most honored moments for duʿāʾ is the time of iftār—when a fasting person breaks their fast. This is a time of gratitude, humility, and submission to Allah ﷻ, and the Prophet ﷺ emphasized its unique spiritual power.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
‟ثَلَاثَةٌ لَا تُرَدُّ دَعْوَتُهُمْ: الصَّائِمُ حِينَ يُفْطِرُ، وَالإِمَامُ الْعَادِلُ، وَدَعْوَةُ الْمَظْلُومِ”
“There are three whose supplication is not rejected: the fasting person when he breaks his fast, the just leader, and the supplication of the oppressed.”
— Jāmiʿ at-Tirmidhī 3598
Link to Source – Sunnah.com
Breaking the fast is a deeply spiritual event: the fasting person has spent the day restraining desires, enduring hunger and thirst solely for the sake of Allah ﷻ. The heart is softened, the ego subdued, and the soul inclined toward its Creator. It is in this state that duʿāʾ is most sincere and likely to be accepted. This is also a time to make duʿāʾ not only for oneself but for the entire Ummah—especially those suffering from war, injustice, hunger, and displacement
Recommended Dua at Iftār
One of the most authentic duʿāʾs reported from the Prophet ﷺ to say at the moment of breaking the fast is:
‟ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ، وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ، وَثَبَتَ الْأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ”
“The thirst has gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is confirmed, if Allah wills.”
— Sunan Abī Dāwūd 2357
Link to Source – Sunnah.com
Another supplication he used is:
‟اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي لَكَ صُمْتُ، وَعَلَى رِزْقِكَ أَفْطَرْتُ”
“O Allah, I fasted for You, and with Your provision I break my fast.”
— Sunan Abī Dāwūd 2358
Link to Source – Sunnah.comThe moment of iftār is not only about feeding the body, but nourishing the soul. Make your duʿāʾ deliberate, heartfelt, and trusting in the promise of Allah ﷻ, who never fails in His promise.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make dua at any time, or are there specific times only?
You can make dua at any time, but there are specific times when dua is more likely to be accepted, such as during the last third of the night, between the Adhan and Iqamah, and on Fridays.
2. How can I make sure my dua is accepted?
Ensure that your dua is sincere, made with a pure heart, and follow the etiquette of making dua, such as praising Allah, sending blessings on the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and asking with humility.
3. Can I Make Dua in My Own Language?
Yes, you can make dua in any language you are comfortable with, as Allah All-aware understands all languages.
5. Are there any times when dua is not accepted?
Dua is generally accepted at all times, but it is best to avoid making dua during times of heedlessness or when engaging in sinful activities.
By making dua at these special times, you can increase the chances of your prayers being answered and strengthen your connection with Allah. Remember to stay sincere and consistent in your supplications, and trust in Allah’s wisdom and timing.
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