Du'as from the Quran

Supplications taken directly from the verses of the Holy Quran

The Opening Surah (Complete Prayer)

Recited in every unit (rakat) of prayer; the most recited supplication in Islam

Surah al-Fatiha (1:6-7)

اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ ۝ صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ

Transliteration

Ihdina as-sirata al-mustaqim. Sirata alladhina an'amta 'alayhim, ghayri al-maghdubi 'alayhim wa la ad-dallin.

Meaning

Guide us to the straight path: the path of those whom You have favoured, not of those who have evoked Your anger or of those who are astray.

Virtue

The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Al-Fatiha is a cure for every disease.'

The Supplication of the Balanced Believer

A comprehensive supplication for both this world and the Hereafter; encouraged to be made during Tawaf and at other times

Surah al-Baqarah (2:201)

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

Transliteration

Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina 'adhab an-nar.

Meaning

Our Lord, give us goodness in this world and goodness in the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the Fire.

Virtue

The Prophet ﷺ would most often make this supplication.

For an Increase in Knowledge

When learning, studying, before opening a book or beginning any lesson

Quran, Surah Ta-Ha 20:114

رَبِّ زِدْنِي عِلْمًا

Transliteration

Rabbi zidni 'ilma.

Meaning

My Lord, increase me in knowledge.

Virtue

This is the only thing Allah commanded the Prophet ﷺ to ask for an increase in. Not in wealth, not in family, not in health – but in knowledge. The scholars of tafsir say this shows the supremacy of beneficial knowledge over every other favour.

Zakariyya's Plea: Do Not Leave Me Alone

For those without children, without progeny, without close family, or in acute loneliness

Quran, Surah al-Anbiya 21:89 — the plea of Zakariyya ﷺ for a son (Yahya)

رَبِّ لَا تَذَرْنِي فَرْدًا وَأَنْتَ خَيْرُ الْوَارِثِينَ

Transliteration

Rabbi la tadharni fardan wa anta khayrul-warithin.

Meaning

My Lord, do not leave me alone, and You are the best of inheritors.

Virtue

Zakariyya ﷺ was old and his wife was barren, yet he did not despair. He whispered this dua and Allah gave him Yahya ﷺ – a prophet, a chief, chaste, and from among the righteous. Loneliness is a heavy trial; the verse ends 'and You are the best of inheritors' – even if He does not give a child, He Himself remains.

The Dua of the Reflective on the Creation of the Heavens

When contemplating the sky, stars, mountains, oceans, ecosystems – any moment of awe at creation

Quran, Surah Al 'Imran 3:191

رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ هَٰذَا بَاطِلًا سُبْحَانَكَ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

Transliteration

Rabbana ma khalaqta hadha batila, subhanaka fa qina 'adhabin-nar.

Meaning

Our Lord, You did not create this in vain. Glory be to You – so save us from the punishment of the Fire.

Virtue

Part of the passage on Ulul-Albab – the people of understanding – who remember Allah standing, sitting, and lying on their sides and reflect on creation. Aisha (ra) reported the Prophet ﷺ stayed up one night crying, reciting these verses from Al 'Imran 190-200. When Bilal (ra) came to call him to Fajr and saw his tears, he asked why. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Should I not be a grateful servant? Woe to whoever reads these verses and does not reflect.'

Ibrahim and Isma'il Raising the Ka'ba: Make Us Muslims

For the acceptance of any act of worship, especially Hajj/Umrah, and for a family that will remain on Islam

Quran, Surah al-Baqarah 2:128

رَبَّنَا وَاجْعَلْنَا مُسْلِمَيْنِ لَكَ وَمِنْ ذُرِّيَّتِنَا أُمَّةً مُسْلِمَةً لَكَ وَأَرِنَا مَنَاسِكَنَا وَتُبْ عَلَيْنَا ۖ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ

Transliteration

Rabbana waj'alna muslimayni lak, wa min dhurriyyatina ummatan muslimatan lak, wa arina manasikana, wa tub 'alayna, innaka antat-Tawwabur-Rahim.

Meaning

Our Lord, make us both submitted (Muslims) to You and from our descendants a nation submitted to You, and show us our rites and accept our repentance. Indeed You are the Ever-Accepting of Repentance, the Merciful.

Virtue

Said by Ibrahim ﷺ and his son Isma'il ﷺ while raising the foundations of the Ka'ba – the origin of every Hajj to come. Allah answered: the ummah of Muhammad ﷺ, the greatest ummah, descends from that supplication.

The Dua of Ibrahim ﷺ Raising the Ka'ba

A supplication for the acceptance of any deed, especially after acts of worship

Quran, Surah al-Baqarah 2:127

رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا ۖ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ

Transliteration

Rabbana taqabbal minna, innaka anta as-Sami'ul-'Alim.

Meaning

Our Lord, accept from us. Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing.

Virtue

These words were said by Ibrahim ﷺ and Isma'il ﷺ while raising the foundations of the Ka'ba – the House that would become the centre of Muslim worship for all ages. A short prayer for the acceptance of even the greatest deed.

The Believers' Plea for Mercy in Judgement

One of the most powerful supplications; especially recited at night, in prayer, and in seasons of trial

Quran, Surah al-Baqarah 2:286 — the final verse of al-Baqarah

رَبَّنَا لَا تُؤَاخِذْنَا إِنْ نَسِينَا أَوْ أَخْطَأْنَا ۚ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْنَا إِصْرًا كَمَا حَمَلْتَهُ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِنَا ۚ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تُحَمِّلْنَا مَا لَا طَاقَةَ لَنَا بِهِ ۖ وَاعْفُ عَنَّا وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَارْحَمْنَا ۚ أَنْتَ مَوْلَانَا فَانْصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِينَ

Transliteration

Rabbana la tu'akhidhna in nasina aw akhta'na. Rabbana wa la tahmil 'alayna isran kama hamaltahu 'alal-ladhina min qablina. Rabbana wa la tuhammilna ma la taqata lana bih. Wa 'fu 'anna, waghfir lana, warhamna. Anta Mawlana fansurna 'alal-qawmil-kafirin.

Meaning

Our Lord, do not take us to task if we forget or make a mistake. Our Lord, do not burden us with what You burdened those before us. Our Lord, do not burden us with more than we can bear. Pardon us, forgive us, and have mercy on us. You are our Protector, so grant us victory over the disbelieving people.

Virtue

Allah answered each of these requests directly. Sahih Muslim 126 records the Prophet ﷺ saying that after each phrase Allah replied: 'I have done so.' Whoever recites the last two verses of al-Baqarah at night, they will suffice him (Bukhari 5008).

For a Righteous Family and Progeny

When making dua for family, marriage, children, or before/after intimacy; in tahajjud for the same

Quran, Surah al-Furqan 25:74

رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَاجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّاتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَاجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا

Transliteration

Rabbana hab lana min azwajina wa dhurriyyatina qurrata a'yun, waj'alna lil-muttaqina imama.

Meaning

Our Lord, grant us in our spouses and offspring the coolness of eyes, and make us leaders for the God-conscious.

Virtue

The dua of the true 'Servants of the Merciful' as described at the close of Surah al-Furqan. It combines the request for a righteous family with the aspiration to be a model of taqwa oneself.

For Steadfastness of the Heart

When feeling the pull of doubt, temptation, or after entering upon guidance

Quran, Surah Al 'Imran 3:8

رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغْ قُلُوبَنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَيْتَنَا وَهَبْ لَنَا مِنْ لَدُنْكَ رَحْمَةً ۚ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْوَهَّابُ

Transliteration

Rabbana la tuzigh qulubana ba'da idh hadaytana, wa hab lana min ladunka rahmatan, innaka antal-Wahhab.

Meaning

Our Lord, do not let our hearts deviate after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from Your presence. Truly, You are the Bestower.

Virtue

Umm Salama (ra) reported the Prophet ﷺ said the hearts of the sons of Adam are between the fingers of the Most Merciful and He turns them however He wills. Then he would frequently recite this verse (Tirmidhi 3522).

The Believers' Nightly Plea for Forgiveness

A comprehensive nightly plea covering forgiveness, expiation, and a righteous death

Quran, Surah Al 'Imran 3:193

رَبَّنَا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَكَفِّرْ عَنَّا سَيِّئَاتِنَا وَتَوَفَّنَا مَعَ الْأَبْرَارِ

Transliteration

Rabbana faghfir lana dhunubana wa kaffir 'anna sayyi'atina, wa tawaffana ma'al-abrar.

Meaning

Our Lord, forgive us our sins, expiate from us our misdeeds, and take our souls with the righteous.

Virtue

Part of the reflections of those who remember Allah standing, sitting, and lying on their sides, and who contemplate the creation of the heavens and the earth (Al 'Imran 3:190-194).

Perfect Our Light on the Day of Judgement

For light on the Sirat (the Bridge over the Fire on the Day of Judgement)

Quran, Surah at-Tahrim 66:8

رَبَّنَا أَتْمِمْ لَنَا نُورَنَا وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا ۖ إِنَّكَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

Transliteration

Rabbana atmim lana nurana waghfir lana, innaka 'ala kulli shay'in qadir.

Meaning

Our Lord, perfect our light for us and forgive us. Indeed, You are over all things omnipotent.

Virtue

The prayer of the believers as they cross the Bridge in the light of their deeds; they ask that their light be complete so they may pass safely into Paradise.

For a Muslim Death and Being Joined with the Righteous

At times of thankful reflection on Allah's favours, or as a general dua for a righteous ending

Quran, Surah Yusuf 12:101 — the dua of Yusuf ﷺ upon reunion with his family

تَوَفَّنِي مُسْلِمًا وَأَلْحِقْنِي بِالصَّالِحِينَ

Transliteration

Tawaffani musliman wa alhiqni bis-salihin.

Meaning

Take my soul as a Muslim, and join me with the righteous.

Virtue

Yusuf ﷺ said this at the summit of his worldly restoration – king, reunited with his father and brothers, forgiver of those who had wronged him – showing that worldly success is not the goal; a Muslim death is.

The Dua of Yunus ﷺ in the Belly of the Whale

In any distress, illness, hardship, or entrapment – especially when one feels there is no way out

Quran, Surah al-Anbiya 21:87

لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنْتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ

Transliteration

La ilaha illa anta, subhanaka, inni kuntu minaz-zalimin.

Meaning

There is no god but You. Glory be to You. Indeed, I was of the wrongdoers.

Virtue

The Prophet ﷺ said: 'No Muslim ever supplicates with these words in any matter without Allah answering him' (Tirmidhi 3505, sahih). Yunus ﷺ was swallowed by the whale into three levels of darkness – the belly, the sea, and the night – and called upon Allah with these words; Allah delivered him. This dua is the universal SOS.

The Dua of Ayyub ﷺ in Illness

When afflicted with prolonged illness or physical suffering

Quran, Surah al-Anbiya 21:83

أَنِّي مَسَّنِيَ الضُّرُّ وَأَنْتَ أَرْحَمُ الرَّاحِمِينَ

Transliteration

Anni massaniyad-durru wa anta arhamur-rahimin.

Meaning

Truly, adversity has touched me, and You are the Most Merciful of the merciful.

Virtue

Ayyub ﷺ endured years of illness, loss of wealth, and loss of family, yet his complaint to Allah was a whisper – not a demand but an acknowledgement of Allah's mercy. Allah restored his health, family, and doubled his wealth (Surah Sad 38:41-44).

The Dua of Musa ﷺ Before Facing Pharaoh

Before a difficult conversation, public speaking, important decision, or facing a person of authority

Quran, Surah Ta-Ha 20:25-28

رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِي صَدْرِي ۝ وَيَسِّرْ لِي أَمْرِي ۝ وَاحْلُلْ عُقْدَةً مِنْ لِسَانِي ۝ يَفْقَهُوا قَوْلِي

Transliteration

Rabbi-shrah li sadri, wa yassir li amri, wahlul 'uqdatan min lisani, yafqahu qawli.

Meaning

My Lord, expand for me my breast, ease for me my task, and untie the knot from my tongue that they may understand my speech.

Virtue

Musa ﷺ was commanded to go to Pharaoh – the tyrant of his age – and call him to Allah. He had a speech difficulty from an old injury. This four-part dua asks for inward calm, ease of task, clarity of speech, and reception by the listener – a template for every believer facing a hard task.

The Dua of Zakariyya ﷺ for a Righteous Child

When yearning for children, when parents facing infertility, and at times of spiritual longing for continuity

Quran, Surah Al 'Imran 3:38

رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِنْ لَدُنْكَ ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً ۖ إِنَّكَ سَمِيعُ الدُّعَاءِ

Transliteration

Rabbi hab li min ladunka dhurriyyatan tayyibatan, innaka Sami'ud-Du'a.

Meaning

My Lord, grant me from Yourself a good offspring. Indeed, You are the Hearer of supplication.

Virtue

Zakariyya ﷺ was elderly and his wife barren, yet he asked Allah for a child – and Allah gave him Yahya ﷺ, a chief and chaste and prophet from among the righteous. The dua reminds us: no natural obstacle can defeat divine will.

For Firmness Against Trials

When facing overwhelming opposition or a massive test, in the moment of confrontation

Quran, Surah al-Baqarah 2:250 — the words of the small band with Talut before facing Jalut (Goliath)

رَبَّنَا أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًا وَثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَنَا وَانْصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِينَ

Transliteration

Rabbana afrigh 'alayna sabran wa thabbit aqdamana wansurna 'alal-qawmil-kafirin.

Meaning

Our Lord, pour out patience upon us, make our feet firm, and grant us victory over the disbelieving people.

Virtue

The small band of believers who crossed the river with Talut said this facing the vastly larger army of Jalut. Then Dawud ﷺ – still young – killed Jalut with a single stone. Allah taught us that patience + firmness + His help is the recipe for victory, not numbers.

Sulayman's Dua for Gratitude

When receiving a favour from Allah – new job, marriage, healing, safe travel – and when at a place of remembering parents

Quran, Surah an-Naml 27:19 — Sulayman ﷺ on hearing the speech of the ant

رَبِّ أَوْزِعْنِي أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ الَّتِي أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيَّ وَعَلَىٰ وَالِدَيَّ وَأَنْ أَعْمَلَ صَالِحًا تَرْضَاهُ وَأَدْخِلْنِي بِرَحْمَتِكَ فِي عِبَادِكَ الصَّالِحِينَ

Transliteration

Rabbi awzi'ni an ashkura ni'matakal-lati an'amta 'alayya wa 'ala walidayya wa an a'mala salihan tardah, wa adkhilni bi rahmatika fi 'ibadikas-salihin.

Meaning

My Lord, grant me the ability to be grateful for Your favour which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and to do righteous deeds that please You. Admit me by Your mercy among Your righteous servants.

Virtue

Sulayman ﷺ smiled at the wisdom of a tiny ant warning her colony – and turned that moment into a dua about gratitude for the immense favour of prophethood, kingship, and understanding animal speech.

Ibrahim's Dua for His Parents

For parents (living or deceased) and for the wider believing community; especially after every prayer

Quran, Surah Ibrahim 14:41

رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُومُ الْحِسَابُ

Transliteration

Rabbana-ghfir li wa li walidayya wa lil-mu'minina yawma yaqumul-hisab.

Meaning

Our Lord, forgive me and my parents and the believers on the Day when the accounting is established.

Virtue

Ibrahim ﷺ said this even for his idolatrous father – but Allah subsequently disallowed praying for the forgiveness of unbelievers (Tawbah 9:113-114). For a believing parent, this remains the timeless dua. To be joined with 'Rabbi-rhamhuma kama rabbayani saghira' (Isra 17:24).

The Believers' Plea for Mercy in Judgement

One of the most powerful supplications; especially recited at night, in prayer, and in seasons of trial

Quran, Surah al-Baqarah 2:286 — the final verse of al-Baqarah

Transliteration

Meaning

Virtue