Etiquettes of Dua
A common mistake made by many is that when they supplicate they say "Insha Allah" after it. One should you should say "Aameen" instead. See the following narration which the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) narrated:
Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that Allah’s Messenger (Peace Be Upon Him) said: “When one of you is to supplicate he should do so with full confidence and should not say. “O’ Allah, grant me if Thou will” for there is no power which can force Allah.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
Ø Sincerity is the most important ingredient, so do it with humility and sincerity.
Ø Face qiblah if possible, though it is not obligatory.
Ø Begin by praising Allah.
Ø Then ask for blessings on the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him).
Ø Then supplicate.
Ø Implore Allah by His names and attributes which are mentioned in the Qur'an and sunnah (e.g.: “O Most Merciful, have mercy on me”; “O Most Forgiving, forgive me for my sins”; O Allah, I ask You O Allah, as You are The One, The Only, As-Samad (The Self-Sufficient Master, Possessor of perfect attributes whom all of creation turn to in all their needs)”.
Ø Plead to Allah and be persistent in the request.
Ø Ask with confidence and do not say: “If Allah wills”.
Ø Ask for the best (if you ask for Jannah, ask for Janatul-Firdhous).
Ø Finish by saying "Aameen"
Choose the best times (and places) when response is most likely. Below are some of the best times to make supplication:
ü The last third of the night.
ü The time between the Adhaan and the Iqaama.
ü At the time of breaking fast.
ü While travelling (musafir).
ü During salah:
o In the last tashahud, before tasleem.
o While in sujood.
ü On a Friday (special time, hour before Maghrib).
ü During tawaaf.
ü During sa’ee.
ü Day of Arafat.
ü After Salatul-Fajr in Muzdalifah.
ü After throwing (ramy) at the small and middle jamr’at in Mina.
The above list is definitely not conclusive, but you can see that there are many places where you have a ‘better chance’ of your dua being accepted. Utilise it!
