Dua for Fasting in Ramadan

Significance of Dua:

Dua is an Arabic word for sincere supplication to Allah SWT. Dua is a weapon of the believer and the essence of worship. It was narrated that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said:

“Dua is worship.” [Adab al-Mufrad 714]

In the words of the Quran:

“And your Lord says, ‘Call upon Me; I will respond to you.’ Indeed, those who disdain My worship will enter Hell [rendered] contemptible.” [Ghaafir 40:60]

Dua and the month of Ramadan go hand in hand. It is a significant act of devotion to call on your Lord and have a profound spiritual connection with Him during the holy month. Besides being a good deed in itself, dua helps with the general focus on engaging in virtuous acts, self-purification and important daily tasks of the fasting day. Generally, the believers turn to honest and moving supplications during times of difficulty, pain and sadness. The belief in Allah SWT as the Source of all Comfort and the Reliever of hardship drives them to call on Him with strong faith and confidence.

Duas for Fasting in Ramadan:

Dua of a fasting person is not rejected, particularly around the time of breaking his fast. The following Hadith clarifies how the dua of a fasting person is answered by Allah SWT. The Messenger of Allah SAW said:

“There are three whose supplication is not rejected: a just ruler, the fasting person when he breaks his fast, and the prayer of one who has been wronged is lifted up above the clouds, the gates of heaven are opened for it and the Lord, may He be glorified and exalted, says: ‘By My might, I shall surely grant you, support you [against the wrongdoer], even after some time.’”

[Tirmidhi (2526): Classed Saheeh by Albaani in Saheeh at-Tirmidhi]

In the light of the above narration, the believers try to ensure they engage in dua during the holy month. There are certain duas related to the Prophet SAW or the companions. It is recommended that the fasting person memorises these supplications to make the most of the times when dua is accepted. Dua can also be done in one’s own words or language. It is important to open your heart to Allah SWT and pray with attention and belief.

There are certain duas Muslims around the world recite at various times during the fasting month.

Dua for Sighting the New Moon:

According to a report by Talhah ibn Ubayd-Allah, when the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) saw the new moon, he would say the following words:

“Allahumma ahillahu ‘alayna bi’l-yumni wa’l-iman wa’l-salamah wa’l-islam. Rabbiy wa rabbuka Allah

(O Allah, make the new moon rise on us with blessing, faith, safety and Islam. My Lord and Your Lord is Allah).” [Classed as sahih by al-Albani in Sahih al-Tirmidhi, 2745]

اللَّهمَّ أَهلَّهُ علينَا بالأمنِ والإيمانِ والسَّلامةِ والإسلامِ ربِّي وربُّكَ اللَّهُ

Dua for Breaking the Fast - Dua to Open Fast:

There is a dua that was soundly narrated from the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). After making the fast, he would say:

“Dhahaba al-zamau wabtalat-al-urooq wa thabata-al-ajar in sha Allah

(Thirst is gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is certain if Allah wills).” [Abu Dawud]

ذهب الظمأ وابتلت العروق وثبت الأجر إن شاء الله

This dua must be said only after breaking the fast.

It was also narrated from some scholars that one of the Sahaabah used to say:

“Allaahumma laka sumtu wa ‘ala rizqika aftartu (O Allah, for You I have fasted and by Your provision I have broken the fast).” However, it is considered to be a weak narration by some scholars.

We need to call upon Allah SWT offering the appropriate supplication or suitable personal wording.

Dua for the Host:

As Ramadan is a time of sharing and coming together of families, many will be doing Iftar in the company of other people. When invited by someone else to break the fast, it is highly recommended for the guest to pray for increased provision, forgiveness and mercy for the host. According to accepted narrations, the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) mentioned the good things of both this world and the Hereafter when making dua for his host.

A narration from Anas R.A. mentioned that the Prophet SAW came to Saad ibn Ubaadah who had brought some bread and olive oil, from which he ate, then the Prophet SAW said the following in a dua for Saad ibn Ubaadah:

“May fasting people break their fast with you, may the righteous eat your food, and may the angels send blessings upon you.” Abu Dawood (3854)

أفطر عندكم الصائمون ، وأكل طعامكم الأبرار ، وصلت عليكم الملائكة

Dua for Layla-tul-Qadr:

Layla-tul-Qadr is a night of great virtue. According to the Quran, it is better than a thousand months. Good deeds are rewarded a thousand times more than those done at normal times. It is a night when the angels descend, the Mercy and blessings of Allah are sent down and important matters are decreed.

Allah SWT says in the Quran:

“Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments” [al-Dukhaan 44:4] (Interpretation of the meaning)

To make the most of this blessed night, it is encouraged to memorise one of the best duas to be recited on this night. This is the dua Prophet SAW taught Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her). According to the narration, Aisha asked Prophet SAW:

“O Messenger of Allah, if I know which night is Laylat al-Qadr, what should I say?” He said: ‘Say: Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibb al-afwa fa’fu anni (O Allah, You are All-Forgiving and You love forgiveness so forgive me)’.” [Tirmidhi]

اللَّهمَّ إنَّك عفُوٌّ تُحبُّ العفوَ فاعْفُ عنِّي