Duas

Duas, the plural of du’a, are invocations or supplications directed to God in Islamic practice. The term is Arabic and refers to personal prayers for guidance, mercy, relief, forgiveness, or praise. Dua differs from ritual prayers (Salah) in that it is voluntary, spontaneous, and not fixed to a liturgical form, though Muslims may recite Qur’anic verses or established phrases as part of their supplications.

In Islam, duas can be offered in any language; many Muslims also use traditional Arabic phrases. People may make duas for themselves or for others, covering needs such as health, success, safety, or forgiveness. Duas can be whispered, spoken aloud, or recited in private, and they may be offered at home, in a mosque, or during travel.

Duas are commonly sought at particular moments: after obligatory prayers, in the last third of the night (Tahajjud), while fasting, during rainfall, or in times of hardship. Etiquette includes sincerity, humility, and patience, avoiding self-glorification and not insisting on a specific outcome. In Islamic teaching, dua is considered a form of worship and a means of drawing nearer to God. It may be granted immediately, granted later, or kept in reserve for the hereafter, or ward off harm, in accordance with divine wisdom. The practice is valued for providing comfort, hope, and resilience to the believer.