Ramadan is a month of profound spiritual reflection, a time when the gates of mercy are opened wide and our prayers are brought closer to Allah (SWT). At the heart of this blessed month is the act of making dua, a direct, intimate conversation with our Creator. It is through these supplications that we express our hopes, seek forgiveness, and find comfort.
But a Ramadan dua is more than just a personal plea; it is a powerful expression of empathy for the entire Ummah. As we raise our hands in prayer, we remember the struggles of orphans, widows, refugees, and the sick across the globe. This guide not only provides the essential duas for your daily worship but also shows how your prayers can be a catalyst for life-changing action, transforming compassion into tangible support for those who need it most.
The Spiritual Significance of Dua in Ramadan
In Islam, dua is described as the very essence of worship. During Ramadan, its power is magnified. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "There are three whose supplication is not rejected: The fasting person when he breaks his fast, the just leader, and the supplication of the oppressed." (Tirmidhi). This highlights the special status of a fasting person's prayer.
This month offers a unique opportunity to strengthen our connection with Allah (SWT). Each dua we make, whether for ourselves, our families, or the wider community, is a testament to our faith and reliance on His infinite mercy and wisdom.
Essential Duas for Your Daily Fast
Your daily fast is framed by two key moments: Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (the breaking of the fast). Reciting the specific duas for these times instils intention and gratitude into your worship.
Dua for Starting the Fast (Suhoor)
Before you begin your fast, it is recommended to make your intention (niyyah) to fast for the sake of Allah. The following dua is commonly recited to formalise this intention:
وَبِصَوْمِ غَدٍ نَّوَيْتُ مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ
Transliteration:
Wa bisawmi ghadin nawaytu min shahri ramadan
Translation:
I intend to keep the fast for tomorrow in the month of Ramadan.
Dua for Breaking the Fast (Iftar)
The moment of Iftar is a cherished time when a fasting person's dua is readily accepted. It is a time of joy, relief, and immense gratitude. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would recite the following dua upon breaking his fast:
ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ وَثَبَتَ الأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ
Transliteration:
Dhahaba al-zama'u wabtallat al-'uruqu wa thabata al-ajru in sha' Allah
Translation:
The thirst is gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is confirmed, if Allah wills.
Another widely recited dua for Iftar is:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي لَكَ صُمْتُ وَبِكَ آمَنْتُ وَعَلَيْكَ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَعَلَى رِزْقِكَ أَفْطَرْتُ
Transliteration:
Allahumma inni laka sumtu, wa bika aamantu, wa 'alayka tawakkaltu, wa 'ala rizqika aftartu
Translation:
O 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.
The Most Powerful Night: Dua for Laylatul Qadr
Within the last ten nights of Ramadan lies Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power), a night better than a thousand months. It is the most powerful time to make dua. Aisha (RA) asked the Prophet (PBUH), "O Messenger of Allah, if I know which night is the Night of Qadr, what should I say during it?" He replied with this beautiful dua:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
Transliteration:
Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul-'afwa fa'fu 'anni
Translation:
O Allah, You are Pardoning and love to pardon, so pardon me.
Prayers for the Ummah: Duas for Those in Need
A sincere dua has the power to cross borders and reach the hearts of the most vulnerable. This Ramadan, as we pray for our own needs, let us extend our compassion to the global community. Your prayer for someone in hardship is a profound act of solidarity.
A Dua for Orphans and Widows
Let us remember the children who face the world without their parents and the women who carry the burden of their families alone. As you make dua for them, consider how you can be the answer to their prayers through tangible support. Al Ihsan Foundation's Orphan Sponsorship and Widow Support programs provide them with the care and dignity they deserve.
A Dua for Refugees and the Displaced
Millions of families have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, disaster, and poverty. Pray for their safety, their sustenance, and their safe return. Your heartfelt dua, combined with our collective efforts in Emergency Relief, can provide food, shelter, and hope to those who have lost everything.
A Dua for the Sick and Elderly
We ask Allah (SWT) to grant healing (shifa) to the sick and to ease the hardships of the elderly. Let us pray for their strength and comfort. Compassion in action means ensuring they have access to medical care, nutritious food, and the support they need to live with dignity.
Turn Your Compassion into Action This Ramadan
Your Ramadan dua is a powerful first step, and your action is what brings that prayer to life. The connection between supplication for the needy and the act of giving is central to our faith. When you give Sadaqah or calculate and pay your Zakat, you become an instrument of Allah's mercy and an answer to someone's desperate prayer.
This Ramadan, let your empathy fuel your generosity. Let every prayer for the Ummah be followed by a commitment to help. Your contribution to Al Ihsan Foundation transforms your sincere duas into meals, clean water, shelter, and medical aid for communities in need worldwide.
