Introduction
Dua (supplication) is one of the most powerful tools a believer has to connect with Allah. However, many unknowingly transgress in their Dua, leading to it being ineffective or even rejected.
Allah says in the Quran:
“Call upon your Lord with humility and in secret. Surely, He does not love transgressors.” (Surah Al-A’raf 7:55)
Understanding what it means to transgress in Dua is crucial for every Muslim. In this article, we will outline 11 common mistakes that people make in their supplications and provide practical ways to avoid them. We will also discuss the best times to make Dua for maximum acceptance.
11 Ways People Transgress in Dua
1. Asking for Supernatural or Impossible Things
- Some people ask for things that contradict the natural laws of the universe.
- Examples:
- “Oh Allah, make me fly.”
- “Bring back the dead.”
- “Make me a prophet.”
- These requests go against Allah’s divine will and are not permissible in Islam.
2. Making Dua Against Allah’s Laws
- Some make Dua for things Allah has explicitly forbidden.
- Examples:
- Asking for Paradise and forgiveness for disbelievers who have already passed away. (Quran 9:113)
- Seeking changes in divine rulings that Allah has established.
3. Asking for What is Assigned to Others
- Making Dua for things that Allah has specifically designated for others.
- Examples:
- “Oh Allah, make me a prophet.” (Prophethood has ended.)
- “Make me the intercessor on Judgment Day instead of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).”
- “Take someone else’s blessings and give them to me.”
4. Making Dua for Haram Things
- Requesting things that are inherently forbidden.
- Examples:
- “Oh Allah, bless me with wealth from Haram sources.”
- “Oh Allah, grant me a child from my unlawful relationship.”
5. Raising Your Voice Too Much in Dua
- Some mistakenly think that shouting makes their supplication more likely to be heard.
- Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) reminded his companions:
“You are not calling upon one who is deaf or absent; rather, you are calling upon One who is All-Hearing and Ever Near.” (Sahih Muslim)
6. Wailing or Crying in a Rebellious Manner
- Crying out of humility is encouraged, but wailing in a manner that expresses resentment is a form of transgression.
7. Making Conditions on Allah
- Some try to bargain with Allah in their supplications.
- Examples:
- “Oh Allah, if you don’t give me this, I will stop praying.”
- “If you heal me, I will donate.”
8. Asking for Too Many Details
- Giving excessive specifics in Dua can be inappropriate.
- Example:
- “Oh Allah, let me enter Paradise through the right gate, wearing white robes, with golden doors and a silk cushion.”
- The Prophet’s (PBUH) Dua was simple: “Oh Allah, I ask You for Paradise and whatever brings me close to it.”
9. Turning Dua into a Lecture
- Some people make lengthy supplications that become more like sermons.
- Example:
- “Oh Allah, save us from the darkness of the grave, the loneliness of the grave, the punishments of the grave…” (turning Dua into a lecture rather than a heartfelt request).
10. Overuse of Allah’s Names Unnecessarily
- Listing all of Allah’s 99 Names before making a request is excessive.
- Instead, use the relevant name for the request. Example:
- “Oh Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful), have mercy on me.”
11. Making the Dua Too Long When Leading Prayer
- When leading others in prayer, the Dua should be concise.
- Imam Ahmad advised leaving the prayer if the supplication becomes too lengthy.
- In Taraweeh, short and powerful Duas are preferred over long, drawn-out ones.
Best Times to Make Dua
While Dua is accepted at all times, there are special moments when supplications are more likely to be answered:
| Best Time | Why It’s Special |
|---|---|
| Last third of the night | Allah descends and answers Duas. (Sahih Muslim) |
| During prostration (Sujood) | The closest a servant is to Allah. (Sahih Muslim) |
| Between Adhan and Iqamah | Prophet (PBUH) said Duas are accepted in this period. |
| Friday (Jumu’ah) | Especially in the last hour before sunset. |
| While traveling | The Prophet (PBUH) said a traveler’s Dua is accepted. |
| When fasting, especially before Iftar | A fasting person’s supplication is accepted. |
| When oppressed or in distress | Allah guarantees the acceptance of the oppressed person’s Dua. |
Example of a Powerful and Simple Dua
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) often made this concise and impactful supplication:
“Oh Allah, I ask You for Paradise and whatever brings me close to it in words and deeds. And I seek refuge in You from Hellfire and whatever brings me close to it in words and deeds.”
Final Thoughts
Dua is a direct link between a believer and Allah. However, understanding the etiquettes and avoiding transgression ensures that our supplications are effective and accepted.
Key Takeaways:
- Avoid asking for supernatural or haram things.
- Keep your supplication concise and sincere.
- Choose the right times for making Dua.
- Trust Allah’s wisdom in how and when He answers.
May Allah accept all our sincere Duas and guide us to the straight path. Ameen!
FAQs
1. Can I make Dua in my own language? Yes! Allah understands all languages, and sincerity matters more than the language used.
2. Does Dua have to be made in Arabic? No. While Arabic is recommended, especially in prayer, you can make Dua in any language.
3. How long should a Dua be? Keep it short and sincere. The Prophet (PBUH) made Duas that were concise yet powerful.
4. What if my Dua is not accepted immediately? Allah may:
- Grant it immediately.
- **Delay it for a better time
