AWQAT AL-IJABAH — TIMES OF RESPONSE

Best Times to Make Dua in Islam

10 Hadith-authenticated windows when Allah’s response is closest — the theological mechanism behind each, and how to use every occasion for maximum spiritual impact.

⭐ MOST POWERFUL — Time 1

Last Third of the Night (Tahajjud Time)

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Our Lord descends to the lowest heaven during the last third of every night. He says: ‘Who is calling upon Me, that I may answer? Who is asking of Me, that I may give? Who is seeking My forgiveness, that I may forgive?'” — Bukhari 1145, Muslim 758 (Mutawatir — mass-authenticated).

The Mechanism: This is the only time in the Islamic tradition where Allah actively calls out seeking worshippers. Every other time, the worshipper calls upon Allah. At this moment, Allah calls upon them. The spiritual initiative is reversed — making it the most intimate window of divine receptivity.

How to use it: Wake 30–45 minutes before Fajr. Pray 2+ rakaat of Tahajjud, then make long, sincere personal Dua in Sujood and after Salah until Adhan.

Time 2

Between Adhan and Iqamah

“Dua between the Adhan and Iqamah is not rejected.” — Tirmidhi 212, Abu Dawud 521 (Sahih)

The Mechanism: This window is the moment of preparation — the believer has heard Allah’s call (Adhan) and is about to stand before Him. The state of anticipation and focused heart makes Dua rise powerfully. See our complete guide to Dua after Adhan.

How to use it: After responding to the Adhan and reciting the Dua after Adhan, spend the remaining minutes in personal Dua before Iqamah begins.

Time 3

During Sujood (Prostration)

“The closest a servant is to his Lord is when he is in Sujood, so increase Dua during it.” — Muslim 482 (Sahih)

The Mechanism: In Sujood, the highest part of the body (the head) is at the lowest point — physically enacting total submission. The spatial metaphor of closeness to Allah is expressed through the body’s humility. This is why the Prophet ﷺ spent long periods in Sujood making Dua.

How to use it: Extend your Sujood, especially in Tahajjud and Witr. After the obligatory Tasbeeh (Subhana Rabbiyal A’la), add personal Dua in Arabic or your own language.

Time 4

Last Hour of Friday (Before Maghrib)

“There is an hour on Friday in which a Muslim does not ask Allah for anything but He gives it to him.” — Bukhari 935, Muslim 852 (Sahih)

When exactly? Scholars have over 40 opinions. Ibn al-Qayyim in Zaad al-Ma’aad analyzed them and concluded the last hour before Maghrib on Friday is the strongest view. A second opinion: during Asr prayer itself on Friday. Safest approach: combine both — make Dua in Asr and maintain Dua until Maghrib Adhan.

How to use it: After Asr on Fridays, sit facing Qibla in a quiet place. Make sincere, specific Dua until Maghrib. This is the Sunnah of many scholars who reserved this hour for supplication.

Time 5

When It Rains

“Two duas are not rejected: Dua at the time of the Adhan, and Dua at the time of rainfall.” — Abu Dawud 2540 (Hasan)

The Mechanism: Rain is itself an act of divine mercy — Allah sending provision from the sky. The moment of rain is a moment of active divine giving. Making Dua within a moment of divine generosity leverages that open channel of mercy.

How to use it: When rain begins, pause what you are doing and make Dua immediately. Say “Allahumma sayyiban nafi’an” (O Allah, a beneficial rain — Bukhari 1032) and then your personal needs.

Time 6

At the Moment of Breaking Fast (Iftar)

“Three duas are not rejected: the dua of the fasting person at the time of breaking his fast, the just ruler, and the oppressed.” — Tirmidhi 3598 (Hasan)

The Mechanism: The fasting person has spent the day in obedience and deprivation purely for Allah. At Iftar, they transition from ‘for Allah’ (the fast) to ‘from Allah’ (the provision). Both states are ones of pure submission. See our complete guide to Dua for Iftar.

Time 7

On Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power)

Quran 97:3 — “Better than a thousand months.” Every act of worship on this night equals 83+ years. Dua made on Laylatul Qadr is the most impactful Dua of a Muslim’s life.

The Prophet ﷺ specifically taught one Dua for this night — Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni. See the complete guide to Dua on Laylatul Qadr.

Time 8

While Traveling

“Three duas are answered without doubt: the Dua of the traveler, the Dua of the oppressed, and the Dua of the parent for their child.” — Ibn Majah 3862 (Hasan)

The Mechanism: The traveler is away from home comforts, separated from their community, and in a state of genuine need and humility. This state of vulnerability is one of the spiritual conditions most conducive to sincere, accepted Dua.

Time 9

After the Five Daily Prayers

The Prophet ﷺ was asked which Dua is most answered — he replied: “The last part of the night, and after the prescribed prayers.” — Tirmidhi 3499 (Hasan Gharib)

Practical note: Immediately after Tasleem, before moving from your prayer spot, make personal Dua. This is the moment you just stood before Allah in Salah — the heart is still in a state of worship and connection.

Time 10

When Visiting or Being Ill

The Prophet ﷺ encouraged visiting the sick and asking them to make Dua — “The sick person’s Dua is not rejected.” — Ibn Majah 1441 (Hasan). This applies to your own Dua during illness, and to the Dua of those who are ill for you.

The mechanism: illness strips away worldly distraction and brings the heart into genuine humility and need — conditions under which Dua is purest.