The Ultimate Guide to Ramadan Duas

Ramadan is a month of immense blessings, a time when the gates of heaven are opened, and the mercy of Allah (SWT) descends upon us. It’s a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. At the very heart of this worship is dua, which is our personal, intimate conversation with our Creator. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “Dua is the essence of worship.”(Tirmidhi)

This guide is designed to be your spiritual companion throughout the month. We will not only share the most important Ramadan duas but also explore their meanings and the perfect moments to recite them. Let’s transform our supplications from mere words on our lips to heartfelt pleas that strengthen our connection with Allah.

What is Dua

Ramadan isn’t just about refraining from food and drink; it’s a time for inner reflection and spiritual growth.

The Arabic term dua دعاء (pronounced du-aa’) means to invocate or call out. It is an act of worship where we ask and beg from Allah earnestly and humbly. It is an opportunity for us to ask Allah for His forgiveness and mercy as well as for Him to grant us our requests.

This Ramadan, let’s roll up our sleeves and make abundant dua.

وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِى عَنِّى فَإِنِّى قَرِيبٌ ۖ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ ٱلدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ ۖ فَلْيَسْتَجِيبُوا۟ لِى وَلْيُؤْمِنُوا۟ بِى لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْشُدُونَ

When My servants ask you ˹O Prophet˺ about Me: I am truly near. I respond to one’s prayer when they call upon Me. So let them respond ˹with obedience˺ to Me and believe in Me, perhaps they will be guided ˹to the Right Way˺.

Quran 2:186

Dua with Heartfelt Intentions

Dua is more than just reciting words; it’s about pouring out your hopes, fears, and gratitude to the All-Powerful and Most Generous. When you make dua, you are speaking directly to Allah. So whether you’re asking for guidance, seeking forgiveness, expressing gratitude or asking for anything your heart desires, do it with sincerity and conviction.

‏”‏ الدُّعَاءُ هُوَ الْعِبَادَةُ ‏”‏ ‏.‏ ثُمَّ قَرَأََ ‏:‏ ‏(‏وقالَ رَبُّكُمُ ادْعُونِي أَسْتَجِبْ لَكُمْ إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَسْتَكْبِرُونَ عَنْ عِبَادَتِي سَيَدْخُلُونَ جَهَنَّمَ دَاخِرِينَ ‏)

The Prophet ﷺ said: “The supplication, is worship.” Then he recited: And Your Lord said: “Call upon me, I will respond to you. Verily, those who scorn My worship, they will surely enter Hell humiliated.”

Jami at-Tirmidhi

Seek the Best Times

While dua can be made at any time, there are moments during Ramadan when the blessings are multiplied. Take advantage of these special times to connect with Allah through your supplications: 

• The last third of the night;
• The last hour of Asr on a Friday;
• While you are fasting, especially right before you break your fast;
• During sujood (prostration during prayer);
• While you are travelling;  
• The late hours of the night

Remember, it’s not just about the words you say, but the state of your heart when you say them and your certainty in them being answered by Allah.

 ثَلاَثَةٌ لاَ تُرَدُّ دَعْوَتُهُمُ الصَّائِمُ حَتَّى يُفْطِرَ وَالإِمَامُ الْعَادِلُ وَدَعْوَةُ الْمَظْلُومِ

The Prophet ﷺ said: “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 person;

Jami at-Tirmidhi

Persist in Your Dua

In times of difficulty and uncertainty, don’t lose hope. Persist in your dua, trusting in Allah’s mercy and guidance. Remember, every sincere prayer is heard, even if the answer isn’t immediate.

As we embrace the blessed month of Ramadan, let’s make dua to our creator. May our dua be filled with sincerity, our hearts be filled with gratitude, and our souls be filled with peace. Ramadan Mubarak!

Dua for Sighting the New Moon of Ramadan

The beginning of Ramadan is marked by the sighting of the new crescent moon. This is a moment of excitement and spiritual anticipation. When the Prophet (ﷺ) saw the new moon, he would make a specific dua, setting a tone of seeking blessings and security for the month ahead.

Arabic: اللَّهُمَّ أَهِلَّهُ عَلَيْنَا بِالْيُمْنِ وَالإِيمَانِ، وَالسَّلامَةِ وَالإِسْلامِ، رَبِّي وَرَبُّكَ اللَّهُ        

Transliteration: Allāhumma ahillahu ʿalaynā bil-yumni wal-īmān, was-salāmati wal-islām, rabbī wa rabbuk-Allāh.        

Translation: “O Allah, make this moon rise over us with blessings and faith, with safety and in Islam. My Lord and your Lord is Allah.”

The Dua for Suhoor (Starting the Fast)

Before the first light of dawn, we partake in Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal. This act itself is a blessing. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Eat Suhoor, for in Suhoor there is a blessing (barakah).”(Bukhari, Muslim). While eating, we solidify our intention to fast for the sake of Allah.

Understanding the Niyyah (Intention) vs. the Dua

It’s crucial to understand the difference between the Niyyah (intention) and a verbal dua. The Niyyah is the firm intention in your heart to fast for that day. This is a pillar of the fast and is non-negotiable; it can be made in any language and doesn’t require specific words. Many scholars state that waking up for Suhoor with the purpose of fasting is itself a valid Niyyah. There is no specific, authentic dua that must be recited for Suhoor, but a general one is often used to express this intention verbally.

Arabic: وَبِصَوْمِ غَدٍ نَّوَيْتُ مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ

Transliteration: Wa bi-ṣawmi ghadin nawaytu min shahri Ramaḍān.

Translation: “I intend to keep the fast for tomorrow in the month of Ramadan.”

The Dua for Iftar (Breaking the Fast)

After a long day of fasting, the moment of Iftar is a time of relief, gratitude, and immense spiritual power. This is one of the most precious times for making dua.

The Golden Moment: Why Your Dua at Iftar is So Powerful

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) taught us that the prayer of a fasting person at the time of breaking the fast is not rejected. (Ibn Majah). This is your golden opportunity. Having abstained from food, drink, and desires for Allah’s sake, you are in a state of humility and closeness to Him. Before you take that first date or sip of water, pour your heart out to Allah. Ask for forgiveness, for guidance, for your family, and for all your needs in this life and the next.

Arabic: ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ وَثَبَتَ الأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ

Transliteration: Dhahaba aẓ-ẓama’u, wabtallat-il-ʿurūqu, wa thabat-al-ajru in shā’ Allāh.

Translation: “The thirst is gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is confirmed, if Allah wills.”

Essential Duas for Forgiveness and Mercy

Ramadan is the month of mercy and forgiveness. We should constantly be seeking Allah’s pardon for our shortcomings. Integrating these powerful duas into your daily worship can be transformative.

A Powerful Dua for Daily Recitation

This is known as the Sayyid al-Istighfar (the master of seeking forgiveness). The Prophet (ﷺ) said that whoever says it with conviction during the day and dies before evening will be from the people of Paradise, and whoever says it with conviction during the night and dies before morning will be from the people of Paradise. (Bukhari).

Arabic: اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ رَبِّي لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ، خَلَقْتَنِي وَأَنَا عَبْدُكَ، وَأَنَا عَلَى عَهْدِكَ وَوَعْدِكَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ، أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا صَنَعْتُ، أَبُوءُ لَكَ بِنِعْمَتِكَ عَلَيَّ، وَأَبُوءُ لَكَ بِذَنْبِي فَاغْفِرْ لِي، فَإِنَّهُ لَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ

Transliteration: Allāhumma anta rabbī lā ilāha illā ant, khalaqtanī wa anā ʿabduk, wa anā ʿalā ʿahdika wa waʿdika mas-taṭaʿt, aʿūdhu bika min sharri mā ṣanaʿt, abū’u laka bi-niʿmatika ʿalay, wa abū’u laka bi-dhanbī faghfir lī, fa-innahu lā yaghfir udh-dhunūba illā ant.

Translation: “O Allah, you are my Lord, none has the right to be worshipped except You. You created me, and I am your servant, and I abide by Your covenant and promise as best I can. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done. I acknowledge Your favour upon me, and I acknowledge my sin, so forgive me, for verily none can forgive sins except You.”

Duas for the Last Ten Nights & Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Power)

The last ten nights of Ramadan are the most sacred of the entire year. Within them lies Laylat al-Qadr, a night better than a thousand months. It is a time for intensified worship, and this dua is the key to unlocking its immense blessings.

The Most Recommended Dua for Laylat al-Qadr (Aisha’s RA Dua)

Aisha (RA), the wife of the Prophet (ﷺ), had the foresight to ask him, “O Messenger of Allah, if I know which night is the Night of Power, what should I say during it?”He (ﷺ) taught her the following beautiful and profound dua.

Arabic: اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي

Transliteration: Allāhumma innaka ʿafuwwun tuḥibbul-ʿafwa faʿfu ʿannī.

Translation: “O Allah, You are Pardoning, and You love to pardon, so pardon me.”

The Spiritual Significance of this Dua

Notice the choice of words. The dua uses the word ‘Afw (pardon), not just Maghfirah (forgiveness). Forgiveness implies a covering up of the sin, but it remains on your record. Pardoning (‘Afw) implies a complete removal, as if the sin was never committed. On the night when our destinies are being decreed, we are asking Allah to completely wipe our slates clean. This is the ultimate mercy.

The Etiquette (Adab) of Making Your Duas

To increase the chances of our duas being accepted, we can follow the etiquette taught by the Prophet (ﷺ). Think of these as ways to prepare for your conversation with Allah:

• Sincerity and Focus (Khushu’): Your dua should come from the heart. Remove distractions and be fully present, understanding that you are speaking directly to the Lord of the worlds.
• Begin with Praise and Salutations: Start by praising Allah (e.g., “Alhamdulillah”) and sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
• Face the Qibla and Raise Your Hands: When possible, face the direction of the Kaaba and raise your hands in supplication. This is a physical act of humility and submission.
• Have Certainty in Allah’s Response: Make dua with full conviction that Allah hears you and will respond in the best way for you. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Call upon Allah with certainty of a response.”(Tirmidhi)
• Be Persistent: Don’t give up. Repeat your duas, especially during blessed times like the last third of the night, while fasting, and on Laylat al-Qadr.

This Ramadan, let every Suhoor and Iftar be an opportunity to strengthen your bond with Allah. Let the last ten nights be a time of profound reflection and heartfelt supplication. Use this guide to empower your worship and make this your most spiritually uplifting Ramadan yet.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ramadan Duas