Others find it appropriate to offer dua at any point during prayer, including opening or closing prayer with it, but either way each of the five daily salah provide a perfect opportunity to make dua. It is always required to perform wudu (ritual washing) and face qibla (toward the Kaaba in Mecca) during salah.
Losing focus could be seen as an insult to Allah. It brings the sincerity of your offers and requests into doubt, incurring Allah’s displeasure.
As a believer, you can rest assured that Allah never fails to respond to dua. However, you must accept that the response may differ from what you (pridefully) assume is best for you. Sometimes we may not even realize that Allah has answered our dua. If Allah does not give you something that you ask for, then it is because He is responding in a way that is better for you.
So long as you can summon up the requisite focus, humility, submission and hope, then there’s never a wrong time to ask dua.
For instance, some people recite well-known duas in Arabic without having any idea what the words mean. Instead, if you’re using Arabic even though it’s not your first language, study translations so you know what your dua means. Those in favor of making dua in any language, not just Arabic, point out that Allah created all languages and therefore always understands you. [6] X Research source
Excessive or intentionally rhyming prose can distract you and detract from the clarity of your message. Speak in plain language instead. Repeating the entire dua multiple times—3 is a common recommendation—is, however, a good way to sharpen your focus and demonstrate your persistence. Use a normal speaking tone—don’t whisper as if you are embarrassed to be overheard, and don’t shout as though you are showing off. Many Muslims cry when making dua. This is perfectly normal but don’t manufacture tears for the sake of appearances. Be genuine in your emotion by thinking about the consequences of disobeying Allah.
Always start your dua by praising Allah, for example by acknowledging His might, majesty and wisdom, and thanking Him for all that He has provided. It is strictly forbidden to direct a dua toward anyone other than Allah. It is not possible, nor is it necessary, for anyone living or dead to intercede on your behalf.
That said, make sure you can fully understand and embrace the duas you recite, whether they come from the Prophetic tradition or the Quran. Choose duas that are fully appropriate to the feelings and desires you wish to convey. There are many beautiful duas from the Sunnah that can be recited throughout the day, for example on waking and going to sleep, entering or leaving the bathroom, before eating, sneezing, even before marital relations. In addition to the Prophet’s duas, you can search online for duas that are suited to many life circumstances, and which are in English or other languages. [10] X Research source
Acknowledge your sins, however small they may seem. Promise to Allah that you will not repeat them and ask for forgiveness. You might, for instance, ask forgiveness for treating a friend poorly, and then ask for the strength to overcome selfish impulses and treat others with care and respect. Whether you’re confessing or requesting, use concise, direct language, and always remain focused, humble, faithful and fearful.
It is accepted among believers that all legitimate dua requests are answered by Allah, and that the answer will always be for the best, but that it may not be the answer you expected.
You may find that when you request blessings for others, those same blessings will be showered upon you as well. For instance, if you regularly invoke dua for the benefit of a friend in ill health, you may find that both of you become blessed with improved health.
Likewise, don’t make negative requests directed toward yourself. For instance, do not ask for death if you are suffering, but instead ask for healing or for the strength to surrender yourself to Allah’s will and bear your burden. Asking Allah for redemption from Hellfire (Jahannam) should be a regular part of every Muslim’s daily duas.
