DUAS AND GOOD DEEDS DURING RAMADAN

Ramadan is a special month for Muslims around the world. It is the month when the Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through Angel Jibraeel. The believers are highly encouraged to engage in dua in Ramadan as this month holds many blessings. There are special times when the dua of a fasting person is not rejected, such as the time of breaking the fast. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:

“There are three whose supplication is not rejected: a just ruler, the fasting person when he breaks his fast, and the prayer of one who has been wronged.” [Tirmidhi 2526]

Dua for Breaking the Fast

It is reported from the Prophet (PBUH) that, at the time of Iftar, he used to say:

ذهب الظمأ وابتلت العروق وثبت الأجر إن شاء الله

“Dhahaba al-zamau wabtalat-al-urooq wa thabata-al-ajar in sha Allah

(Thirst is gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is certain if Allah wills).” [Abu Dawud]

It was also narrated from some scholars that one of the Sahaabah used to say:

“Allaahumma laka sumtu wa ‘ala rizqika aftartu”

(O Allah, for You I have fasted and by Your provision I have broken the fast).

 

However, it is considered to be a weak narration by some scholars.

Dua for Keeping the Fast

 There is no specific dua for beginning the fast, according to the majority of scholars. Rather, a sincere intention to fast is sufficient. There is a dua that the Prophet (PBUH) used to make on sighting the moon. The believers are encouraged to make this dua at the beginning of Ramadan:

اللَّهمَّ أَهلَّهُ علينَا بالأمنِ والإيمانِ والسَّلامةِ والإسلامِ ربِّي وربُّكَ اللَّهُ

“Allahumma ahillahu ‘alayna bi’l-yumni wa’l-iman wa’l-salamah wa’l-islam. Rabbiy wa rabbuka Allah”

(O Allah, make the new moon rise on us with blessing, faith, safety and Islam. My Lord and Your Lord is Allah) [Sahih al-Tirmidhi, 2745]

 

Duas for the Last 10 Days of Ramadan

The dua to be read on Laylat-al-Qadr is:

اللَّهمَّ إنَّك عفُوٌّ تُحبُّ العفوَ فاعْفُ عنِّي

“Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibb al-afwa fa’fu anni.”

O Allah, You are All-Forgiving and You love forgiveness so forgive me)’.” [Tirmidhi]

 

Duas from the Qur’an and Hadith

In the last ten days, it is beneficial to read the duas from the Qur’an and Sunnah. Any dua in which the individual strives hard, beseeching his Lord, is effective. Because of being recommended by the Prophet (PBUH) and Allah (SWT) Himself, the following duas carry a greater reward – particularly when made in the month of Ramadan.

One of Them is the Dua for Guidance:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّى أَسْأَلُكَ الْهُدَى وَالتُّقَى وَالْعَفَافَ وَالْغِنَى

‘Allahumma Inni As’aluka al-Huda Wat-Tuqa Wal-Afafa Wal-Ghina.’

(O Allah, I ask You for guidance and piety, and abstinence (from the unlawful) and modesty, and contentment and sufficiency). [Muslim]

 

The Dua Has Been Mentioned in the Qur’an to Seek Allah’s (Swt) Forgiveness by Invoking His Blessed Name:

رَّبِّ ٱغْفِرْ وَٱرْحَمْ وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ ٱلرَّٰحِمِينَ

‘Rabbi ighfir warham wa anta khayrur raahimeen.’

This means: ‘My Lord, forgive me and have mercy, and you are the best, most merciful.’ [23:118]

 

Dua for the Goodness of This World and the Hereafter:

يَقُولُ رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِنَا فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةًۭ وَفِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ حَسَنَةًۭ وَقِنَا عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ

 “Our Lord! Grant us the good of this world and the Hereafter and protect us from the torment of the Fire.” [2:201]

 

4.Dua for Family and Children:

رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَٰجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّـٰتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍۢ وَٱجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا

“Our Lord! Bless us with ˹pious˺ spouses and offspring who will be the joy of our hearts, and make us models for the righteous.” [25:74]

 

Importance of Good Deeds in Ramadan

Virtuous deeds are multiplied in the holy month of Ramadan. Allah (SWT) has placed a special night in Ramadan, which is better than a thousand months in the words of the Qur’an. [Al-Qadr 1-3] This shows us that good deeds increase in virtue a thousand times when performed in Ramadan.

According to reports from scholars like An-Nakhai, ‘fasting one day in Ramadan is better than fasting a thousand days, and saying tasbih in it is better than saying a thousand tasbihs and one rak’a in it is better than a thousand rak’as.’ [Ibn Rajab]

There are several voluntary acts of worship a believer can do this Ramadan to make the most of the blessed month, including:

Read more of the Qur’an – every letter holds more reward in Ramadan.

Pray in the Masjid – every step you take towards the place of prayer is a good deed.

Pray more sunnah and Nafl prayers, including Tarawih and Tahajjud.

Donate a wheelchair to a hospital – you will get rewards for patients who use it (Sadaqah Jariyah).

Donate to charity – Donate to Orphans in Need this Ramadan to invest in your hereafter and reap the rewards of Ramadan. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said,

“Protect yourself from hellfire even by giving a piece of date as charity.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).