As-Salamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatuh
Bismillah.

Dear brothers and sisters, previously we shared with you Authentic Supplications from the Qur'an and Hadith.
In this article, insha'ALLAH, we will try to cover how supplication (dua) should be made.

Dua is a form of worship that holds one of the deepest bonds a servant establishes with ALLAH.
Human beings are needy by nature.
They cannot fulfill their own needs by themselves.
Humans have spiritual needs just as they have physical ones.
Furthermore, rationally, narratively, and dispositionally, human beings are aware of a perfect Creator who created them and the entire universe out of nothing.
Thus, dua is our communication with our Lord.

Dua is not merely a servant asking for things from their Lord.
Dua is a servant communicating with their Lord.
Dua is a servant turning toward their Lord.
Dua is a servant acknowledging their own helplessness and His supreme greatness.

Dua is the weapon of the believer.
Dua is the refuge of the believer.
Dua is the strength of the believer.
Dua is the believer's direct bond with their Lord.

Almighty ALLAH (c.c.) is not far from us.
We do not need intermediaries to pray to our Lord, ask for forgiveness, express gratitude, or make requests.
Almighty ALLAH (c.c.) states in the Qur'an:
"Call upon Me; I will respond to you." (Ghafir 40/60)
"And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me." (Al-Baqarah 2/186)

Just like all other acts of worship, the worship of dua is performed solely for ALLAH (c.c.).
And again, like all other acts of worship, we learn the best way to perform dua from our Prophet (s.a.w.).
There are many things we can do for the acceptance and sound quality of a dua.
Likewise, there are things we must avoid while supplicating.
Let us take a look at these.

Preparation for Dua

Before making dua, there are various actions and preparations we can undertake for the acceptance of our prayer.

Halal Sustenance and Avoiding the Unlawful

The very first step we can take for the acceptance of our dua is undoubtedly paying attention to ensuring that what we eat, drink, wear—in short, everything we are sustained with—is halal. It was narrated from Abu Hurairah (r.a.) that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said: "Allah the Almighty is Good and accepts only that which is good. And Allah has commanded the Believers to do that which He has commanded the Messengers. The Almighty has said: 'O Messengers! Eat of the good things and perform righteous deeds.' And the Almighty has said: 'O you who believe! Eat of the lawful things that We have provided you.' Then he (s.a.w.) mentioned a man who, having traveled a far distance, is disheveled and dusty, and who stretches out his hands to the sky saying, 'O Lord! O Lord!' while his food is haram, his drink is haram, his clothing is haram, and he has been nourished with haram. How then could his supplication be answered?" (Sahih Muslim 1015)
As can be understood from this hadith, to have our supplication accepted, one must partake in halal provision and stay away from the unlawful.

Doing Good Deeds Before Dua

All prophets serve as role models for us. When Prophet Musa (a.s.) had to flee Egypt, he was alone, with no one and nothing. Later, when he arrived in Madyan, he saw people watering their flocks by a well. There, he noticed two young women waiting away from the men. He helped them water their flock. And after that, he withdrew to the shade and supplicated to Almighty ALLAH (c.c.) as follows:
"My Lord, indeed I am, for whatever good You would send down to me, in need." (Al-Qasas 28/24)
He did not supplicate to his Lord before fleeing Egypt, nor right after fleeing, nor during the journey, nor upon merely arriving in Madyan; he supplicated after helping the two young women. We see a similar example of this situation in an authentic hadith:
Narrated by Ibn Umar (r.a.), the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said:
"While three persons among the people who came before you were walking, they were caught in a storm and took shelter in a cave. A rock fell from the mountain and blocked the entrance of the cave. One of them said, 'Nothing can save you from this rock except supplicating to Allah by virtue of your most virtuous righteous deeds.' The first one said, 'O Allah! I had old parents, and I never used to give milk to my family or servants before giving it to them. One day I was delayed in search of trees (pasture), and I did not return until they had slept. I milked the animals and brought the milk to them, but found them sleeping. I disliked waking them up or offering milk to my family before them. So I waited with the bowl in my hand for them to wake up until dawn broke. Then they woke up and drank their milk. O Allah! If I did this seeking Your Pleasure, then release us from the distress caused by this rock.' The rock shifted slightly, but they could not get out. The second said, 'O Allah! I had a cousin whom I loved more than anyone else. I desired her, but she refused me until she suffered from a destitute year. She came to me, and I gave her 120 dinars on the condition that she would yield herself to me, and she agreed. When I sat between her legs, she said, 'Fear Allah and do not break the seal except lawfully (through marriage).' So I left her, though she was the most beloved person to me, and I left the gold I had given her. O Allah! If I did this seeking Your Pleasure, then release us from our distress.' The rock shifted a bit more, but they still could not get out. The third said, 'O Allah! I hired some laborers and paid them their wages, except one man who left without taking his due. I invested his wage, and it multiplied into abundant wealth. After a long time, he came to me and said, 'O servant of Allah! Pay me my wage.' I said, 'All these camels, cattle, sheep, and slaves that you see are yours.' He said, 'Do not mock me, O servant of Allah!' I replied, 'I am not mocking you.' So he took all of it and drove it away, leaving nothing behind. 'O Allah! If I did this seeking Your Pleasure, then release us from our distress.' Thereupon the rock moved completely away, and they walked out." (Sahih Al-Bukhari 2272)
In the first example, we learned that doing good before supplicating is a noble conduct practiced by Musa (a.s.), and in the second example, that one may petition ALLAH through righteous deeds.

Performing Prayer (Salah)

In the Holy Qur'an, Almighty ALLAH (c.c.) states:
"O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient." (Al-Baqarah 2/153)
And in a Noble Hadith, Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) said:
"There is no servant who commits a sin, then performs ablution properly, stands up and prays two rak'ahs, and asks Allah for forgiveness, except that Allah forgives him." (Abu Dawud, Witr, 23; Tirmidhi, Salat, 181)
As can be seen from this verse and hadith, praying before making requests to Almighty ALLAH is an important practice.

Facing the Qiblah and Raising the Hands

As seen in the following hadith regarding the rain prayer, facing the Qiblah and raising the hands during supplication are practices performed by our Prophet (s.a.w.).
Narrated Abdullah bin Zaid: "The Prophet (s.a.w.) went out to the prayer place to offer the rain prayer (Istisqa). He faced the Qiblah, inverted his cloak (rida), and offered a two-rak'ah prayer." (Sahih Al-Bukhari 1012)

The Timing of Dua

Perhaps one of the most important preparations for dua is choosing the right time. In Islam, certain times hold special significance for supplication.

During Prayer (Salah)

Salah is a worship wherein the servant turns to their Lord and converses with Him. Supplicating during prayer is recommended, as mentioned in the hadith:
Abdullah bin Mas'ud (r.a.) narrated:
"While praying behind the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.), we used to say, 'Peace be upon Allah, peace be upon so-and-so.' One day the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said to us:
'Indeed, Allah Himself is As-Salam (Peace). When one of you sits in prayer, he should say:
'All compliments, prayers, and pure words are due to Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah.'
When you say this, it reaches every righteous servant of Allah in the heavens and the earth.
'I bear witness that there is no deity except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.'
Then he may choose whatever supplication he pleases and supplicate.'" (Sahih Muslim 402a)

During Prostration (Sajdah)

Prostration is a very special moment when the servant turns to their Lord with their whole being, acknowledges their own vulnerability and His majesty in His presence in the clearest manner; and our Prophet (s.a.w.) advised us to supplicate during prostration:
Narrated Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said:
"The nearest a servant comes to his Lord is when he is in prostration, so increase supplication (in it)." (Sahih Muslim 482)

The Last Third of the Night

Narrated Abu Hurairah (r.a.) that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said:
"Our Lord, the Blessed and Exalted, descends every night to the nearest heaven when the last third of the night remains, saying:
'Who is calling upon Me that I may answer him? Who is asking Me that I may give him? Who is seeking My forgiveness that I may forgive him?'" (Sahih Al-Bukhari 1145)

Friday

Narrated Abu Hurairah (r.a.) that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said:
"On Friday there is an hour in which no Muslim servant stands praying and asking Allah for something except that He gives it to him." (Sahih Muslim 852)

Between Adhan and Iqamah

Narrated Anas bin Malik that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said:
"The supplication made between the Adhan and the Iqamah is not rejected." (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 3595)

When It Rains

Sahl bin Sa'd (r.a.) narrated that:
The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said:
"Two are not rejected, or rarely rejected: the supplication made at the time of the call to prayer (Adhan), and at the time of battle when people engage one another."
Musa said: Rizq bin Sa'id bin Abdurrahman narrated from Abu Hazim, from Sahl bin Sa'd, that the Prophet (s.a.w.) said:
"And when it rains." (Abu Dawud 2540)

During Battle

Sahl bin Sa'd (r.a.) narrated that:
The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said:
"Two are not rejected, or rarely rejected: the supplication made at the time of the call to prayer (Adhan), and at the time of battle when people engage one another."
Musa said: Rizq bin Sa'id bin Abdurrahman narrated from Abu Hazim, from Sahl bin Sa'd, that the Prophet (s.a.w.) said:
"And when it rains." (Abu Dawud 2540)

Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Decree)

"The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months." (Al-Qadr 97/3)
Aisha (r.a.) said: "O Messenger of Allah! If I know which night is Laylat al-Qadr, what should I say during it?"
The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) replied:
"Say:
'O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, Generous; You love forgiveness, so forgive me.'" (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 3513)

While Fasting

Narrated Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said:
"Three supplications are not rejected: the supplication of the just ruler, the supplication of the fasting person until he breaks his fast, and the supplication of the oppressed. Allah raises it above the clouds on the Day of Resurrection, and the gates of heaven are opened for it. Allah says: 'By My Might, I will surely help you, even if after a while.'" (Sunan Ibn Majah 1752)

State of Being Oppressed

Narrated Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said:
"Three supplications are not rejected: the supplication of the just ruler, the supplication of the fasting person until he breaks his fast, and the supplication of the oppressed. Allah raises it above the clouds on the Day of Resurrection, and the gates of heaven are opened for it. Allah says: 'By My Might, I will surely help you, even if after a while.'" (Sunan Ibn Majah 1752)

While Traveling

Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrated:
The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said:
"Three supplications are answered without a doubt: the supplication of a parent, the supplication of a traveler, and the supplication of the oppressed." (Abu Dawud 1536)

Parents

Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrated:
The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said:
"Three supplications are answered without a doubt: the supplication of a parent, the supplication of a traveler, and the supplication of the oppressed." (Abu Dawud 1536)

A Believer's Dua for Another Believer

Narrated Abu ad-Darda (r.a.) that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said:
"Whenever a Muslim supplicates for his brother in his absence, the appointed angel says: 'Amen, and for you the same.'" (Sahih Muslim 2732)

The Order of Dua

The order to be followed when supplicating holds great importance. The Prophet (s.a.w.) stated regarding this matter:
Fadalah bin Ubayd (r.a.) narrated:
The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) heard a man supplicating in his prayer without praising Allah the Almighty nor invoking blessings upon the Prophet. Thereupon he said:
"This man has rushed."
Then he called him and said to him or to someone else:
"When one of you prays, let him start with praising and extolling his Lord, Almighty and Majestic. Then let him send blessings upon the Prophet. After that, let him supplicate for whatever he wishes." (Abu Dawud 1481)
This hadith clearly outlines the order we should follow when supplicating:
- Start the dua by praising Allah,
- Then send blessings (salawat) upon the Prophet (s.a.w.),
- And after that, proceed with your supplication.
Additionally, admitting our sins and seeking forgiveness (istighfar) before making our requests is a commendable practice. Repentance is emphasized repeatedly in the Qur'an and Sunnah.
Following that, we can ask for guidance and remaining steadfast on the straight path—the most vital request we can make from Almighty ALLAH.

During Dua

There are conditions we should observe and avoid while supplicating.

Low Voice

Almighty ALLAH (c.c.) states in the Qur'an:
"Call upon your Lord in humility and in secret. Indeed, He does not like transgressors." (Al-A'raf 7/55)
In other verses, we see that our Lord forbids raising the voice too high or lowering it too much in prayer.

Dua Using the Names of ALLAH

Almighty ALLAH (c.c.) states in the Qur'an:
"And to Allah belong the most beautiful names, so invoke Him by them." (Al-A'raf 7/180)
For instance, when seeking healing we can invoke "Ash-Shafi", when seeking guidance "Al-Hadi", and when seeking pardon "Al-Ghafur".

Authentic Supplications

Sometimes we may not know what to ask for or how to express it correctly. Therefore, asking ALLAH using the supplications of the Prophets and righteous people will help us make much better prayers. You can find some of these prayers in our article Authentic Supplications from the Qur'an and Hadith.

Decisiveness

When making dua, hesitant expressions like "insha'ALLAH" or "O Lord, if You wish" should be avoided; one should be firm and earnest in supplication:
Narrated Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said:
"None of you should say, 'O Allah, forgive me if You wish; O Allah, have mercy on me if You wish; O Allah, grant me provision if You wish.' Let him be firm and decisive in his request. For indeed, He does whatever He wills; there is no one to compel Him." (Sahih Al-Bukhari 7477)

Asking for What Is Best

However, since a person cannot know whether what they desire will be good or harmful for them, they should ask their Lord for what is best (khayr):
Jabir (r.a.) narrated:
"The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) used to teach us Istikharah (seeking guidance) in all matters, just as he taught us a Surah from the Qur'an. He would say:
'When one of you intends to undertake a matter, let him pray two rak'ahs of non-obligatory prayer, and then say:
**O Allah, I seek Your counsel through Your knowledge, and I seek power through Your power, and I ask You from Your great bounty. For You are capable and I am not, You know and I do not know, and You are the Knower of the unseen.
O Allah, if You know that this matter is good for me in my religion, my livelihood, and the outcome of my affairs — or he said: in my present and future — then decree it for me.
And if You know that this matter is bad for me in my religion, my livelihood, and the outcome of my affairs — or he said: in my present and future — then turn it away from me and turn me away from it. And decree for me what is good wherever it may be, and make me content with it.'" (Sahih Al-Bukhari 6382)

Balance

In supplication, one must ask not only for this world but also for the Hereafter. Almighty ALLAH (c.c.) shows us the best example of this in the Qur'an through this verse:
"Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire." (Al-Baqarah 2/201)

Asking for Everything, Big or Small

ALLAH (c.c.) has power over all things. He created the entire universe out of nothing. From the largest star to the smallest particle, He created everything, and He oversees it all. Nothing happens without His leave, nor does anything occur outside of His will. For this reason, we can and should ask Him for everything—big or small, material or spiritual—that comes to mind. In fact, some Companions (r.a.) would not ask anyone else even if their fallen whip needed retrieving.
"Originator of the heavens and the earth. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it, 'Be,' and it is." (Al-Baqarah 2/117)
Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrated: The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said:
"Whoever believes in Allah and His Messenger, performs prayer perfectly, and fasts Ramadan, it is a right upon Allah to admit him to Paradise, whether he fought in the cause of Allah or remained in the land where he was born."
The Companions said: "O Messenger of Allah! Shall we not give this glad tidings to the people?"
The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said:
"In Paradise there are a hundred levels which Allah has prepared for those who strive in His cause. The distance between each two levels is like the distance between the heaven and the earth. So when you ask Allah, ask Him for Firdaus. For it is the middle of Paradise and the highest part of Paradise. Above it is the Throne of the Most Gracious, and from it originate the rivers of Paradise." (Sahih Al-Bukhari 2790)
Auf bin Malik al-Ashja'i (r.a.) narrated:
"We were with the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.), nine, eight, or seven of us. The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said:
'Will you not give pledge of allegiance to the Messenger of Allah?'
Since we had recently given our pledge, we said:
'O Messenger of Allah! We have already pledged allegiance to you.'
Then he said again: 'Will you not give pledge of allegiance to the Messenger of Allah?'
We again said: 'O Messenger of Allah! We have already pledged allegiance to you.'
Then he said again: 'Will you not give pledge of allegiance to the Messenger of Allah?'
Thereupon we stretched out our hands and said:
'O Messenger of Allah! We pledge allegiance to you. Upon what shall we pledge?'
He said:
'That you worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, pray the five daily prayers, and obey.'
Then he whispered a word to us in a low voice:
'And that you ask people for nothing.'
Auf (r.a.) said:
"I saw some of those people drop a whip, and none of them would ask anyone to hand it to them." (Sahih Muslim 1043)
Narrated Anas (r.a.) that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said:
"Let one of you ask his Lord for all his needs, even asking Him for the strap of his sandal when it breaks." (Tirmidhi 3604) (Gharib but authentically meaningful)

Avoiding Forced and Rhyming Phrases

Ibn Abbas (r.a.) said:
"Preach to the people once a week. If you find that insufficient, then twice; and if you wish to do more, then three times. Do not cause the people to tire of this Qur'an.
If you see a group engaged in conversation, do not interrupt them by giving a sermon, for you will annoy them. Rather, remain quiet and listen. When they ask you to speak, speak to them when they desire it.
Avoid rhymed, forced, and artificial prose (saj') in supplications. For I found the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) and his Companions avoiding that." (Sahih Al-Bukhari 6337)

Ending with Amen

Saying "Amen" after supplication is an authentic practice.
Jabir bin Abdullah (r.a.) narrated:
"The Prophet (s.a.w.) ascended the pulpit. When he climbed the first step, he said 'Amen', on the second step he said 'Amen', and on the third step he said 'Amen'.
Thereupon the Companions asked:
'O Messenger of Allah! We heard you say Amen three times.'
The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said:
'When I climbed the first step, Jibreel came to me and said:
"May the servant who reaches Ramadan and passes through it without being forgiven be ruined!" I said "Amen".
Then he said: "May the servant who reaches his parents or one of them and does not enter Paradise through them be ruined!" I said "Amen".
Then he said: "May the servant before whom you are mentioned and he does not send blessings upon you be ruined!" I said "Amen".'" (Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 644)
In addition, there are authentic narrations regarding the imam saying "Amen" in prayer and the congregation doing so as well.

Furthermore, supplicating in Arabic is not compulsory; one may pray in any language they wish. Nor does a dua need to be long. We see that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) made very long supplications as well as very brief ones.

After Dua

After making dua, it is incumbent upon the servant to be persistent, show patience, refrain from rushing, hold good expectations of their Lord, and put their trust in Him. Almighty ALLAH will surely answer the supplication of His Muslim servant. Additionally, a person should not merely pray and sit idle; they must take action toward the realization of that supplication. Because in this world, Almighty ALLAH (c.c.) has tied outcomes to means. As seen in the Qur'an, Almighty ALLAH instructed Musa (a.s.) to strike his staff before parting the sea, and Nuh (a.s.) to build an ark before saving him from the flood, among many other examples involving Prophets. Therefore, the servant's duty is to pray, trust their Lord, and strive. Effort comes from us; the outcome belongs to ALLAH.
It should also be remembered that the response to our supplications may not always arrive in the way we expect. For instance, when a person asks for courage, Almighty ALLAH may grant them opportunities to demonstrate courage rather than granting instant boldness directly. Or to someone wishing to overcome a fear, He may present opportunities to face that fear. For as mentioned, Almighty ALLAH (c.c.) has linked outcomes to means, and this principle held true even for the Prophets. Almighty ALLAH is Most Merciful; He does not burden anyone beyond their capacity and is close to His servants.
Narrated Abu Sa'id al-Khudri (r.a.) that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said:
"There is no Muslim who makes a supplication that does not involve sin or the severing of family ties, except that Allah grants him one of three things: either He grants his request promptly, or He stores it up for him in the Hereafter, or He wards off from him an equivalent evil."
The Companions (r.a.) said: "Then we shall supplicate much!"
The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said: "Allah has even more to give." (Ahmad bin Hanbal, Al-Musnad, 11133)
"And when they have fulfilled their term, either retain them according to acceptable terms or part with them according to acceptable terms. And bring to witness two just men from among you and establish the testimony for Allah. That is advised for whoever should believe in Allah and the LAST Day. And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out. And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a decree." (At-Talaq 65/2-3)
"O my sons, go and find out about Joseph and his brother and despair not of relief from Allah. Indeed, no one despairs of relief from Allah except the disbelieving people." (Yusuf 12/87)
Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said:
"The supplication of one of you is answered as long as he does not become hasty, saying: 'I supplicated but my supplication was not answered.'" (Sahih Muslim 2735a)
"A servant's supplication continues to be answered as long as he does not pray for sin or severing ties of kinship, and as long as he is not hasty."
The Companions asked, "O Messenger of Allah, what is hastiness?"
He said:
"He says: 'I prayed and prayed, but I have not seen my prayer answered,' so he gets tired and abandons supplication." (Sahih Muslim 2735c)
Additionally, supplication should not be reserved only for times of hardship. On the contrary, during times of ease, a person should also pray to express gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon them.

Obstacles to the Acceptance of Dua

Asking for Sinful Things

"A servant's supplication continues to be answered as long as he does not pray for sin or severing ties of kinship, and as long as he is not hasty."
The Companions asked, "O Messenger of Allah, what is hastiness?"
He said:
"He says: 'I prayed and prayed, but I have not seen my prayer answered,' so he gets tired and abandons supplication." (Sahih Muslim 2735c)

Asking to Sever Family Ties

"A servant's supplication continues to be answered as long as he does not pray for sin or severing ties of kinship, and as long as he is not hasty."
The Companions asked, "O Messenger of Allah, what is hastiness?"
He said:
"He says: 'I prayed and prayed, but I have not seen my prayer answered,' so he gets tired and abandons supplication." (Sahih Muslim 2735c)

Unlawful Provision (Haram Raziq)

It was narrated from Abu Hurairah (r.a.) that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said: "Allah the Almighty is Good and accepts only that which is good. And Allah has commanded the Believers to do that which He has commanded the Messengers. The Almighty has said: 'O Messengers! Eat of the good things and perform righteous deeds.' And the Almighty has said: 'O you who believe! Eat of the lawful things that We have provided you.' Then he (s.a.w.) mentioned a man who, having traveled a far distance, is disheveled and dusty, and who stretches out his hands to the sky saying, 'O Lord! O Lord!' while his food is haram, his drink is haram, his clothing is haram, and he has been nourished with haram. How then could his supplication be answered?" (Sahih Muslim 1015)

Summary

Dua is a truly special act of worship and blessing.
For a dua to be accepted, there are practices we can perform before, during, and after.
To summarize the subject briefly:

Preparation for Dua:

• -Consume halal provisions and avoid forbidden things.
• -Do good deeds before supplicating: help people, give charity.
• -Perform ablution and pray (salah).
• -Face the Qiblah and raise your hands.

Timing of Dua:

• -You can supplicate during prayer and prostration.
• -You can supplicate in the last third of the night.
• -You can supplicate on Friday.
• -You can supplicate between the Adhan and Iqamah.
• -You can supplicate while it is raining.
• -You can supplicate during battle.
• -You can supplicate on Laylat al-Qadr.
• -You can supplicate while fasting.
• -You can supplicate when you are oppressed.
• -You can supplicate while traveling.
• -If you are a parent, you can supplicate for your child.
• -You can supplicate for another Muslim.

Order of Dua:

• -First praise and glorify ALLAH (c.c.).
• -Then send blessings upon Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.).
• -Afterward, offer your supplication.
• -Begin the supplication with repentance and seeking forgiveness.
• -Then ask for guidance.

During Dua:

• -Do not raise your voice too loud; pray in a low voice.
• -Supplicate using the beautiful Names of ALLAH.
• -Supplicate using the prayers of Prophets and the righteous.
• -Be firm and earnest in your supplication.
• -Ask for what is best.
• -Ask not only for this world but also for the Hereafter.
• -Present all your needs, big or small.
• -Avoid forced and rhyming expressions.
• -End with Amen.
• -You can supplicate in your own language.
• -You can make your supplication long or short.

After Dua:

• -Be persistent in your supplication.
• -Be patient.
• -Hold good expectations of your Lord.
• -Put your trust in ALLAH.
• -Do not rush or fall into despair.
• -Strive and put in effort.

Obstacles to Acceptance of Dua:

• -Do not ask for things forbidden by ALLAH.
• -Do not ask to sever family ties.
• -Do not consume unlawful provision.
• -Do not abandon supplication.
• -Do not doubt its acceptance.
• -Be patient.

If we have achieved accuracy, it is solely from ALLAH. If we have made mistakes, it is only from ourselves. Insha'ALLAH this has been beneficial.
Hoping it serves as a means for goodness. We look forward to your good prayers.
As-Salamu Alaykum.