When our hearts feel weighed down, our responsibilities seem overwhelming, or we do not know what to ask for, duas from the Quran give us clear words to turn to. These supplications come from many different circumstances: the remorse of Prophet Adam and Eve, Prophet Musa’s anxiety before confronting Pharaoh, Prophet Yunus’s solitude in the darkness, and Prophet Ibrahim’s hopes for his family and a secure land.
Here is a collection of duas from the Quran, with Arabic text, transliteration, and translations of their meanings:
Duas from the Quran for forgiveness and mercy
Prophet Adam and Eve’s dua after making a mistake
Prophet Adam and Eve did not make excuses after their mistake. They both acknowledged their wrongdoing and asked Allah for forgiveness and mercy. This is a wonderful supplication to recite when we regret our sins.
رَبَّنَا ظَلَمْنَآ أَنفُسَنَا وَإِن لَّمْ تَغْفِرْ لَنَا وَتَرْحَمْنَا لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلْخَٰسِرِينَ
Rabbanā ẓalamnā anfusanā wa il lam taghfir lanā wa tarḥamnā lanakūnanna minal-khāsirīn.
“Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves. Unless You forgive us and show us mercy, we will surely be among those who lose.” (Quran, Al-A’raf [7]: 23)
Prophet Nuh’s dua for himself, his parents, and the believers
Towards the end of Surah Nuh, Prophet Nuh asks forgiveness for himself, both his parents, anyone who enters his home as a believer, and all believing men and women.
رَّبِّ ٱغْفِرْ لِى وَلِوَٰلِدَىَّ وَلِمَن دَخَلَ بَيْتِىَ مُؤْمِنًا وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَٱلْمُؤْمِنَٰتِ وَلَا تَزِدِ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ إِلَّا تَبَارًا
Rabbighfir lī wa liwālidayya wa liman dakhala baitiya mu’minaw wa lil-mu’minīna wal-mu’mināt, wa lā tazidiẓ-ẓālimīna illā tabārā.
“My Lord, forgive me, my parents, whoever enters my home as a believer, and all believing men and women. Increase the wrongdoers in nothing but destruction.” (Quran, Nuh [71]: 28)
Prophet Ibrahim’s dua for his family to establish prayer and receive forgiveness
At the end of his supplications about Makkah and his descendants, Prophet Ibrahim asks that he and his descendants remain steadfast in establishing prayer. He then asks forgiveness for himself, his parents, and all believers on the Day of Reckoning.
رَبِّ ٱجْعَلْنِى مُقِيمَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةِ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِى رَبَّنَا وَتَقَبَّلْ دُعَآءِ رَبَّنَا ٱغْفِرْ لِى وَلِوَٰلِدَىَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُومُ ٱلْحِسَابُ
Rabbij’alnī muqīmaṣ-ṣalāti wa min dhurriyyatī, rabbanā wa taqabbal du’ā’. Rabbanaghfir lī wa liwālidayya wa lil-mu’minīna yauma yaqūmul-ḥisāb.
“My Lord, make me one who establishes prayer, and likewise some of my descendants. Our Lord, accept my supplication. Our Lord, forgive me, my parents, and the believers on the Day of Reckoning.” (Quran, Ibrahim [14]: 40–41)
A dua for forgiveness and mercy
This verse preserves the words of believing servants who were once mocked by disbelievers. Their supplication is brief: an affirmation of faith, a plea for forgiveness, and hope in Allah’s mercy.
رَبَّنَآ ءَامَنَّا فَٱغْفِرْ لَنَا وَٱرْحَمْنَا وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ ٱلرَّٰحِمِينَ
Rabbanā āmannā faghfir lanā warḥamnā wa anta khairur-rāḥimīn.
“Our Lord, we have believed. Forgive us and show us mercy; You are the best of those who show mercy.” (Quran, Al-Mu’minun [23]: 109)
Duas for guidance and steadfast hearts
A dua to keep our hearts from straying after receiving guidance
Knowing the truth does not make a person immune to straying. That is why those firmly grounded in knowledge ask for their hearts to remain steadfast and for mercy.
رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغْ قُلُوبَنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَيْتَنَا وَهَبْ لَنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً إِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلْوَهَّابُ
Rabbanā lā tuzig qulūbanā ba’da idh hadaitanā wa hab lanā mil ladunka raḥmah, innaka antal-Wahhāb.
“Our Lord, do not let our hearts stray after You have guided us. Grant us mercy from Yourself; You are indeed the Bestower.” (Quran, Ali ‘Imran [3]: 8)
The dua of the young people of the cave
The young people known as the People of the Cave took refuge in a cave to protect their faith. Amid uncertainty, they asked for mercy and guidance so that their situation would lead to the right course.
Understanding duas from the Quran within the context of their stories brings this request close to home: we need guidance not only when we are lost, but also when we face decisions that carry real risks.
رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً وَهَيِّئْ لَنَا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا رَشَدًا
Rabbanā ātinā mil ladunka raḥmatan wa hayyi’ lanā min amrinā rashadā.
“Our Lord, grant us mercy from Yourself and guide us to the right course in this matter.” (Quran, Al-Kahf [18]: 10)
Duas for family, descendants, and a secure land
A dua for spouses and descendants to bring joy to our hearts
This is more than a request for a family that makes us happy. The supplication ends with a responsibility: to become an example for those mindful of Allah. The correct reference is Al-Furqan, verse 74, rather than verse 27 as stated in the older article.
وَٱلَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَٰجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّٰتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَٱجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا
Rabbanā hab lanā min azwājinā wa dhurriyyātinā qurrata a’yunin waj’alnā lil-muttaqīna imāmā.
“Our Lord, grant us spouses and descendants who bring joy to our eyes, and make us an example for those mindful of You.” (Quran, Al-Furqan [25]: 74)
Prophet Zakariyya’s dua for righteous offspring
After witnessing the provision Allah gave Maryam, Prophet Zakariyya prayed for righteous offspring. This supplication teaches us that human limitations do not limit Allah’s power.
The duas from the Quran concerning family go beyond simply having children: they also emphasise faith, character, and setting a good example.
رَبِّ هَبْ لِى مِن لَّدُنكَ ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً إِنَّكَ سَمِيعُ ٱلدُّعَآءِ
Rabbi hab lī mil ladunka dhurriyyatan ṭayyibah, innaka samī’ud-du’ā’.
“My Lord, grant me righteous offspring from Yourself. You truly hear supplications.” (Quran, Ali ‘Imran [3]: 38)
Prophet Zakariyya’s dua not to be left alone
In old age, still without a child, Prophet Zakariyya again turned to Allah. The words “You are the best of inheritors” show that his request remained accompanied by complete surrender to Allah’s decision.
رَبِّ لَا تَذَرْنِى فَرْدًا وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ ٱلْوَٰرِثِينَ
Rabbi lā tadharnī fardaw wa anta khairul-wārithīn.
“My Lord, do not leave me alone, and You are the best of inheritors.” (Quran, Al-Anbiya [21]: 89)
Prophet Ibrahim’s dua for a secure land and provision
The beginning of the verse introduces the narrative; it is not part of the supplication itself. The introductory text therefore appears in grey, while Prophet Ibrahim’s request appears in black.
وَإِذْ قَالَ إِبْرَٰهِيمُ رَبِّ ٱجْعَلْ هَٰذَا بَلَدًا ءَامِنًا وَٱرْزُقْ أَهْلَهُۥ مِنَ ٱلثَّمَرَٰتِ مَنْ ءَامَنَ مِنْهُم بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلْيَوْمِ ٱلْءَاخِرِ
Wa idh qāla Ibrāhīmu, rabbij’al hādhā baladan āminaw warzuq ahlahū minath-thamarāti man āmana minhum billāhi wal-yaumil-ākhir.
“And when Ibrahim prayed, ‘My Lord, make this a secure land and provide its people with fruits—those among them who believe in Allah and the Last Day.’” (Quran, Al-Baqarah [2]: 126)
Duas for knowledge, an open heart, and ease
Prophet Musa’s dua before confronting Pharaoh
When commanded to go to Pharaoh, Prophet Musa asked for more than courage. He asked for an open heart, ease in his task, and speech others could understand—essential preparation for a demanding responsibility.
رَبِّ ٱشْرَحْ لِى صَدْرِى وَيَسِّرْ لِىٓ أَمْرِى وَٱحْلُلْ عُقْدَةً مِّن لِّسَانِى يَفْقَهُوا۟ قَوْلِى
Rabbishraḥ lī ṣadrī, wa yassir lī amrī, waḥlul ‘uqdatan mil lisānī, yafqahū qaulī.
“My Lord, open my heart, make my task easy, and untie the knot in my tongue so that they may understand my words.” (Quran, Taha [20]: 25–28)
A dua for increased knowledge
Allah commands Prophet Muhammad to ask for more knowledge. This supplication, just three words in Arabic, is a fitting companion to studying, reading, working, and every effort to understand something correctly.
رَّبِّ زِدْنِى عِلْمًا
Rabbi zidnī ‘ilmā.
“My Lord, increase me in knowledge.” (Quran, Taha [20]: 114)
Duas for provision and help
Prophet Musa’s dua upon arriving in Madyan
After leaving Egypt in fear, Prophet Musa helped two women water their livestock, then rested in the shade and acknowledged his need before Allah. His supplication did not dictate what form the help should take; he left the kind of goodness to Allah.
Among duas from the Quran, these words show a gentle way of asking: express our need, continue making an effort, and leave the form of provision to Allah.
رَبِّ إِنِّى لِمَآ أَنزَلْتَ إِلَىَّ مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَقِيرٌ
Rabbi innī limā anzalta ilayya min khairin faqīr.
“My Lord, I am truly in need of whatever goodness You send down to me.” (Quran, Al-Qasas [28]: 24)
Prophet Ibrahim’s dua for Makkah to be secure
In another verse, Prophet Ibrahim asks for safety for Makkah and protection for himself and his descendants from worshipping idols. Security and pure belief in Allah’s oneness are brought together in one supplication.
وَإِذْ قَالَ إِبْرَٰهِيمُ رَبِّ ٱجْعَلْ هَٰذَا ٱلْبَلَدَ ءَامِنًا وَٱجْنُبْنِى وَبَنِىَّ أَن نَّعْبُدَ ٱلْأَصْنَامَ
Rabbij’al hādhal-balada āminaw wajnubnī wa baniyya an na’budal-aṣnām.
“My Lord, make this land secure and keep me and my descendants away from worshipping idols.” (Quran, Ibrahim [14]: 35)
Duas for gratitude, good deeds, and goodness in this life and the Hereafter
A dua to be grateful and do righteous deeds
This supplication brings together three generations: ourselves, our parents, and our descendants. We ask for the ability to appreciate blessings, perform deeds that please Allah, and see goodness grow within our families.
رَبِّ أَوْزِعْنِىٓ أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ ٱلَّتِىٓ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَىَّ وَعَلَىٰ وَٰلِدَىَّ وَأَنْ أَعْمَلَ صَٰلِحًا تَرْضَىٰهُ وَأَصْلِحْ لِى فِى ذُرِّيَّتِىٓ إِنِّى تُبْتُ إِلَيْكَ وَإِنِّى مِنَ ٱلْمُسْلِمِينَ
Rabbi auzi’nī an ashkura ni’matakallatī an’amta ‘alayya wa ‘alā wālidayya wa an a’mala ṣāliḥan tarḍāhu wa aṣliḥ lī fī dhurriyyatī, innī tubtu ilaika wa innī minal-muslimīn.
“My Lord, inspire me to be grateful for Your blessings upon me and my parents, to do good deeds that please You, and make my descendants righteous for me. I turn to You in repentance, and I am among those who submit to You.” (Quran, Al-Ahqaf [46]: 15)
Prophet Sulayman’s dua to be grateful for blessings
When he understood the ant’s words, Prophet Sulayman smiled and asked for the ability to be grateful, do righteous deeds, and be included among the righteous servants. His great power did not make him forget that even the ability to give thanks comes through Allah’s help.
فَتَبَسَّمَ ضَاحِكًا مِّن قَوْلِهَا وَقَالَ رَبِّ أَوْزِعْنِىٓ أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ ٱلَّتِىٓ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَىَّ وَعَلَىٰ وَٰلِدَىَّ وَأَنْ أَعْمَلَ صَٰلِحًا تَرْضَىٰهُ وَأَدْخِلْنِى بِرَحْمَتِكَ فِى عِبَادِكَ ٱلصَّٰلِحِينَ
Fatabassama ḍāḥikam min qaulihā wa qāla, rabbi auzi’nī an ashkura ni’matakallatī an’amta ‘alayya wa ‘alā wālidayya wa an a’mala ṣāliḥan tarḍāhu wa adkhilnī biraḥmatika fī ‘ibādikaṣ-ṣāliḥīn.
“He smiled at the ant’s words and prayed, ‘My Lord, grant me the ability to be grateful for Your blessings upon me and my parents, to do good deeds that please You, and admit me, through Your mercy, among Your righteous servants.’” (Quran, An-Naml [27]: 19)
Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Isma’il’s dua for their deeds to be accepted
This verse recounts Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Isma’il raising the foundations of the Ka’bah. Their great undertaking did not make them feel certain that it would be accepted. The narrative appears in grey; their supplication appears in black.
وَإِذْ يَرْفَعُ إِبْرَٰهِيمُ ٱلْقَوَاعِدَ مِنَ ٱلْبَيْتِ وَإِسْمَٰعِيلُ رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّآ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْعَلِيمُ
Wa idh yarfa’u Ibrāhīmul-qawā’ida minal-baiti wa Ismā’īl, rabbanā taqabbal minnā, innaka antas-Samī’ul-‘Alīm.
“And when Ibrahim and Isma’il raised the foundations of the House of Allah, they prayed, ‘Our Lord, accept this from us. You are indeed the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.’” (Quran, Al-Baqarah [2]: 127)
وَتُبْ عَلَيْنَآ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلتَّوَّابُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ
Wa tub ‘alainā, innaka antat-Tawwābur-Raḥīm.
“Accept our repentance. You are indeed the Accepter of Repentance, the Most Merciful.” (an excerpt from Quran, Al-Baqarah [2]: 128)
An all-encompassing dua for goodness in this life and the Hereafter
This supplication embraces goodness broadly, without setting this life against the Hereafter. Since the preceding phrase introduces the narrative, it is shown in a different colour.
وَمِنْهُم مَّن يَقُولُ رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِنَا فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِى ٱلْءَاخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ
Wa minhum may yaqūlu, rabbanā ātinā fid-dunyā ḥasanataw wa fil-ākhirati ḥasanataw wa qinā ‘adhāban-nār.
“And among them are those who pray, ‘Our Lord, grant us goodness in this life and goodness in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.’” (Quran, Al-Baqarah [2]: 201)
Prophet Ibrahim’s dua for wisdom and a good ending
Prophet Ibrahim asks for wisdom, the company of the righteous, an honourable reputation grounded in truth, and an inheritance in Paradise. The verses that follow show that on the Day of Resurrection, neither wealth nor children will help, except for those who come to Allah with a sound heart.
رَبِّ هَبْ لِى حُكْمًا وَأَلْحِقْنِى بِٱلصَّٰلِحِينَ وَٱجْعَل لِّى لِسَانَ صِدْقٍ فِى ٱلْءَاخِرِينَ وَٱجْعَلْنِى مِن وَرَثَةِ جَنَّةِ ٱلنَّعِيمِ وَٱغْفِرْ لِأَبِىٓ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ مِنَ ٱلضَّآلِّينَ وَلَا تُخْزِنِى يَوْمَ يُبْعَثُونَ يَوْمَ لَا يَنفَعُ مَالٌ وَلَا بَنُونَ إِلَّا مَنْ أَتَى ٱللَّهَ بِقَلْبٍ سَلِيمٍ
Rabbi hab lī ḥukmaw wa alḥiqnī biṣ-ṣāliḥīn. Waj’al lī lisāna ṣidqin fil-ākhirīn. Waj’alnī min warathati jannatin-na’īm. Waghfir li-abī innahū kāna minaḍ-ḍāllīn. Wa lā tukhzinī yauma yub’athūn. Yauma lā yanfa’u māluw wa lā banūn, illā man atallāha biqalbin salīm.
“My Lord, grant me wisdom, join me with the righteous, grant me an honourable reputation among later generations, and make me an inheritor of the Garden of Bliss. Forgive my father, for he is among those who have gone astray, and do not disgrace me on the day people are resurrected—the day when neither wealth nor children will help, except for those who come to Allah with a sound heart.” (Quran, Ash-Shu’ara [26]: 83–89)
Prophet Ibrahim’s request for his father was connected to a promise he had made. Once it became clear that his father was an enemy of Allah, Prophet Ibrahim dissociated himself from him, as explained in At-Tawbah, verse 114.
Duas during hardship and illness
Prophet Yunus’s dua in the darkness
Prophet Yunus uttered this remembrance and supplication in “layers of darkness”. The account in Surah As-Saffat explains that a large fish swallowed him. The supplication itself teaches Allah’s oneness, glorifying Him, and acknowledging wrongdoing. The narrative introduction appears in grey.
فَنَادَىٰ فِى ٱلظُّلُمَٰتِ أَن لَّآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنتَ سُبْحَٰنَكَ إِنِّى كُنتُ مِنَ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ
Fanādā fiẓ-ẓulumāti an, lā ilāha illā anta subḥānaka innī kuntu minaẓ-ẓālimīn.
“He called out in the darkness, ‘There is no god but You. Glory be to You. I have indeed been among the wrongdoers.’” (Quran, Al-Anbiya [21]: 87)
Prophet Ayyub’s dua when afflicted with illness
Prophet Ayyub expressed his suffering without demanding a particular kind of answer. He ended his plea by praising Allah as the Most Merciful.
أَنِّى مَسَّنِىَ ٱلضُّرُّ وَأَنتَ أَرْحَمُ ٱلرَّٰحِمِينَ
Annī massaniyaḍ-ḍurru wa anta arḥamur-rāḥimīn.
“Suffering has indeed afflicted me, and You are the most merciful of all who show mercy.” (Quran, Al-Anbiya [21]: 83)
Prophet Nuh’s dua not to ask for something without knowledge
After pleading about his son, Prophet Nuh was reproved for asking about something of which he had no knowledge. He immediately sought refuge in Allah from making such requests and asked for forgiveness and mercy.
رَبِّ إِنِّىٓ أَعُوذُ بِكَ أَنْ أَسْـَٔلَكَ مَا لَيْسَ لِى بِهِۦ عِلْمٌ وَإِلَّا تَغْفِرْ لِى وَتَرْحَمْنِىٓ أَكُن مِّنَ ٱلْخَٰسِرِينَ
Rabbi innī a’ūdhu bika an as’alaka mā laisa lī bihī ‘ilm, wa illā taghfir lī wa tarḥamnī akum minal-khāsirīn.
“My Lord, I seek refuge in You from asking for something of which I have no knowledge. Unless You forgive me and show me mercy, I will be among those who lose.” (Quran, Hud [11]: 47)
The closing dua of Al-Baqarah when we feel burdened
The closing verse of Surah Al-Baqarah teaches a wide-ranging supplication: not to be held accountable for forgetting or making mistakes, not to bear burdens like those carried by earlier peoples, and to receive Allah’s pardon, forgiveness, mercy, and help.
لَا يُكَلِّفُ ٱللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَعَلَيْهَا مَا ٱكْتَسَبَتْ رَبَّنَا لَا تُؤَاخِذْنَآ إِن نَّسِينَآ أَوْ أَخْطَأْنَا رَبَّنَا وَلَا تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْنَآ إِصْرًا كَمَا حَمَلْتَهُۥ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِنَا رَبَّنَا وَلَا تُحَمِّلْنَا مَا لَا طَاقَةَ لَنَا بِهِۦ وَٱعْفُ عَنَّا وَٱغْفِرْ لَنَا وَٱرْحَمْنَآ أَنتَ مَوْلَىٰنَا فَٱنصُرْنَا عَلَى ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلْكَٰفِرِينَ
Rabbanā lā tu’ākhidhnā in nasīnā au akhṭa’nā. Rabbanā wa lā taḥmil ‘alainā iṣran kamā ḥamaltahū ‘alal-ladhīna min qablinā. Rabbanā wa lā tuḥammilnā mā lā ṭāqata lanā bih. Wa’fu ‘annā, waghfir lanā, warḥamnā. Anta maulānā fanṣurnā ‘alal-qaumil-kāfirīn.
“Our Lord, do not hold us accountable if we forget or make mistakes. Do not lay a heavy burden upon us as You laid upon those before us. Do not make us bear what we cannot endure. Pardon us, forgive us, and show us mercy. You are our Protector, so help us against the disbelieving people.” (an excerpt from Quran, Al-Baqarah [2]: 286)
Duas for protection, trust in Allah, and peace of heart
A dua seeking refuge from the whispers of devils
The Quran teaches us to seek protection from the whispers of devils and from their presence. This supplication is relevant when we feel angry, anxious, or tempted to do something wrong.
وَقُل رَّبِّ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ هَمَزَٰتِ ٱلشَّيَٰطِينِ وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ رَبِّ أَن يَحْضُرُونِ
Rabbi a’ūdhu bika min hamazātish-shayāṭīn, wa a’ūdhu bika rabbi ay yaḥḍurūn.
“My Lord, I seek refuge in You from the whispers of devils, and I seek refuge in You, my Lord, from their presence.” (Quran, Al-Mu’minun [23]: 97–98)
Prophet Shu’ayb’s dua for a just judgement
After his people threatened to expel Prophet Shu’ayb and his followers or force them to return to their former religion, he entrusted the judgement to Allah. The word iftah in this supplication means to settle a matter truthfully and justly.
رَبَّنَا ٱفْتَحْ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَ قَوْمِنَا بِٱلْحَقِّ وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ ٱلْفَٰتِحِينَ
Rabbanaftaḥ bainanā wa baina qauminā bil-ḥaqqi wa anta khairul-fātiḥīn.
“Our Lord, judge between us and our people in truth. You are the best of judges.” (Quran, Al-A’raf [7]: 89)
The dua of Prophet Musa’s followers facing Pharaoh’s oppression
This is often called Prophet Musa’s supplication, but the verse states that it was spoken by those who responded to his call to trust in Allah. They asked not to become a target of oppression by the wrongdoers and to be saved from Pharaoh’s people.
فَقَالُوا۟ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ تَوَكَّلْنَا رَبَّنَا لَا تَجْعَلْنَا فِتْنَةً لِّلْقَوْمِ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ وَنَجِّنَا بِرَحْمَتِكَ مِنَ ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلْكَٰفِرِينَ
Faqālū ‘alallāhi tawakkalnā, rabbanā lā taj’alnā fitnatal lil-qaumiẓ-ẓālimīn. Wa najjinā biraḥmatika minal-qaumil-kāfirīn.
“They said, ‘We place our trust in Allah. Our Lord, do not make us a trial for the wrongdoing people, and save us, through Your mercy, from the disbelieving people.’” (Quran, Yunus [10]: 85–86)
The dua of Talut’s army when facing Jalut
When facing Jalut and his army, Talut’s soldiers did not ask for the trial to disappear. They asked for patience to be poured upon them, for their steps to be made firm, and for help in carrying out their duty.
وَلَمَّا بَرَزُوا۟ لِجَالُوتَ وَجُنُودِهِۦ قَالُوا۟ رَبَّنَآ أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًا وَثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَنَا وَٱنصُرْنَا عَلَى ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلْكَٰفِرِينَ
Wa lammā barazū lijālūta wa junūdihī qālū, rabbanā afrigh ‘alainā ṣabraw wa thabbit aqdāmanā wanṣurnā ‘alal-qaumil-kāfirīn.
“When they advanced to face Jalut and his soldiers, they prayed, ‘Our Lord, pour patience upon us, make our steps firm, and help us against the disbelieving people.’” (Quran, Al-Baqarah [2]: 250)
A dua to keep resentment towards believers out of our hearts
This supplication asks forgiveness for ourselves and the believers who came before us, while also asking for hearts free from hatred.
رَبَّنَا ٱغْفِرْ لَنَا وَلِإِخْوَٰنِنَا ٱلَّذِينَ سَبَقُونَا بِٱلْإِيمَٰنِ وَلَا تَجْعَلْ فِى قُلُوبِنَا غِلًّا لِّلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ رَبَّنَآ إِنَّكَ رَءُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ
Rabbanaghfir lanā wa li-ikhwāninal-ladhīna sabaqūnā bil-īmāni wa lā taj’al fī qulūbinā ghillal lilladhīna āmanū, rabbanā innaka ra’ūfur-raḥīm.
“Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers and sisters who preceded us in faith. Do not place resentment in our hearts towards those who believe. Our Lord, You are indeed Most Kind, Most Merciful.” (Quran, Al-Hashr [59]: 10)
Hasbunallahu wa ni’mal wakil
In Ali ‘Imran, verse 173, believers spoke these words when told that forces had gathered to attack them. (The connection between these words and Prophet Ibrahim being thrown into the fire comes from Ibn ‘Abbas’s report in Sahih al-Bukhari.)
وَقَالُوا۟ حَسْبُنَا ٱللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ ٱلْوَكِيلُ
Wa qālū, ḥasbunallāhu wa ni’mal-wakīl.
“They said, ‘Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best Trustee.’” (an excerpt from Quran, Ali ‘Imran [3]: 173)
Ni’mal mawla wa ni’man nasir
These words of praise and trust in Allah appear in Al-Anfal, verse 40, and Al-Hajj, verse 78. They are often recited after ḥasbunallāhu wa ni’mal-wakīl, but the two expressions come from different verses and surahs.
نِعْمَ ٱلْمَوْلَىٰ وَنِعْمَ ٱلنَّصِيرُ
Ni’mal-maulā wa ni’man-naṣīr.
“He is the best Protector and the best Helper.” (an excerpt from Quran, Al-Anfal [8]: 40 and Al-Hajj [22]: 78)
How to put Quranic supplications into practice
A dua is not a magic formula that works without sincerity and effort. We can begin by understanding its meaning, choosing a supplication suited to our circumstances, and reciting it with hope. If you are not yet fluent in reading Arabic, listen to a skilled Quran reciter and learn gradually with a trusted teacher.
When choosing duas from the Quran, we do not have to wait for circumstances identical to those in the original story. Their lessons of Allah’s oneness, repentance, gratitude, and trust in Him can still guide us today.
The context of each verse matters too. Prophet Musa’s supplication reminds us to prepare how we communicate before facing a difficult task. Prophet Yunus’s supplication teaches Allah’s oneness and acknowledgement of wrongdoing in times of distress. Prophet Ibrahim’s supplication connects provision with security, faith, and responsibility towards the next generation.
I hope this is helpful.
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