Fasting (Sawm) is one of the five pillars of Islam, an act of worship that brings spiritual purification, self-discipline, and closeness to Allah. It is not just about abstaining from food and drink but also about engaging in sincere devotion, increasing good deeds, and making DUA for fasting to seek Allah’s mercy, guidance, and blessings during this sacred time.
Dua holds a special place in Islam, and during fasting, it becomes even more powerful. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“There are three whose supplications are not rejected: the fasting person when he breaks his fast, the just ruler, and the supplication of the oppressed.”
(Tirmidhi 2526)
This hadith highlights the significance of dua during fasting, particularly at the time of iftar (breaking the fast). Let’s explore the importance of dua, its benefits, powerful Quranic verses, and essential duas that every Muslim should recite while fasting.
The Significance of Dua in Fasting
Dua is an essential form of worship in Islam, and fasting provides an ideal time for making heartfelt supplications. Here’s why making dua while fasting is so important:
1. Dua Strengthens the Bond with Allah
When a person fasts, they refrain from worldly desires and focus on their spiritual relationship with Allah. Making dua during fasting is a way to acknowledge that all sustenance, guidance, and blessings come from Allah alone.
“And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:186)
This verse reassures believers that Allah listens to and answers sincere supplications.
2. Dua is a Source of Mercy and Forgiveness
Ramadan is known as the month of mercy and forgiveness. The Prophet (ﷺ) encouraged believers to increase their duas, especially seeking Allah’s pardon:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ العَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
“O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me.”
(Tirmidhi 3513)
Fasting allows a person to reflect on their deeds and seek forgiveness through dua.
3. The Best Time for Acceptance of Dua
Fasting is a time when duas are readily accepted. The Prophet (ﷺ) specifically mentioned that the dua of a fasting person is never rejected. The best moments to make dua include:
- Before breaking the fast (Iftar time)
- During the last third of the night (Tahajjud time)
- After reciting the Quran
- On Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Decree), which falls in the last ten nights of Ramadan
Five Quranic Verses About Fasting and Dua
The Quran emphasizes the significance of fasting and the power of dua in various verses. Below are five key verses:
1. Fasting is an Obligation for All Believers
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ
“O you who have believed, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it was prescribed upon those before you that you may become righteous.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)
This verse reminds believers that fasting is a means of attaining taqwa (piety) and self-discipline.
2. Ramadan – The Month of the Quran and Supplication
شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ ٱلْقُرْءَانُ هُدًۭى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَـٰتٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلْهُدَىٰ وَٱلْفُرْقَانِ
“The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)
Fasting in Ramadan is a time to engage in increased supplication, seeking Allah’s guidance through the Quran and dua.
3. Allah is Close and Accepts Duas
وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِى عَنِّى فَإِنِّى قَرِيبٌۭ ۖ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ ٱلدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ
“And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:186)
Allah encourages His servants to call upon Him with sincerity, especially while fasting.
4. The Night of Power – Laylatul Qadr
إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَـٰهُ فِى لَيْلَةِ ٱلْقَدْرِ
“Indeed, We sent the Quran down during the Night of Decree (Laylatul Qadr).”
(Surah Al-Qadr 97:1)
Duas made on this blessed night have immense power and can change one’s destiny.
5. The Reward for Patience in Fasting
إِنَّمَا يُوَفَّى ٱلصَّـٰبِرُونَ أَجْرَهُم بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍۢ
“Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account.”
(Surah Az-Zumar 39:10)
Fasting requires patience, and those who observe it sincerely are promised boundless rewards.
Essential Duas for Fasting
1. Dua for Beginning the Fast (Suhoor)
اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ صُمتُ وَبِكَ آمَنتُ وَعَلَيكَ تَوَكَّلتُ وَعَلَىٰ رِزْقِكَ أَفطَرتُ
“O Allah! I have fasted for You, I believe in You, I put my trust in You, and with Your sustenance, I break my fast.”
2. Dua for Breaking the Fast (Iftar)
ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ وَثَبَتَ الأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ
“The thirst is gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is confirmed, if Allah wills.”
3. Dua for Strength and Guidance
اللَّهُمَّ أَعِنِّي عَلَىٰ ذِكْرِكَ وَشُكْرِكَ وَحُسْنِ عِبَادَتِكَ
“O Allah, help me in remembering You, thanking You, and worshipping You in the best manner.”
Conclusion
Fasting is a sacred act that purifies the soul and brings one closer to Allah. Making dua while fasting is a powerful way to seek mercy, forgiveness, and divine blessings. Let us make the most of this time by sincerely supplicating to Allah, asking for guidance, strength, and success in this life and the Hereafter.May Allah accept our fasts and duas. Ameen!
