Ramadan is a special month that holds a unique place in the hearts of Muslims around the world. It’s a time when we reset our intentions and focus on spiritually improving ourselves through prayer, fasting, and reflection.
During the holy days of Ramadan, we make an effort to abstain from eating, drinking, and negative habits such as backbiting or harboring evil thoughts. This self-control allows us to build a deeper connection with Allah and seek His mercy.
The Prophet (SAW) taught that Dua is the essence of worship and the most powerful weapon of a believer—especially when recited during sacred nights like Laylatul Qadr.
As we approach this month, emotions can range from anxiety over meeting goals to the bliss of spiritual fulfillment. Muslims around the globe demonstrate their faith by striving to be forgiven for past sins and committing to positive changes.
It’s essential to understand the best times to make Duas—such as before sunset or when breaking the fast. Each supplication, if recited sincerely, can bring victory and protection from life’s challenges. By setting meaningful goals and remaining consistent, we can seek Allah’s blessings and come out of Ramadan feeling spiritually renewed.
Dua at the approach of Ramadan
Hadhrat Ubaadah bin Saamit narrates that the Prophet (SAW) would teach the Sahaabah this Dua at the approach of the Month of Ramadan:
اَللَّهُمَّ سَلِّمْنِيْ لِرَمَضَانَ وَ سَلِّمْ رَمَضَانَ لِيْ وَ سَلِّمْهُ لِيْ مُتَقَبَّلًا
(Allahumma Sallimni li Ramadan, Wa Sallim Ramadana li, Wasallamhu li Mutaqabbala).
This means, “O Allah, Safeguard me for Ramadan (keep me healthy and fit so I can take full benefit from it), and Safeguard Ramadan for me (make the conditions such that I can maximize my worship), and accept it from me.” This beautiful prayer reminds us of the importance of seeking blessings and making the maximum effort during this sacred time.
Dua when you see the Crescent Moon
The Prophet (ﷺ) would often recite a dua when he saw the new moon at the start of Ramadan. This practice carries deep significance as it marks the beginning of a holy month filled with faith, peace, and guidance. One such dua is:
اللَّهُمَّ أَهِلَّهُ علَيْنَا بِالأَمْنِ والإِيمَانِ، وَالسَّلامَةِ والإِسْلامِ، رَبِّي ورَبُّكَ اللَّه، هِلالُ رُشْدٍ وخَيْرٍ
Or in transliteration: Allahumma ahillahu ‘alaina bil-amni wal-iman, was-salamati wal-Islam, Rabbi wa Rabbuk-Allah, Hilalu rushdin wa khairin.
This dua asks Allah for safety, security, and a strong Iman. It’s a way to reflect on the blessings of the month and prepare for the spiritual journey. It is also traditionally said when the moon of Shawwal is sighted, marking the end of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid Al-Fitr.
By making this dua, we demonstrate our commitment to embrace the month with humility and hope for goodness ahead.
Dua for Fasting
One of the most important aspects of fasting during Ramadan is starting with a sincere intention. Before Suhoor or Sehri, it’s recommended to recite this dua to affirm your commitment to the day’s fast:
وَبِصَوْمِ غَدٍ نَّوَيْتُ مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ
“Wa bisawmi ghadin nawaitu min shahri Ramadan“
This means, “I intend to keep the fast for tomorrow in the month of Ramadan.” This simple yet powerful statement helps renew our intentions and aligns our hearts for the good deeds of the day. It is also narrated in Sunan Abi Dawud for its spiritual significance.
Dua when someone angers you while Fasting
During fasting, it’s common to feel irritated or upset, but the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us how to respond calmly. When someone tries to anger you, you should simply say,
إِنِّي صَائِمٌ، إِنِّي صَائِمٌ
“Innee saa’im, innee saa’im” (meaning “I’m fasting, I’m fasting”). By repeating this dua, you remind yourself and others of the importance of patience and self-control while fasting. This practice helps you stay focused on the spiritual goals of fasting and avoid negative reactions.
Dua for Breaking Fast
During Ramadan, it is essential to recite the dua taught by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) when breaking your fast. This dua is narrated in Jami’ at-Tirmidhi and reflects gratitude for the blessings of sustenance and trust in Allah:
اللَّهُمَّ اِنِّىْ لَكَ صُمْتُ وَبِكَ امنْتُ [وَعَلَيْكَ تَوَكَّلْتُ] وَعَلَى رِزْقِكَ اَفْطَرْتُ
Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa bika amantu wa ‘alaika tawakkaltu wa ‘ala rizq-ika aftartu
Translation: “Oh Allah, I fasted for You, and I believe in You, and I put my trust in You, and I break my fast with Your sustenance.”
At Iftar, when the Maghrib prayer approaches, this short but powerful dua reminds us to be grateful for the food and drink provided by Allah. By saying this, we express our best interests to break our fast with complete faith, thanking Allah from the depths of our hearts for the blessings of the month.
Dua for Laylatul Qadr (to read during the last ten days of Ramadan)
Laylatul Qadr is the most sacred night of Ramadan, often believed to fall on the 27th night. However, the Prophet (ﷺ) encouraged us to focus on all of the last 10 nights, as it could be on any of them. When Aisha (RA) asked what to say during this night, the Messenger of Allah taught this Dua:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ كَرِيمٌ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
“Allahumma innaka Afuwwun Kareemun tuhibbul afwa fa fu `annee.”
Translation: “O Allah, You are forgiving and love to pardon, so forgive me.”
This Hadith, found in Tirmidhi, reminds us that Allah tests His servants with hardship to see who turns to Him in prayer. During these nights, make heartfelt supplications, ask for help, and pour out all feelings, whether in Arabic or English. It’s a chance to reconnect with the love and mercy of Allah and be among those who are forgiven.
Dua for Seeking Forgiveness
During the Night of Power, Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) what dua to recite. He reported that the best prayer is:
اللَّهُمَّ اَنْتَ عَفُوٌّ، تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
Translation: Allahumma innaka ‘affuwwun, tuhibbul-‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni.
Translation: “O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me.” This prayer reminds us that we are Allah’s servants, and we should not be arrogant enough to think we can solve all life’s problems alone. Instead, we must turn to Allah for help and rely on His mercy.
Dua for the one who invites you for iftar
One of the greatest rewards is in feeding a person who fasts. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم taught a beautiful dua for those who are invited to Iftar. When Sa’ad, may Allah be pleased with him, hosted the Prophet for a meal, this sincere prayer was made.
أفْطَرَ عِنْدَكُمُ الصَّائِمُونَ وَأكَلَ طَعَامَكُمُ الأَبرَارُ وَصَلَّتْ عَلَيْكُمُ المَلاَئِكَةُ
Aftara ‘indakum as-sa’imun wa-akala ta‘amakum al-abrar wa-sallat ‘alaykum al-mala’ika
It means: “May those who have fasted break their fast with you, may the pious eat your food, and may the angels pray for you.” This dua, found in Sunan Ibn Majah, reminds us to show gratitude and ask Allah to bless those who offer their companionship and generosity during Ramadan.
Dua for Loved Ones Who Have Passed Away
Many of us remember our loved ones during Ramadan, especially those who have passed. Islam encourages us to make dua for them, asking Allah for mercy and blessings. You can recite the following Arabic supplication for the deceased:
اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُ الَّلهُمَّ ثَبِّتْهُ
Translation: “O Allah, forgive him. O Allah, strengthen him.”
Another sincere dua for those who have passed:
اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُمْ وَارْحَمْهُمْ وَعَافِهِمْ وَاعْفُ عَنْهُمْ وَأَكْرِمْ نُزُلَهُمْ وَوَسِّعْ مُدْخَلَهُمْ وَاغْسِلْهُمْ بِالْمَاءِ وَالثَّلْجِ وَالْبَرَدِ وَنَقِّهِمْ مِنَ الْخَطَايَا كَمَا يُنَقَّى الثَّوْبُ الأَبْيَضُ مِنَ الدَّنَسِ
Translation: “O Allah, forgive them and have mercy on them. Be generous to them, widen their entrance, and cleanse them of their transgressions as a white cloth is cleansed of stains.”
This dua reminds us that seeking pardon and mercy from Allah is one of the most meaningful ways to honor those who are no longer with us.
Fahad Ali is a youth mentor and social activist committed to empowering the next generation of Muslims. By addressing contemporary issues through an Islamic perspective, He guides young minds in navigating faith, identity, and personal growth in today’s world.