The Best Times When Duas Are Accepted
The special times, days and states in which supplications are most likely accepted.
Dua is worship, and the Sunnah mentions times and states in which it is more likely to be answered. This guide lists them with their sources and grading, and the conditions that matter more than the timing.
Quick answer
The best-attested times and states are: the last third of the night, while prostrating, between the adhan and the iqamah, the hour of Friday, the Day of Arafah, and while travelling or being wronged. Conditions such as halal earnings, sincerity and not hurrying are just as important as the time.
The times
1. The last third of the night
The Prophet ﷺ said that our Lord descends each night to the lowest heaven when the last third remains and says, "Who calls upon Me that I may answer him? Who asks of Me that I may give him? Who seeks My forgiveness that I may forgive him?" (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim). See our Tahajjud guide.
2. In sujud (prostration)
"The closest a servant is to his Lord is when he is prostrating, so make much dua in it" (Sahih Muslim).
3. Between the adhan and iqamah
The Prophet ﷺ said the dua between the adhan and the iqamah is not rejected (Sunan Abi Dawud and Jami' at-Tirmidhi, graded sahih by al-Albani).
4. The hour of Friday
There is an hour on Friday in which a Muslim asking Allah for good will be given it (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim). Scholars differ on when it is, with views including between the imam sitting and the end of the prayer, or the last hour after Asr. See our Friday sunnahs.
5. The Day of Arafah
"The best dua is the dua on the Day of Arafah" (Jami' at-Tirmidhi, graded hasan by al-Albani). Those not on Hajj also benefit from the day, which is the 9th of Dhul Hijjah.
6. After the prayer and before the salam
The Prophet ﷺ taught reciting the tashahhud, then salawat, then choosing a dua before the salam (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).
7. The dua of the traveller, the oppressed and the parent
The Prophet ﷺ said these duas are answered without doubt (Jami' at-Tirmidhi and Sunan Abi Dawud, graded hasan). See our travel dua article.
8. When fasting
The dua of the fasting person is mentioned in reports about breaking the fast (Sunan Ibn Majah and Jami' at-Tirmidhi). Scholars grade these reports differently, so treat the time as one of hope rather than a promise.
What matters even more than the time
- Halal earnings. See the hadith of the man whose food, drink and clothing were unlawful (Sahih Muslim).
- Sincerity and presence of heart (Jami' at-Tirmidhi, graded hasan by al-Albani).
- Praising Allah and sending salawat before asking (Sunan Abi Dawud and Jami' at-Tirmidhi).
- Certainty and persistence. Ask with firm hope and do not say "I made dua but was not answered" (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).
- Avoiding sin and severing ties in what you ask.
- Repentance. Begin with istighfar. See our istighfar guide.
How dua is answered
A Muslim's dua results in one of three: Allah grants it, stores it for the Hereafter, or removes an equivalent harm (Musnad Ahmad, graded hasan by al-Albani). So no sincere dua is wasted.
Practical habits
- Keep a short list of your needs and make dua after each prayer.
- Add dua to your sujud, using the Prophetic wording and your own words.
- Wake for the last third even occasionally.
- Keep a record of answered duas, and thank Allah.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to make dua?
The last third of the night and the time of sujud are two of the best-attested.
Is the dua after the obligatory prayer accepted?
A report states that the dua after the obligatory prayers is heard, but it is graded weak by a number of scholars. The reports about making dua at the end of the prayer, before the salam, are firmer.
Can I make dua in my own language?
Yes. Dua can be in any language, though the Prophetic wording is encouraged.
Why is my dua not being answered?
It may be delayed, replaced with something better, or stored for the Hereafter. Check conditions such as halal earnings, and keep asking.
Do I need to raise my hands?
It is a recognised etiquette of dua, supported by several reports, though not required.