Dua

What Does Dua Mean in Detail?

Dua is one of the most fundamental acts of worship in Islam, described by النبي Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) as 'the weapon of the believer' and 'the essence of worship.' Unlike the formal Salah (ritual الصلاة), Dua is an informal, personal conversation with Allah that can be made at any time, in any language, and in any position. During الحج, Dua takes on heightened أهمية. The most important time for Dua is the afternoon of the Day of عرفة — النبي said, 'The best Dua is the Dua of the Day of عرفة.' Other مستحب times include: during الطواف (especially between the Rukn Yamani and الحجر الأسود), at the Multazam, while drinking زمزم, at الصفا and المروة during السعي, after stoning the small and middle الجمرات, and after all واجب الصلوات. Proper Dua etiquette includes: beginning with praise of Allah and salawat upon النبي, being sincere and humble, having conviction that Allah will respond, and not hastening the response. Pilgrims are encouraged to prepare their Dua lists before الحج and to make Dua for their families, the Muslim ummah, and all of humanity.