Dua

What Does Dua Mean in Detail?

Dua is one of the most fundamental acts of worship in Islam, described by نبی کریم Muhammad (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) as 'the weapon of the believer' and 'the essence of worship.' Unlike the formal Salah (ritual نماز), Dua is an informal, personal conversation with Allah that can be made at any time, in any language, and in any position. During حج, Dua takes on heightened significance. The most important time for Dua is the afternoon of the Day of عرفات — نبی کریم said, 'The best Dua is the Dua of the Day of عرفات.' Other مستحب times include: during طواف (especially between the Rukn Yamani and حجر اسود), at the Multazam, while drinking زمزم, at Safa and Marwa during سعی, after stoning the small and middle جمرات, and after all واجب نمازs. Proper Dua etiquette includes: beginning with praise of Allah and salawat upon نبی کریم, being sincere and humble, having conviction that Allah will respond, and not hastening the response. Pilgrims are encouraged to prepare their Dua lists before حج and to make Dua for their families, the Muslim ummah, and all of humanity.