Dua is one of the most powerful acts of worship in Islam. It’s not just a request – it’s a conversation with Allah. It’s where we express our needs, hopes, and gratitude, and remind ourselves that every good thing comes only from Him.
Learning how to make dua properly helps us connect more deeply with Allah – and teaching our children this habit from a young age nurtures faith, confidence, and reliance on Him.
1. What Does Dua Really Mean?
The word dua means “to call upon.” In Islam, it’s more than asking for help – it’s a form of worship. Allah loves when His servants call upon Him.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“Call upon Me; I will respond to you.”
(Surah Ghafir, 40:60)
When you make dua, you’re turning your heart towards Allah — whether it’s for something big or small.
2. How to Make Dua Step by Step
Here’s a simple guide to making dua in a way that aligns with the Sunnah:
Step 1: Raise your hands.
The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: “Your Lord, may He be blessed and exalted, is Kind and Most Generous, and He is too kind to let His slave, if he raises his hands to Him, bring them back empty.”
Step 2: Begin with praise.
Start by praising Allah and mentioning His beautiful names. You could for example open with Surah Al Fatihah or by saying: Subhaanal-laahi wa bihamdihi, Subhaanal-laahil-‘Adheem.
Step 3: Send blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ.
Say “Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad” or say any durood you know like Durood Ibrahim.
Step 4: Ask sincerely.
Speak from the heart. Be specific and humble. Ask for what you need in this life and the next.
Step 5: Have faith and patience.
Trust that Allah always responds – sometimes immediately, sometimes later, and sometimes in a better way than we expect.
Step 5: End with “Ameen.”
Seal your dua with humility and gratitude.
Tip: You can make dua anytime – not just after salah. Walking, cooking, driving – Allah listens everywhere.
3. Common Mistakes to Avoid in Dua
Even with good intentions, we can fall into habits that weaken our duas. Here are a few to watch for:
👎 Only making dua during hardship.
Dua isn’t only for when things go wrong – it’s also a way to thank Allah during ease.
👎 Lack of focus or sincerity.
Try to be mindful when you make dua – pause, reflect, and speak from the heart.
👎 Giving up too quickly.
Sometimes we expect instant answers. But Allah’s timing is always perfect. He may delay or redirect your request for a reason full of mercy.
👎 Forgetting others in our duas.
Include friends, family, and the ummah – it softens the heart and multiplies the reward.
4. How to Teach Kids to Make Dua
Helping children learn how to make dua gives them a beautiful tool for life.
Model it: Let them see you make dua during everyday moments — before leaving the house, when worried, or after something good happens.
Keep it simple: Encourage small, heartfelt duas: “Ya Allah, help me be kind,” or “Ya Allah, make my parents happy.”
Use visuals: Create a Dua Jar — write or draw one dua each day and place it inside. Revisit it later to see how Allah has answered in His own perfect way.
Make it consistent: Tie dua to routines — before sleeping, eating, or starting school. Over time, it becomes second nature.
✨ You can download our printable Dua Jar template to make this activity even easier for kids to follow and enjoy. This template is part of the unit 4 curriculum in the Primary ilm unlimited membership.
Find out more about the unlimited membership here.
5. Beautiful Duas to Teach Your Children
Here are a few simple and authentic duas to start with:
🤲 “Rabbishrah li sadri…” (Surah Taha 20:25) – O my Lord, open my chest (grant me confidence).
🤲 “Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah…” (Surah Baqarah 2:201) – Our Lord, grant us good in this world and the Hereafter.
🤲 “Allahumma inni as’aluka al-jannah.” – O Allah, I ask You for Jannah.
Small, meaningful duas like these help children feel close to Allah while learning important supplications from the Qur’an and Sunnah.
Learning how to make dua reminds us that Allah is always near – listening and responding (although it might not be in the way we think or expect Him to respond.
And teaching our children this beautiful act helps them grow up knowing that they can always turn to Him – for guidance, comfort, and gratitude.
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