Understanding the Significance of Dua in Ramadan
Dua, translated as supplication or prayer, holds a pivotal role in Islam as a means of direct communication with Allah. Particularly during Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, the significance of dua amplifies.
The Qur’an emphasises this sacred act, stating, “Your Lord says, ‘Call on Me and I will answer you’” (Surah Ghafir, 40:60). Additionally, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ conveyed the profound impact of dua, affirming, “Nothing can change the Divine decree except dua” (Al-Tirmidhi).
As Ramadan draws near, Muslims intensify their focus on spiritual growth and purification. Dua becomes a vital tool in this journey, serving as a conduit for expressing gratitude, seeking guidance, and finding solace in the remembrance of Allah. Through dua, believers deepen their connection with the divine, fostering a sense of inner peace and strength.
Photo: Open Iftar 2023 x V&A South Kensington by Acacia Diana for Ramadan Tent Project
Now, let’s explore a curated list of essential duas categorised according to their relevance throughout the phases of Ramadan:
Before Ramadan
Dua to reach Ramadan
اَللّٰهُمَّ سَلّمْنِيْ إِلى رَمَضانَ وَسَلّمْ لِي رَمَضانَ وَتَسَلَّمْه مِنِّي مُتَقَبَّلا
Allahumma sallimni ila Ramadan wa sallim li Ramadan wa tasallamhu minni mutaqabbala
O Allah! Preserve me until Ramadan, safeguard Ramadan for me and accept it from me (receive my deeds with acceptance).
Dua when sighting the Ramadan moon
اللَّهُمَّ أَهْلِلْهُ عَلَيْنَا بِالْيُمْنِ وَالإِيمَانِ وَالسَّلاَمَةِ وَالإِسْلاَمِ رَبِّي وَرَبُّكَ اللَّهُ
Allahumma ahlilhu `alainā bil-yumni wal-iman, was-salamati wal-Islam, rabbi wa rabbuk Allah
O Allah, bring it over us with blessing and faith, and security and Islam. My Lord and your Lord is Allah.
Dua when making the intention to fast in Ramadan
وَبِصَوْمِ غَدٍ نَّوَيْتُ مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ
Wa bisawmi ghadinn nawaiytu min shahri ramadan
I intend to keep the fast for tomorrow in the month of Ramadan
During Ramadan
Dua before Suhoor
اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِيهِ وَأَطْعِمْنَا خَيْراً مِنْهُ
Allaahumma baarik lanaa feehi wa ‘at’imnaa khayran minhu
O Allah, bless us in it and provide us with better than it.
Dua after Suhoor
وَبِصَوْمِ غَدٍ نَّوَيْتُ مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ
Wabi saumi gadin nawaitu min shahri ramadan
I Intend to keep the fast of tomorrow in the month of Ramadan.
Dua when breaking fast
اللَّهُمَّ اِنِّى لَكَ صُمْتُ وَبِكَ امنْتُ وَعَليْكَ تَوَكّلتُ وَ عَلى رِزْقِكَ اَفْطَرْتُ
Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa bika aamantu wa alayka tawakkaltu wa ala rizq-ika-aftartu
O Allah! I fasted for You and I believe in You and I put my trust in You and I break my fast with Your sustenance
Dua after breaking fast
ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ وَثَبَتَ الأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ
Dhahabaz Zama’u wab tal latil uruqoo wa thabbatal ajru inshaAllah
Thirst has gone, the arteries are moist, and the reward is sure, if Allah wills.
Dua when breaking fast with a group of people
أفطر عندكم الصائمون ، وأكل طعامكم الأبرار، وصلت عليكم الملائكة
aftara indakum as-saa’imoon, wa akala ta’aamakum al-abraar, wa sallat alaikum al-malaa’ikah
May the fasting people break fast at your place, and may the pious eat from your food, and may the angels pray for you.
[Ibn Majah]
Dua of Taraweeh
سُبْحَانَ ذِي الْمُلْكِ وَالْمَلَاكُوتِ سُبْحَانَ ذِي الْعِزَّةِ وَالْجَبَرُوتِ وَالْكِبْرِيَاءِ وَالْعَظَمَةِ، وَالْحَيَاةِ الَّتِي لَا يَنَامُ وَلَا يَمُوتُ، سُبُّوحٌ قُدُّوسٌ رَبُّنَا وَرَبُّ الْمَلَائِكَةِ وَالرُّوحِ
Subhana zil mulki wal malakooti subhana zil izzati wal jabaroot wal kibriyaai wal jabaroot. Wal azamati wal hayati allati la yanamu wala yamoot. Subboohun qud’doosur-rabuna warabbul malaa’ikati warruh.
Glory be to Allah, the Possessor of might, dominion, magnificence, and the manifest dominion. He is the Owner of the kingdom of the earth and the heavens. He is free from any imperfection, and none is worthy of worship except Him. He is the Lord of the angels and the Spirit.
Beginning of Ramadan
First 10 Days of Ramadan
يَا حَيُّ يَا قَيُّومُ بِرَحْمَتِكَ أَسْتَغيثُ
Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum bi rehmatika astaghees
Oh Everliving, The Everlasting, I seek Your help through Your mercy.
Middle of Ramadan
Second 10 Days of Ramadan
اَسْتَغْفِرُ اللہَ رَبِّی مِنْ کُلِّ زَنْبٍ وَّ اَتُوْبُ اِلَیْہِ
Astagfirullaha rab-bi min kulli zambiyon wa-atoobuilaiyh
I seek forgiveness from Allah for all my sins and turn to Him.
End of Ramadan
Last 10 Days of Ramadn
اَللَّهُمَّ أَجِرْنِي مِنَ النَّارِ
Allahumma Ajirni minan naar
O Allah, save me from the fire (Jahannam).
Dua for seeking Forgiveness – Dua of Laylat Al-Qadr
اللَّهمَّ إنَّك عفُوٌّ تُحبُّ العفوَ فاعْفُ عنِّي
Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbu al-afwa fa’fu anni.
Oh Allah you are forgiving, and you love forgiveness, so forgive me.
Dua When Paying Zakat
اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْهَا مَغْنَمًا وَلاَ تَجْعَلْهَا مَغْرَمًا
Allahummaj-‘alha maghnaman wa la taj-‘alha maghrama
O Allah, make it a gain and do not make it a loss!
Dua on last night of Ramadan
اللّهُمّ لا تَجْعَلْهُ آخِرَ العَهْدِ من صِيَامِي لِشَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ أَنْ يَطْلُعَ فَجْرُ هذِهِ اللّيْلَةِ إِلاَّ وَقَدْ غَفَرْتَ لِي
Allahumma la taj`alhu akhira al`ahdi mn siyamy lishahri ramazana
Wa a`udhu bika an yatlu`a fajru hadhihi allaylati illa wa qad ghafarta lee
O Allah: (please) do not decide my observance of fasting in this month of Ramadan to be the last of my(life’s) observance of fasting.
I take refuge with Thee lest the dawn of this night breaks forth without me having been positively forgiven.
In the sacred journey of Ramadan, dua emerges as a powerful tool for spiritual elevation and closeness to Allah. As believers engage in these supplications, they not only seek blessings and forgiveness but also cultivate a profound sense of connection and devotion, transforming this holy month into a time of profound spiritual growth and renewal.
