Dua

What Does Dua Mean in Detail?

Dua is one of the most fundamental acts of worship in Islam, described by Nabi Muhammad (shallallahu alaihi wa sallam) as 'the weapon of the believer' and 'the essence of worship.' Unlike the formal Salah (ritual shalat), Dua is an informal, personal conversation with Allah that can be made at any time, in any language, and in any position. During Haji, Dua takes on heightened significance. The most important time for Dua is the afternoon of the Day of Arafah — Nabi said, 'The best Dua is the Dua of the Day of Arafah.' Other sunnah times include: during Tawaf (especially between the Rukn Yamani and Hajar Aswad), at the Multazam, while drinking Zamzam, at Safa and Marwa during sa'i, after stoning the small and middle Jamarat, and after all wajib shalat. Proper Dua etiquette includes: beginning with praise of Allah and salawat upon Nabi, being sincere and humble, having conviction that Allah will respond, and not hastening the response. Pilgrims are encouraged to prepare their Dua lists before Haji and to make Dua for their families, the Muslim ummah, and all of humanity.