Duas for Marriage and a Righteous Spouse
Quranic supplications for those seeking a righteous spouse and a blessed marriage.
Marriage is a Sunnah and a source of tranquillity. This guide gives the authentic supplications related to marriage: for finding a spouse, for the newlyweds, and for a righteous family, along with the Prophetic advice on choosing a spouse.
Quick answer
The Quranic dua for a righteous family is "Rabbana hab lana min azwajina wa dhurriyyatina qurrata a'yunin waj'alna lilmuttaqina imama" (Quran 25:74). For newlyweds, the Prophet ﷺ taught "Barakallahu laka wa baraka 'alayka wa jama'a baynakuma fi khayr."
What the Quran says about marriage
- "And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquillity in them, and He placed between you affection and mercy" (Quran 30:21).
- "Our Lord, grant us from among our spouses and offspring comfort to our eyes and make us a leader for the righteous" (Quran 25:74). See dua 102.
Duas
For a newlywed couple
"Barakallahu laka wa baraka 'alayka wa jama'a baynakuma fi khayr" ("May Allah bless you, and bless [your marriage] for you, and bring you together in goodness"). Recorded in Sunan Abi Dawud and Jami' at-Tirmidhi, and graded sahih by al-Albani.
For the groom on the wedding night
The Prophet ﷺ taught that when you marry, place your hand on your spouse's forehead and say: "Allahumma inni as'aluka khayraha wa khayra ma jabaltaha 'alayh, wa a'udhu bika min sharriha wa sharri ma jabaltaha 'alayh" ("O Allah, I ask You for her goodness and the goodness of the nature You have given her, and I seek refuge in You from her evil and the evil of the nature You have given her"). Recorded in Sunan Abi Dawud and graded hasan by al-Albani. See dua 101.
Before intimacy
"Bismillah. Allahumma jannibnash-shaytana wa jannibish-shaytana ma razaqtana," recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. See dua 104.
For righteous children
"Rabbi hab li min as-salihin" (Quran 37:100). See dua 85.
Choosing a spouse
- Religion and character first. The Prophet ﷺ said that a woman is married for four things: her wealth, her lineage, her beauty and her religion, so choose the religious one (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).
- For the guardian. "If someone whose religion and character you are pleased with proposes to you, marry him. If you do not, there will be trials in the land and widespread corruption" (Jami' at-Tirmidhi, graded hasan by al-Albani).
- Consent matters. A woman's consent is required in marriage (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).
- Seek guidance. Pray istikhara when deciding, and consult trusted family. See the istikhara duas.
The essentials of a valid nikah
- Consent of both parties, an offer and acceptance.
- A guardian (wali) in most schools, with the Hanafi school having a different view for an adult woman.
- Witnesses.
- Mahr (dowry), which belongs to the bride. Use our mahr calculator for guidance.
- Announce the marriage and hold a walima according to your means.
Conditions and details differ between schools and local law, so speak to a qualified scholar or imam.
Culture versus religion
Many wedding customs in Pakistan, such as large expenditure, dowry demands from the bride's family and mixed rituals, come from culture, not from Islam. The Prophet ﷺ is reported to have said that the most blessed marriage is the one with the least burden (Musnad Ahmad, with a chain that some scholars grade acceptable). Keep the nikah simple, and do not impose a financial burden on the family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the dua for marriage?
"Barakallahu laka wa baraka 'alayka wa jama'a baynakuma fi khayr," said to the couple. The dua for a righteous family is in Quran 25:74.
Is istikhara required before marriage?
No, but it is recommended when making a major decision. It is combined with consultation.
What is the minimum requirement for a valid marriage?
Consent, offer and acceptance, witnesses and a mahr, with a guardian according to most schools.
Can I recite a dua to find a spouse quickly?
Make sincere dua, and make the effort. We have not found an authentic report promising a spouse through a specific recitation.
Is dowry (jahez) a Sunnah?
No. Demanding dowry from the bride's family is a cultural practice. The Islamic obligation is the mahr, given by the groom to the bride.