Ramadan is the holiest time of the year for Muslims. It’s a time to recite the Quran, reflect and contemplate, and make dua (supplication) abundantly.
The Prophet (ﷺ) mentioned three whose supplication Allah accepts: one of them is the “fasting person until they break their fast” [Tirmidhi & Ibn Maja].
The Prophet (ﷺ) also said: “Dua is the essence of worship.” [Tirmidhi]
So, we’ve put together a list of dua to help you maximize this opportunity to ask Allah without reservation, knowing that He will not turn you away.
Dua at Suhur Time
If you wake up before Fajr to have Suhur as it is the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), there is a dua you can make to bless and enrich your fasting.
وَبِصَوْمِ غَدٍ نَّوَيْتُ مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ
Transliteration: “Wa bisawmi ghadinn nawaiytu min shahri Ramadan”
Translation: “I intend to keep the fast for tomorrow in the month of Ramadan”
One of the conditions of an accepted fast is intention. A person who plans to fast must intend to fast. You can read more here about the Rules (Fiqh) of Fasting.
Dua when Breaking your Fast
Before you break your fast, take the time to make Dua. Scholars recognize it as one of the best times to supplicate.
A Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is to say:
ذَهَبَ الظَّمأُ، وابْتَلَّتِ العُرُوقُ، وَثَبَتَ الأجْرُ إِنْ شاءَ اللَّهُ تَعالى
Transliteration: dhahaba’d dhama’ wa’btallati’ l `uruq wa thabata’l ajru in sha’ Allah
Translation: “The thirst is gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is established–if Allah wills.”
It is also encouraged to ask Allah for the best in this life and the best in here hereafter.
Dua for every 1/3rd of Ramadan
Ramadan has three divisions. The first ten days are known as the Days of Mercy. The second ten days are known as the Days of Forgiveness. The last ten days are known as the Days of Seeking Refuge. We’re encouraged to make dua pleading for Allah’s Mercy, Forgiveness, and Refuge in these particular days.
Dua for the Days of Mercy
The Days of Mercy are from the 1st day of Ramadan to the 10th day of Ramadan. At this time, Muslims should make dua seeking the mercy of Allah.
Recite the dua for mercy: رَّبِّ اغْفِرْ وَارْحَمْ وَاَنْتَ خَيْرُ الرّٰحِمِيْنَ
Transliteration: Rab-bigh-fir war-ham wa Anta Khair-ur-Raahimeen. (Surah Al Muminun:118)
Translation: My Lord! Forgive me and have mercy, for You are the Best of those who show mercy!
In conjunction with the theme of the first ten days and the dua we should make, Muslims are encouraged to display mercy through acts of charity, treating others well, and helping people whenever they can.
Abdullah ibn Amr reported: The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “The merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Be merciful to those on the earth, and the One in the heavens will have mercy upon you.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhī 1924]
Dua for the Days of Forgiveness
The second ten days are known as the Days of Forgiveness, and Muslims plead Allah for His forgiveness. We should not only seek forgiveness but labor to change our habits, amend our wrongdoings, and forgive those who have wronged us.
Recite the dua for forgiveness: أسْتَغْفِرُ اللهَ رَبي مِنْ كُلِ ذَنبٍ وَأتُوبُ إلَيهِ
Transliteration: Astagfirullaha Rabbi Min Kulli Zambi Wa Atubu Ilaih.
Translation: I ask forgiveness of my sins from Allah, who is my Lord, and I turn towards Him.
Dua for the Days of Seeking Refuge
The final ten days also coincide with the last ten nights of Ramadan – the holiest nights of the year. During this time, Muslims worldwide fast all day and pray all night, seeking Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and refuge from the fires of Hell.
Recite the dua for refuge: اللَّهُمَّ أَجِرْنِي مِنَ النَّارِ
Transliteration: Allahumma Ajirna min-an-naar
Translation: O Allah, protect me from Hell
Dua In seeking Laylat al-Qadr
The holiest time of Ramadan is the last ten nights, and the most sacred night in the Islamic calendar — Laylatul Qadr — is hidden within them. Worshippers will perform i’tikaf (seclusion) in a Masjid seeking out Laylatul Qadr.
Allah says in the Qur’an, “The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months,” (Qur’an, 97:3).
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Whoever prays on Laylatul Qadr out of faith and sincerity, shall have all their past sins forgiven” [Bukhair].
Recite this dua in the last 10 nights of Ramadan: اللَّهُمَّ إنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ العَفْوَ فاعْفُ عَنِّي
Translation: “Allah, you are the Forgiving and love to forgive, so forgive me.” [Tirmidhi, Nasa’i, Ibn Maja]
Dua for yourself and others
Muslims are encouraged to make as much dua as possible for others: parents, family, friends, community, your teachers, the global Ummah, and those who have passed.
There are multiple resources online to help you make dua for yourself and others – YouTube is a great place to start! Don’t miss the opportunity to make dua abundantly this Ramadan.
Ibn Rajab reported: Ma’la ibn al-Fadl, may Allah have mercy on him, said, “The companions would supplicate to Allah for six months prior that they would reach Ramadan. Then, they would supplicate to him for six months afterward to accept their deeds.”
Ramadan Survival Kit
Human Concern International put together a Ramadan survival kit to provide you with everything you need to maximize your Ramadan!
