The Best-Known Duas of the Ahl al-Bayt (a)
Discover a collection of the best-known duas from the Ahl al-Bayt (a), each with its own significance and occasion for recitation. These duas, presented in Arabic with English translation, offer spiritual guidance and connection to the divine. Whether you are seeking protection, intercession, or a deeper understanding of your faith, these famous duas provide a meaningful way to engage with Islamic teachings.
Dua al-Sabah
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
In the Name of Allah, the All-beneficent, the All-merciful.
Attributed to Imam Ali (a), Dua al-Sabah is recited in the morning. It's recorded in Mafatih al-Jinan and serves as a spiritual start to the day.
Dua al-Sabah, with its recitation
Dua al-Ahd
اَللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ ٱلنُّورِ ٱلْعَظِيمِ
O Allah the Lord of the Great Light,
Dua al-Ahd is a morning dua, a covenant with Imam al-Mahdi (a). Reciting it for forty mornings aligns one with the Imam's helpers.
Dua Kumayl
اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْألُكَ بِرَحْمَتِكَ الَّتِي وَسِعَتْ كُلَّ شَيٍْء
O Allah, I ask You by Your mercy, which embraces all things;
Advised by Imam Ali (a) to be recited on Thursday nights or during Rajab, Dua Kumayl offers protection from enemies and plots.
Dua Kumayl, with its recitation
Dua Nudba
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَالَمِينَ
All praise be to Allah the Lord of the worlds.
Recited on Fridays, Dua Nudba calls out to Imam al-Mahdi (a). Known as the “supplication of lamentation,” it is also recited on Eid days.
Dua Simaat
ِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
In the Name of Allah, the All-beneficent, the All-merciful.
Dua Simaat is recited on Fridays, particularly before sunset. Taught to Prophet Musa, it is a prayer for overcoming enemies.
Dua Simaat, with its recitation
Dua Tawassul
اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ وَأَتَوَجَّهُ إِلَيْكَ
O Allah, I beseech You and turn my face toward You
Recited on Tuesday nights, Dua Tawassul seeks intercession through the Fourteen Infallibles, as noted in Mafatih al-Jinan and Bihar al-Anwar.
Dua Tawassul, with its recitation
Dua Iftitah
اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَفْتَتِحُ ٱلثَّنَاءَ بِحَمْدِكَ
O Allah, I begin the glorification of You with praising You
Taught by Imam al-Mahdi (a), Dua Iftitah is recited every night during Ramadan. It reflects on human wretchedness and Allah's grace.
Dua Abu Hamza Thumali
إِلٰهِي لاَ تُؤَدِّبْنِي بِعُقُوبَتِكَ
O Allah, do not discipline me by means of Your punishment
Narrated from Imam al-Sajjad (a), this dua is recited during Ramadan, especially before dawn, and holds high status among scholars.
Dua Jawshan Kabeer
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْألُكَ بِاسْمِكَ يَا اللَّهُ
O Allah, indeed, I beseech You in Your name: O Allah,
Recited during Ramadan, Dua Jawshan Kabeer was taught to the Prophet (s) by Angel Jibra’il during a battle, offering divine protection.
Dua Jawshan Kabeer, with its recitation
Dua Arafah of Imam Husayn (a)
اَلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِي لَيْسَ لِقَضَائِهِ دَافِعٌ
Praise be to Allah Whose determination cannot be repelled by anything,
Recited on 9 Dhul Hijjah, Dua Arafah is associated with Imam Husayn (a) and is a profound prayer for the day of Arafah.
Dua Arafah of Imam Husayn (a), with its recitation
Questions
What is the best dua to recite on Thursday night?
Dua Kumayl is recommended for Thursday nights and during the month of Rajab for protection from enemies and plots.
Which dua is recited during Ramadan nights?
Dua Iftitah and Dua Abu Hamza Thumali are recited during the nights of Ramadan, each offering unique spiritual reflections.
What dua should be recited on Fridays?
Dua Nudba and Dua Simaat are both recited on Fridays, with Dua Nudba calling out to Imam al-Mahdi (a) and Dua Simaat being recited before sunset.