The Practising Muslim · Supplication & Dhikr

Ramadan Supplication and Du'a Practices

Explore rulings and benefits of Ramadan supplications and du'as.

7 questions · Medium · about 4 minutes

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7 questions, about 4 minutes.

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1. What is hoped for the one who recites ten verses at night?

  • They will not be recorded among the heedless. (correct answer)
  • They have fulfilled an obligatory nightly duty.
  • They are guaranteed specific dreams.
  • They no longer need other adhkar before sleeping.

Why

Reciting ten verses at night is mentioned as a means of not being recorded among the heedless. This may be done in night prayer or by reciting Qur’an at night outside prayer, before sleep or after waking. It is also recommended to recite certain verses and surahs before sleeping, such as Ayat al-Kursi, the last verses of Surat al-Baqarah, Surat al-Kafirun, and the last three surahs, according to what a person is able to do.

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2. What is the ruling on using a shorter wording of salawat outside prayer?

  • It is valid if it fulfils the purpose of sending blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ. (correct answer)
  • It is invalid unless it uses the full wording of the tashahhud.
  • It is forbidden unless every wording is combined into one formula.
  • It counts only if the person never says salam separately.

Why

The most complete and best forms of salawat are the narrated wordings taught by the Prophet ﷺ, especially in prayer after the tashahhud. Outside prayer, however, the matter is broader: a shorter wording such as “Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad” or “sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam” fulfils the purpose of sending blessings. It is also better not to always mention salah without salam, or salam without salah; a person should mention both or vary between them.

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3. What is the ruling on assigning specific du’as to the first, second, and last thirds of Ramadan?

  • It is an innovation with no basis in Islamic teachings. (correct answer)
  • It is Sunnah because Ramadan is divided into three special du’a periods.
  • It is obligatory for anyone who fasts Ramadan.
  • It is required only during the last ten nights.

Why

The claim that the first third of Ramadan is only for mercy, the second for forgiveness, and the last for ransom from Hell is based on an inauthentic report. The entire month is a time of mercy, forgiveness, and ransom from the Fire. A Muslim may make any good du’a throughout Ramadan, including asking for mercy, forgiveness, Paradise, protection from Hell, and well-being, without assigning invented du’as to specific parts of the month.

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4. When is congregational du’a without a specific Sunnah proof blameworthy?

  • When it is turned into a regular custom as though it is Sunnah. (correct answer)
  • When one person makes du’a and others say Ameen in any proven Sunnah setting.
  • When it happens once for a need and is not made into a ritual.
  • When people make du’a individually after a gathering.

Why

Some forms of congregational du’a are established, such as qunoot and istisqa’. In other situations where there is no specific proof, occasional du’a in which one person supplicates and others say Ameen may be allowed. The problem is turning it into a regular custom, attaching it to fixed occasions without proof, or treating it as a prescribed Sunnah.

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5. What is part of the recommended etiquette of making du’a?

  • Raising the hands with humility and asking Allah with certainty. (correct answer)
  • Asking Allah while doubting that He can respond.
  • Making du’a loudly in a way that shows off or disturbs people.
  • Asking Allah through shirk or calling upon others besides Him.

Why

Du’a is worship, so it should be done sincerely for Allah alone and with proper etiquette. Recommended etiquettes include praising Allah, sending blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ, facing the qiblah, raising the hands, asking frequently, being firm in the request, having presence of mind, eating halal, and calling upon Allah humbly and quietly.

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6. Which of the following is a mistake in du’a?

  • Praying against oneself, one’s children, or one’s wealth. (correct answer)
  • Asking Allah for good in this world and the Hereafter.
  • Praising Allah before making a request.
  • Seeking refuge with Allah from harm and evil.

Why

Du’a should be made with humility, proper etiquette, and trust in Allah. Mistakes include calling upon others besides Allah, using innovated forms of tawassul, wishing for death because of hardship, asking for punishment to be hastened, praying against oneself or family, praying for severing family ties, limiting Allah’s mercy, raising the voice excessively, and despairing of Allah’s response.

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7. Why might the response to du’a be delayed?

  • There may be an impediment such as sin, haram food, or negligence of the heart. (correct answer)
  • Allah is unable to give what the person asks for.
  • Du’a has no benefit unless the exact request appears immediately.
  • A person must stop making du’a if no answer is seen quickly.

Why

A delayed response does not mean du’a has failed. Allah may delay the response out of wisdom, withhold something harmful, store reward for the Hereafter, or avert an equivalent evil. The delay may also prompt a person to examine themselves, repent, correct their heart, avoid haram, and continue making du’a while thinking well of Allah.

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A note on these answers

These questions are for learning and self-testing. Explanations are drawn from the sources linked on each question and are not a fatwa. For a ruling on your own circumstances, please consult a qualified scholar.

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