What Are the Must-Know Supplications in Islam?
As Muslims, we believe that dua (supplication) is one of the most powerful tools we have.
It’s our direct line of communication with Allah (SWT) a way to seek help, ask for forgiveness, and express gratitude.
But with so many duas out there, you might wonder: which ones are the essentials that every Muslim should know by heart?
In this article, we’ll go over 10 beautiful and powerful duas that every Muslim should memorize and understand.
Whether you’re just starting your journey in Islam or have been practicing for years, these supplications can bring immense benefit to your daily life.
Let’s dive in!
1. What Is the Best Dua for Guidance?
Dua for Guidance and Steadfastness
Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنِي وَسَدِّدْنِي
Transliteration:
Allāhumma ihdinī wa saddidnī
Translation:
“O Allah! Guide me and make me adhere to the straight path.”
This short yet powerful dua was taught by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and is especially useful for seeking clarity in life, making decisions, and remaining firm in faith.
Why this dua matters:
We live in a world full of distractions and trials. Asking Allah for guidance daily helps you stay grounded and connected to the straight path.
2. What Dua Should You Say for Forgiveness?
Dua for Asking Allah’s Forgiveness
Arabic:
رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَتُبْ عَلَيَّ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ
Transliteration:
Rabbi ighfir lī wa tub ‘alayya, innaka anta at-Tawwābu ar-Raḥīm
Translation:
“My Lord, forgive me and accept my repentance. Indeed, You are the Accepter of repentance, the Merciful.”
When to say it:
After making mistakes, during istighfar (seeking forgiveness), or whenever you reflect on your actions.
Why it’s essential:
None of us are perfect. This dua reminds us of Allah’s mercy and encourages a humble attitude toward our own flaws.
3. What’s the Most Comprehensive Dua for This World and the Hereafter?
Dua from the Quran (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:201)
Arabic:
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Transliteration:
Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah wa fil-akhirati hasanah wa qina ‘adhaban-nar
Translation:
"Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire."
Why it’s a favorite:
This is one of the most balanced and comprehensive duas. It asks for worldly blessings, eternal rewards, and protection from Hellfire all in one sentence.
Use it often:
You can say this dua during salah, while traveling, or even casually during the day. It’s perfect for every situation.
4. What Dua Can You Make When You’re Stressed or Anxious?
Dua for Relief from Stress and Sadness
Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ
Transliteration:
Allāhumma innī a‘ūdhu bika minal-hammi wal-ḥazan
Translation:
"O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow."
Why it’s helpful:
Everyone feels stressed sometimes. This short dua is like a spiritual lifeline that helps you cope with anxiety and sadness through trust in Allah.
When to say it:
During stressful exams, life challenges, or emotional hardship whenever you need inner peace.
5. What’s a Powerful Morning Dua to Start Your Day?
Dua for Waking Up and Being Grateful
Arabic:
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي أَحْيَانَا بَعْدَ مَا أَمَاتَنَا وَإِلَيْهِ النُّشُورُ
Transliteration:
Alḥamdu lillāhi alladhī aḥyānā ba‘da mā amātanā wa ilayhin-nushūr
Translation:
“All praise is for Allah who gave us life after having taken it from us and unto Him is the resurrection.”
Why start your day with this?
It’s a reminder that life itself is a gift. This dua brings immediate gratitude and sets a mindful tone for the rest of your day.
6. What Dua Can Protect You from Harm?
Ayat Al-Kursi – The Ultimate Protection Verse
Arabic:
اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ… (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:255)
Transliteration:
Allahu la ilaha illa huwa al-Hayyul-Qayyum…
Translation (summary):
“Allah! There is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence…”
Why it’s powerful:
Reciting Ayat al-Kursi after each prayer and before bed is known to protect you from all forms of harm and evil.
Bonus tip:
Make it a habit to recite this every night before you sleep it’s a form of spiritual armor!
7. What Dua Should You Say Before Eating?
Dua for Eating
Arabic:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ
Transliteration:
Bismillah
Translation:
"In the name of Allah."
Short and sweet, but why is it important?
Saying Bismillah before eating is a simple sunnah that brings blessings (barakah) into your food.
It also acts as a reminder to be grateful and conscious.
And after eating?
Arabic:
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي أَطْعَمَنَا وَسَقَانَا وَجَعَلَنَا مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ
Translation:
“All praise is due to Allah who fed us, gave us drink, and made us Muslims.”
8. What Dua Can You Say for Parents?
Beautiful Dua for Parents (Surah Al-Isra 17:24)
Arabic:
رَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا
Transliteration:
Rabbi irḥamhumā kamā rabbayānī ṣaghīrā
Translation:
"My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small."
Why it matters:
In Islam, honoring your parents is second only to worshiping Allah.
This heartfelt dua acknowledges the sacrifices your parents made and seeks Allah’s mercy for them.
When to say it:
Anytime, especially in your daily prayers. It’s a beautiful way to constantly make dua for them whether they are alive or have passed on.
9. What Dua Should You Say Before Sleeping?
Dua for a Peaceful Sleep
Arabic:
بِاسْمِكَ اللَّهُمَّ أَمُوتُ وَأَحْيَا
Transliteration:
Bismika Allāhumma amūtu wa aḥyā
Translation:
“In Your name, O Allah, I die and I live.”
Why say this at bedtime?
It reminds you that sleep is like a minor death and that only Allah gives life.
Saying this helps you sleep with peace of mind and spiritual clarity.
Bonus bedtime protection:
Recite the three Quls (Surah Ikhlas, Surah Falaq, Surah Nas) before sleeping for extra protection.
10. What Dua Can You Say During Hardship?
Prophet Yunus’s Dua in the Belly of the Whale
Arabic:
لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ
Transliteration:
Lā ilāha illā anta subḥānaka innī kuntu minaz-zālimīn
Translation:
"There is no deity except You; glory be to You! Indeed, I have been among the wrongdoers."
Why it’s so powerful:
This dua was made by Prophet Yunus (AS) in one of the darkest moments of his life.
And yet, Allah responded to him and saved him.
When you say this dua during your own trials, you’re following in his footsteps and calling out in total surrender.
When to say it:
In moments of despair, illness, financial trouble, or emotional pain.
How Can You Make These Duas a Daily Habit?
Here are a few practical tips:
- Print or write them down: Keep them where you can see them on your fridge, mirror, or phone wallpaper.
- Set reminders: Use your phone to remind you to say a specific dua at a certain time each day.
- Understand their meaning: Knowing the translation makes your connection to the dua much deeper.
- Teach your family: Make it a family routine to say them together, especially with kids.
- Incorporate them in your prayers: Duas during sujood or after salah are powerful moments to connect with Allah.
Final Thoughts: Why Should Every Muslim Memorize These 10 Duas?
These 10 duas cover every aspect of your life from seeking guidance, protection, and forgiveness, to showing gratitude and dealing with hardship.
They’re short, powerful, and deeply meaningful.
Dua isn’t just a ritual it’s a lifeline. A connection. A spiritual breath. And the more you use it, the stronger your relationship with Allah becomes.
So whether you’re starting small with Bismillah or going deep with Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah, know that each word you utter brings you closer to the One who always listens.
Which of these duas do you already use daily? And which ones are you going to start memorizing today?
Let us know in the comments or share this article to help others build their daily dua habit too!
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