Dhul Hijjah Diaries [Finale]: Your Day of Du’a

‘Arafah is a day of intense du’a and immense mercy.

It’s the pinnacle of Hajj, where hundreds of thousands of pilgrims flock to Jabal al Rahma (The Mountain of Mercy), dusty and dishevelled, seeking Allah’s forgiveness as our father Adam (A.S) did.

But the blessings of du’a on the day of ‘Arafah are not limited to those performing Hajj.

They are for the whole Ummah!

This is prime time to occupy yourself with du’a, and those who succeed on this day are those who invest the most in supplicating Allah.

Here are a few ways to raise the quality of your du’a on ‘Arafah.

Remember the stakes

Reminding yourself of the virtues of du’a and the timeliness of it can be an incredible source of motivation driving your worship on this day.

Perhaps the greatest motivation for this blessed day can be found in the narration of ‘Aisha (R.A).

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“There is no day upon which Allah frees more of His servants from the Hellfire than the day of ‘Arafah…”

[Sahih Muslim]

What greater success could there be for a Muslim than to be saved from Hell?

If you have ever fallen into doubt about yourself, felt ashamed over past sins, and believed you are too far gone, let this hadith be your sign that things can turn around!

Allah’s mercy is there, so long as you are determined to turn back to Him.

Understand how du’a is answered

The Prophet ﷺ taught us something amazing about how Allah responds to our du’a.

He ﷺ said:

“There is no Muslim who makes a du’a that doesn’t involve sin
or breaking family ties, except that Allah gives them one of three things:

• An immediate answer
• Something stored for them in the Hereafter
• The prevention of something bad”

The companions said, “Then we will make plenty of du’a!”
And the Prophet ﷺ replied, “Allah is even more plentiful in His response.”

[Musnad Imam Ahmad]

Make your own du’a list

If you know anybody going on Hajj, chances are they have a list of du’as ready for all their friends and loved ones.

But what is stopping you from making your own?

Come prepared for this blessed day by compiling a list of du’a for yourself and others.

Pour out everything you hope for in this life, and ask for even more in the hereafter.

Make note of all your loved ones, your friends and neighbors, and all those suffering in the Ummah.

Be sure to include du’a and adhkar from the sunnah.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“The best supplication is that which is made on the day of ‘Arafah. The best of it is what was said by myself and the Prophets before me: There is no God but Allah alone, without any partners, unto Him belongs the dominion and all praise, and He has power over all things.”

[Tirmidhi]

Learn the etiquettes of du’a

• Begin by praising Allah, invoking His perfect names and attributes
• Face the Qibla
• Raise your hands, ask humbly and submissively
• Be present, remove all distractions
• Send salutations upon the Prophet ﷺ
• Be certain in Allah’s answer

May Allah accept all of your supplication on this day, and include us all among those freed from the fire.