Dua, or supplication, is an essential aspect of the Islamic faith. It represents a direct request from a believer to Allah, seeking His mercy, blessings, guidance, and assistance. The purpose of a dua can vary; for instance, one may supplicate for an overall improvement in life, which might include aspects such as strengthening one’s Iman (faith), protection from punishment on the Day of Judgment, or leading a better and more righteous life in this world.
Conversely, some duas are categorized as purpose-specific supplications. These are recited for fulfilling a particular need or desire and are often linked to specific occasions or events. Common examples of such supplications include dua when wearing new clothes, dua when leaving or re-entering one’s home, dua for relief from illness, and dua for an increase in wealth. In broad terms, duas can be classified into two main categories: General Purpose and Purpose-Specific.
Most duas are sourced from Quranic verses or Hadith. Though duas derived from the Quran and Sunnah are regarded as highly virtuous, it is not a requirement to stick to these texts. One can also make supplications in their own words, provided that they remain within Islamic principles and etiquette. When crafting a dua in one’s own words, it is crucial to ensure the language used is respectful and reflects complete submission and dependence on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).
Grouping of Supplications
In addition to the main division of supplications into General Purpose and Purpose-Specific, scholars often categorize them differently, such as “Rabbana Duas” or “Allahumma Duas.” Both expressions refer to calling upon Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). “Rabbana” (رَبَّنَا) translates to “Our Lord,” while “Allahumma” (اللَّهُمَّ) means “O Lord.” Numerous duas found in the Quran and Sunnah can fall under these two categories. Generally, supplications categorized as Allahumma begin with the specific Arabic word “اللَّهُمَّ.” However, some duas starting with “Rabbana” can also be included in the Allahumma Duas group.
Here is a list of Allahumma Duas, derived from the Quran and Hadith.
Allahumma Duas for Repentance and Forgiveness
Allahumma duas included in this group generally pertain to seeking forgiveness and repentance.
اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَارْحَمْنِي وَاهْدِنِي وَارْزُقْنِي
Translation – O Allah, grant me pardon, have mercy upon me, direct me to the path of righteousness, and provide me sustenance.
Reference: Hadith 2697a of Sahih Muslim
Benefits – Comprehensive supplication seeking forgiveness, mercy, guidance, and sustenance. Highly beneficial for spiritual as well as material provision.
اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ رَبِّي، لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ، خَلَقْتَنِي وَأَنَا عَبْدُكَ، وَأَنَا عَلَى عَهْدِكَ وَوَعْدِكَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ، أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا صَنَعْتُ، أَبُوءُ لَكَ بِنِعْمَتِكَ عَلَىَّ وَأَبُوءُ لَكَ بِذَنْبِي، فَاغْفِرْ لِي، فَإِنَّهُ لاَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ
Translation – O Allah, You are my Lord, there is none worthy of worship except You. You have created me, and I am Your servant, and I am faithful to Your covenant and promise as much as I can. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done. I acknowledge Your blessings upon me, and I admit my sins. So forgive me, for none forgives sins except You.
Reference: Hadith 6306 of Sahih Al-Bukhari
Benefits. This supplication is termed “Sayyad al-Astaghfar” (the most superior way of seeking forgiveness) in the above-referred Hadith. Reciting it in the same manner as described in the Hadith is highly beneficial for seeking forgiveness.
اَللَّهُمَّ اِجْعَلْنِي مِنْ اَلتَّوَّابِينَ, وَاجْعَلْنِي مِنْ اَلْمُتَطَهِّرِينَ
Translation – Oh Allah! Include me among those who repent and those who keep themselves pure.
Reference: Hadith 57 of Balugh al-Maram
Benefits. Reciting this dua after completion of wudu (Ablution) is a Sunnah act; hence, highly virtuous. It not only ensures physical but also spiritual purification. It is also a source of repentance.
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا عَمِلْتُ وَمِنْ شَرِّ مَا لَمْ أَعْمَلْ
Translation – I seek refuge in Thee from the evil of what I did and from the evil of what I did not.
Reference: Hadith 2716a of Sahih Muslim
Benefits. This dua is highly beneficial and virtuous, as the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ used to recite it so often to seek forgiveness, as mentioned in the above-referred Hadith. By reciting it, we seek forgiveness for all our wrongful acts as well as those that we apparently haven’t committed.
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عَذَابِ الْقَبْرِ وَعَذَابِ النَّارِ وَفِتْنَةِ الْمَحْيَا وَالْمَمَاتِ وَشَرِّ الْمَسِيحِ الدَّجَّالِ
Translation – O Allah! I seek refuge with Thee from the torment of the grave, and the torment of Hell, and the trial of life and death, and the mischief of Masih al-Dajjal.
Reference: Hadith 588c of Sahih Muslim
Benefits. This supplication provides multiple benefits. It is a powerful supplication to seek refuge from Almighty Allah against the torments of the grave and hellfire. It also protects from the trials of worldly life as well as the life hereafter. More importantly, it is a powerful supplication to get protected from the false messiah (Mashi ad-Dajjal).
Duas for Sustenance and Necessities
This group includes specific Allahumma duas, for the provision of sustenance and necessities of life.
اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِيمَا رَزَقْتَنِي
Translation – O Allah, bless me in what You’ve provided me
Reference: Hadith 3729 of Sunan Abu Dawood. This supplication is based on this Hadith, where the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ prayed for his companion for the provision of sustenance to them.
Benefits. This supplication is related to the prayer of the Prophet for his companions; hence highly virtuous and beneficial for seeking Allah’s blessings in sustenance and provisions. We should often recite this dua after eating or drinking.
اللَّهُمَّ اكْفِنِي بِحَلاَلِكَ عَنْ حَرَامِكَ وَأَغْنِنِي بِفَضْلِكَ عَمَّنْ سِوَاكَ
Translation – O Allah, suffice me with Your lawful against Your prohibited, and make me independent of all those besides You.
Reference: Hadith 3563 of Jami At-Tirmidhi
Benefits. One of the best supplications seeking self-sufficiency with the mercy and blessings of Almighty Allah. More importantly, we seek lawful and permissible resources by reciting this dua, as against wrongful resources. That makes it more virtuous and beneficial, as we seek Allah’s help in getting only the righteous sustenance, not the prohibited ones.
اللَّهُمَّ قَنَّعْنِي بِمَا رَزَقْتَنِي، وَبَارِكْ لِي فِيهِ، وَاخْلُفْ عَلَيَّ كُلَّ غَائِبَةٍ بِخَيْرٍ
Translation – O Allah, make me content with the provision You have given me and bless me in it and appoint good for me in everything which I do not have.
Reference: Hadith 681 of Al-Adab al-Mufrad
Benefits. This dua brings gratification, serenity, and blessings to what we have. It is a beneficial supplication for bringing stability in wealth and sustenance.
Duas for Mental Relief, Protection, and Peace
Duas for bringing mental relief and peace in our lives and protection from every fear and evil are included in this group.
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ، وَالْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَالْجُبْنِ وَالْبُخْلِ، وَضَلَعِ الدَّيْنِ، وَغَلَبَةِ الرِّجَالِ
Translation – O Allah! I seek refuge with You from worry and grief, from incapacity and laziness, from cowardice and miserliness, from being heavily in debt, and from being overpowered by (other) men.
Reference: Hadith 6369 of Sahih Al-Bukhari
Benefits. This dua is a Sunnah of the Prophet, who often recited it. It brings peace of mind against multiple worries and griefs. It inflicts a sense of protection from risks and threats associated with the acts of other people. A powerful supplication for overall mental relief and general protection.
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ زَوَالِ نِعْمَتِكَ وَتَحَوُّلِ عَافِيَتِكَ وَفُجَاءَةِ نِقْمَتِكَ وَجَمِيعِ سَخَطِكَ
Translation – O Allah, I seek refuge in Thee from the withdrawal of Thine blessing and the change of Thine protection (from me) and from the sudden wrath of Thine, and from every displeasure of Thine.
Reference: Hadith 2739 of Sahih Muslim
Benefits. This dua is specifically beneficial to preserve Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى blessings by seeking His mercy so that His blessings may not be taken back due to any of our wrongful acts. It also instills a sense of safety and protection in this respect. Seeking the protection of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى also strengthens our faith.
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْفَقْرِ وَالْقِلَّةِ وَالذِّلَّةِ وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ أَنْ أَظْلِمَ أَوْ أُظْلَمَ
Translation – O Allah, I seek refuge in Thee from poverty”, lack, and abasement, and I seek refuge in Thee lest I cause or suffer wrong.
Reference: Hadith 1544 of Sunan Abu Dawood
Benefits. This dua protects us from spiritual as well as material losses. It is a sunnah act as well. The Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ used to recite this dua. Being an act of Sunnah, recitation of this dua brings huge rewards, besides protecting us from spiritual declination and material losses.
اللَّهُمَّ أَصْلِحْ لِي دِينِيَ الَّذِي هُوَ عِصْمَةُ أَمْرِي وَأَصْلِحْ لِي دُنْيَاىَ الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَاشِي وَأَصْلِحْ لِي آخِرَتِي الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَادِي وَاجْعَلِ الْحَيَاةَ زِيَادَةً لِي فِي كُلِّ خَيْرٍ وَاجْعَلِ الْمَوْتَ رَاحَةً لِي مِنْ كُلِّ شَرٍّ
Translation – O Allah, set right for me my religion which is the safeguard of my affairs. And set right for me the affairs of my world wherein is my living. And set right for me my Hereafter on which depends my after-life. And make the life for me (a source) of abundance for every good and make my death a source of comfort for me protecting me against every evil.
Reference: Hadith 2720 of Sahih Muslim
Benefits. This is a comprehensive supplication, seeking guidance, protection, and blessings of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى against all affairs in this world as well at the time of our death and in the life after death. The Prophet Muhammad used to recite this dua. It protects us from all evils in this world and facilitates the provision of good.
اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَارْحَمْنِي وَعَافِنِي وَاهْدِنِي وَارْزُقْنِ
Translation – O Allah, forgive me, have mercy on me, guide me, heal me, and provide for me.
Source: Hadith 850 of Sunan Abu Dawood
Benefits. This supplication is highly beneficial for seeking Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى help in fulfilment of spiritual, financial emotional needs. The Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ used to recite this dua between two prostrations.
Duas for Guidance and Steadfastness in Faith
This group comprises the supplications pertaining to seeking Divine guidance and remaining steadfast in faith.
اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنِي وَسَدِّدْنِي وَاذْكُرْ بِالْهُدَى هِدَايَتَكَ الطَّرِيقَ وَالسَّدَادِ سَدَادَ السَّهْمِ
Translation – O Allah, direct me to the right path and make me adhere to the straight path,” and when you make a mention of right guidance, keep in mind the right path and when you consider of the straight (path), keep in mind the straightness of the arrow.
Reference: Hadith 2725a of Sahih Muslim
Benefits. This is a useful supplication for seeking Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى guidance so one can stay steadfast in faith and follow the straight and righteous path in life. This also applies to seeking Divine guidance in making the right decisions in our life so as to remain steadfast in faith.
اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ جِبْرَائِيلَ وَمِيكَائِيلَ وَإِسْرَافِيلَ فَاطِرَ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ عَالِمَ الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ أَنْتَ تَحْكُمُ بَيْنَ عِبَادِكَ فِيمَا كَانُوا فِيهِ يَخْتَلِفُونَ اهْدِنِي لِمَا اخْتُلِفَ فِيهِ مِنَ الْحَقِّ بِإِذْنِكَ إِنَّكَ تَهْدِي مَنْ تَشَاءُ إِلَى صِرَاطٍ مُسْتَقِيمٍ
Translation – O Allah, Lord of Gabriel, and Michael, and Israfil, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, Who knowest the unseen and the seen; Thou decidest amongst Thy servants concerning their differences. Guide me with Thy permission in the divergent views (which the people) hold about Truth, for it is Thou Who guidest whom Thou wilt to the Straight Path.
Reference: Hadith 770 of Sahih Muslim
Benefits. As narrated in the above referred Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ used to recite this supplication before starting the night prayer. It is a comprehensive and deep supplication seeking the guidance of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى for the purification of heart and soul, before commencing the prayer. Recitation of this dua before prayer is also an act of following the Sunnah; hence bears huge rewards and benefits.
اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ فِي قَلْبِي نُورًا وَفِي بَصَرِي نُورًا وَفِي سَمْعِي نُورًا وَعَنْ يَمِينِي نُورًا وَعَنْ يَسَارِي نُورًا وَفَوْقِي نُورًا وَتَحْتِي نُورًا وَأَمَامِي نُورًا وَخَلْفِي نُورًا وَعَظِّمْ لِي نُورًا
Translation – O Allah, place light in my heart, light in my sight, light in my hearing, light on my right hand, light on my left hand, light above me, light below me, light in front of me, light behind me and enhance light for me.
Reference: Hadith 763a of Sahih Muslim
Benefits. As narrated in the above referred Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ used to recite this dua after the night prayer. It is a detailed supplication seeking enlightenment in various aspects of life, such as heart, sight, hearing, and so on. It is beneficial for spiritual enlightenment, especially when recited after the night prayer. Some scholars also recommend that it should be recited when going to a mosque for prayer.
اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْنِي مِنْ أَوْلِيَائِكَ الَّذِينَ لَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ
Translation – O Allah, make me among Your close friends (awliyā’) — those upon whom there is no fear, nor shall they grieve.
Reference: This dua is based on the concept as narrated in the 62nd verse of Surah Yunus
Benefits. As narrated in the above-referred Quranic Verse, those who are close to Allah, سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى (friends of Allah), neither have fear nor are grieved. The supplication is based on this concept, seeking Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى closeness and protection. Highly recommended by scholars for recitation so often.
اللَّهُمَّ ثَبِّتْنِي عِنْدَ السُّؤَالِ
Translation – O Allah, make me firm at the time of questioning.
Reference: This supplication is derived from the concept of questioning in the grave. The concept is narrated in Hadith 2871a of Sahih Muslim and in the 27th verse of Surah Ibraheem.
Benefits. The supplication is aimed at providing strength and divine help on the occasion of the upcoming questioning when one is laid to rest in the grave. It will be a tough time for us, hence seeking Allah’s help and blessings at this crucial stage is very important. Reciting this dua, we seek Allah’s help so that we may remain firm at that critical time of questioning in the grave.
Duas of Worship and Seeking Knowledge
Duas related to worship and seeking knowledge are grouped under this heading.
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا وَعَمَلاً مُتَقَبَّلاً
Translation – O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, goodly provision, and acceptable deed
Reference: Hadith 925 of Sunan Ibn Majah
Benefits. It is highly beneficial for seeking righteous knowledge, good sustenance, and righteous deeds.
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْلَمْتُ وَجْهِي إِلَيْكَ وَفَوَّضْتُ أَمْرِي إِلَيْكَ وَأَلْجَأْتُ ظَهْرِي إِلَيْكَ رَغْبَةً وَرَهْبَةً إِلَيْكَ لاَ مَلْجَأَ وَلاَ مَنْجَا مِنْكَ إِلاَّ إِلَيْكَ آمَنْتُ بِكِتَابِكَ الَّذِي أَنْزَلْتَ وَبِنَبِيِّكَ الَّذِي أَرْسَلْتَ وَاجْعَلْهُنَّ مِنْ آخِرِ كَلاَمِكَ فَإِنْ مُتَّ مِنْ لَيْلَتِكَ مُتَّ وَأَنْتَ عَلَى الْفِطْرَةِ
Translation – O Allah, I turn my face towards Thee and entrust my affair to Thee. I retreat unto Thee for protection with hope in Thee and fear of Thee. There is no resort and no deliverer (from hardship) but Thou only. I affirm my faith in Thine books which Thou revealed and in Thine Apostles whom Thou sent.
Reference: Hadith 2710a of Sahih Muslim
Benefits. It is a sort of worship. By reciting this dua, we completely submit ourselves to Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى. It strengthens our faith (Iman) and complete reliance on Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى.
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ، وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ، اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ، وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ، وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ
Translation – O Allah! Send Your Mercy on Muhammad and on the family of Muhammad, as You sent Your Mercy on Abraham and on the family of Abraham, for You are the Most Praise-worthy, the Most Glorious. O Allah! Send Your Blessings on Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You sent Your Blessings on Abraham and on the family of Abraham, for You are the Most Praise-worthy, the Most Glorious.
Reference: Hadith 3370 of Sahih Al-Bukhari. It also takes reference from the 56th verse of Surah Al-Ahzab. (God and His angels shower their blessings on the Prophet. O believers, you should also send your blessings on him, and salute him with a worthy greeting). This refers to the very popular and most authentic Durood, known as Durood-e-Ibrahimi.
Benefits. It is a supplication as well as worship. It is commonly known as Durood-e-Ibrahimi. Sending durood (Salawat) on the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ is the most virtuous act of worship; in fact, a compulsory duty of every Muslim, as narrated in the above-referred verse of Surah Al-Ahzab. Reciting it brings countless rewards and closeness of reciter to the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ.
Duas for Gratitude, Family, and Children
Allahumma duas for family, children, and gratitude are included in this group.
اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْهُ قُرَّةَ عَيْنٍ لِي
Translation – O Allah, make him/her the coolness of my eyes.
Reference: This supplication is based on the 74th verse of Surah Al-Furqan. (And those who say: “O Lord, give us comfort in our spouses and children, and make us paragons of those who follow the straight path.”).
Benefits. The supplication refers to one’s love and affection for their spouses and children. It brings joy and happiness into our lives through our spouses and children.
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ حُبَّكَ وَحُبَّ مَنْ يُحِبُّكَ وَالْعَمَلَ الَّذِي يُبَلِّغُنِي حُبَّكَ اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ حُبَّكَ أَحَبَّ إِلَىَّ مِنْ نَفْسِي وَأَهْلِي وَمِنَ الْمَاءِ الْبَارِدِ
Translation – O Allah, indeed, I ask You for Your love and the love of those who love You, and for the action that will cause me to attain Your love, O Allah, make Your love more beloved to me than myself, my family, and cold water.
Reference: Hadith 3490 of Jami At-Tirmidhi
Benefits. This is a special supplication, narrated in the above referred Hadith, where the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ related the words of this dua to the Prophet Dawood عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ. It brings spiritual love and sincerity. It refers to the love and affection of those who love Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى and the reciter supplicates that Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى may make my love for Him more than myself and my family. It is a highly virtuous dua.
اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْنِي أُعَظِّمُ شُكْرَكَ وَأُكْثِرُ ذِكْرَكَ وَأَتَّبِعُ نَصِيحَتَكَ وَأَحْفَظُ وَصِيَّتَكَ
Translation – O Allah, make me revere gratitude to You, make me increase in remembrance to You, make me follow Your advice, and (make me) guard over that which You have commanded
Reference: Hadith 3604c of Jami At-Tirmidhi
Benefits. Reciting this dua provides a consistent source of thankfulness to Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, which results in enhanced blessings.
Duas for Life Hereafter and Protection from Hell
This group includes duas related to life after death and protection from Jahannam (Hell).
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْجَنَّةَ وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ النَّارِ
Translation – O Allah, I ask Thee for Paradise, and I seek refuge in Thee from Hell-Fire
Reference: Hadith 792 of Sunan Abu Dawood.
Benefits. This supplication is advised by the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ to seek protection from hellfire and a place in Jannah (Paradise).
رَبَّنَاۗ اٰتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَۃً وَّفِي الْاٰخِرَۃِ حَسَـنَۃً وَّقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Translation – Give us of good in the world, O Lord, and give us of good in the life to come, and suffer us not to suffer the torment of Hell.
Reference: 201st verse of Surah Al-Baqarah. Although this verse does not start with the word Allahumma, it also calls upon Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى with a different phrase, “O my Lord”.
Benefits. It is a very powerful supplication, seeking a good life in this world, a good life hereafter, and protection from hellfire. Reciting this dua is therefore highly beneficial not only for life in this world but also in the hereafter.