What is the proper etiquette for making Islamic supplications and prayers?

In Islam, making dua (supplications) and salah (ritual prayers) are fundamental acts of worship that connect believers to Allah. When making these sincere invocations and prayers, having proper etiquette shows respect and enhances their spiritual benefits. The Quran and Sunnah provide guidance on Islamic Supplications etiquette to deepen faith and devotion.



Purifying Oneself Before Supplications and Prayers


An essential first step is to purify oneself physically and spiritually before communicating with the Divine. Ablution (wudu) to cleanse limbs and repentance (istighfar) to cleanse sins prepare worshippers inwardly and outwardly. The Prophet (SAW) said: “Verily, when the servant performs wudu and completes it well, his sins come out from his body, even from under his nails.” (Muslim)

Being free of impurities brings presence of heart during supplication and prayer. The mind is less distracted from focusing wholly on Allah.


Facing the Qibla


Muslims face the Holy Kaaba in Makkah during formal prayers and when possible while making other supplications. This unifies the direction of worship towards that most sacred House of Allah. The Prophet (SAW) advised: “Whenever you pray, face towards the Qibla and whenever you sacrifice an animal, let it face towards the Qibla.” (Muslim)


Physically orienting towards the qibla keeps priorities aligned with the Divine even when calling upon Allah informally outside ritual prayer.


Raising Hands and Palms


Lifting hands palms-up while beseeching Allah in dua embodies the posture of a humble servant appealing before the Master. Numerous hadith affirm the Prophet (SAW) making dua in this manner.


Anas ibn Malik reported: “The Prophet (SAW) lifted his hands until I saw they were whiter than milk.” (Tirmidhi)


Raising hands reminds supplicants of their weakness and neediness before Allah when requesting His aid.


Invoking Blessings Upon the Prophet (SAW)


It is considered essential when making dua or concluding salah to invoke Allah’s mercy and blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The Quran instructs: “Indeed, Allah confers blessings upon the Prophet, and His angels seek forgiveness for him. O you who have believed! Ask blessing upon him and greet him with a greeting.” (33:56)


Sending prayers upon the Prophet (SAW) affirms his role in interceding for the ummah and helps have supplications answered.


Maintaining Presence of Heart and Humility


When making dua or performing salah, believers should strive to keep their minds attentive, engaged and present with the words being recited. Rushing mindlessly through supplications shows lack of reverence.


Allah instructs: “Call upon your Lord in humility and privately...” (7:55)


Full concentration, sincerity and humility before Allah lends power and acceptance to invocations.


Persisting Patiently in Supplication


Islam encourages polite perseverance in dua, continuing to call upon Allah until He responds in His perfect wisdom.


The Prophet (SAW) said: “Know that the greatest type of jihad is to say a word of truth to an unjust ruler.” (Abu Dawud)


Persisting in dua demonstrates reliance on Allah and conviction that He hears and accepts prayers in due time.


Following Prescribed Timings and Sunnah Acts


Certain times, places and acts related to the Prophet (SAW) are considered opportune for acceptance of dua and salah. These include:


  • During the last third of the night
  • In sujood (prostration)
  • Between adhan and iqamah
  • While fasting
  • In the month of Ramadan
  • At Arafah during Hajj
  • At rain times
  • In general assemblies of dhikr (remembrance of Allah)


Choosing a Clean, Quiet Space


When possible, it is recommended to make dua and salah in a clean, quiet area conducive to spiritual focus. Mosques are ideal, but any purified space works. The Prophet (SAW) would retreat to mountaintops and other remote spots for intensive worship.


Secluding oneself from distractions helps achieve deeper connection and devotion.


Begin and Conclude with Specific Prayers


Customary opening and closing prayers prescribed by the Prophet (SAW) sanctify supplication and prayer sessions. Common ones are:


Opening


  • A’udhu billahi min ash-shaitanir-rajeem (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan)
  • Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Raheem (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful)
  • Recite Fatiha


Closing


  • Astaghfirullah (I seek forgiveness from Allah)
  • Recite durud sharif upon the Prophet (SAW)
  • Recite ayat al-Kursi and other protection verses


These prophetic methods shield worship from Satanic influence.


Conclusion


When calling upon the Divine, having proper etiquette allows believers to maximize spiritual benefits. From ablution to concentration to perseverance, Prophetic guidance shows the way to invoke Allah with presence, reverence and hope. By honoring sacred manners, Muslims uphold the sanctity of worship and come nearer to Allah through their supplications.

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