Rabbana Du’as
What are the Rabbana Du’as?
There are forty du’as revealed in the Qur’an beginning with the Arabic word, ‘Rabbana’, meaning ‘Our Lord’.
These du’as are some of the most succinct, eloquent and relevant supplications for everyday life. There is also much to be learnt from the backstories of the revelation of many of these du’as.
RABBANA DU’A 1
رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّآ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ السَّمِیعُ العَلِیم
Rabbana taqabbal minnaa innaka Antas Samee’ul Aleem
Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed You are the Hearing, the Knowing.”
[2:127]
Prophet Ibrahim (AS) recited this du’a after building the kaaba with his son. Recite this du’a when you would like whatever good you have done to be accepted.
This du’a reminds us that the believer should not express pride after completing a good deed, however big or small, but should instead be thankful to the one who has blessed us with the opportunity and ability to do the good deed.
RABBANA DU’A 2
رَبَّنَا وَاجْعَلْنَا مُسْلِمَیْنِ لَكَ وَمِن ذُرِّیَّتِنَآ أُمَّةً مُّسْلِمَةً لَّكَ وَأَرِنَا مَنَاسِكَنَا وَتُبْ عَلَیْنَآ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِیم
Rabbana waj’alnaa muslimaini laka wa min zurriyyatinaaa ummatam muslimatal laka wa arinaa manaasikanaa wa tub ‘alainaa innaka antat Tawwaabur Raheem
“Our Lord, and make us Muslims [in submission] to You and from our descendants a Muslim nation [in submission] to You. And show us our rites [of worship] and accept our repentance. Indeed, You are the Accepting of Repentance, the Merciful.”
[2:128 ]
Prophet Ibrahim (as) recited this du’a after building the kaaba with his son. Recite this du’a to affirm your faith in Islam and to ask for the success of the entire Muslim Ummah.
This du’a reminds us that guidance is something which has been given to us, and something which can be taken from us, and so we should make intention to constantly ask Allah to make us firm in our faith and submission to Him.
RABBANA DU’A 3
رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِنَا فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِى ٱلْءَاخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ
Rabbana atina fid dunyaa hasanatanw wa fil aakhirati hasanatanw wa qinaa azaaban Naar
“Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”
[2:201]
This du’a concisely asks for everything a believer should wish to ask Allah for, covering both the good in this world and the akhira. It serves as an important reminder to us: it’s not wrong to make du’a to Allah for (permissible) worldly things, but this should not be the only focus of our du’a. We should all be praying for the akhira.
RABBANA DU’A 4
رَبَّنَآ أَفْرِغْ عَلَیْنَا صَبْراً وَثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَنَا وَانصُرْنَا عَلَى القَوْمِ الكَافِرِینَ
Rabbana afrigh ‘alainaa sabranw wa sabbit aqdaamanaa wansurnaa ‘alal qawmil kaafireen
“Our Lord, pour upon us patience and plant firmly our feet and give us victory over the disbelieving people.”
[2:250 ]
Prophet Dawud (AS) recited this du’a for patience, protection and victory. Despite the odds seemingly being against the prophet Dawud (AS), he was victorious in his battle against Jalut (Goliath).
This du’a essentially relates to the need for believers to have Tawakkul: trust in Allah. Placing our trust in Allah is what keeps us firmly grounded and allows us to develop patience, no matter the situation we are in.
RABBANA DU’A 5
رَبَّنَا لَا تُؤَاخِذْنَآ إِن نَّسِينَآ أَوْ أَخْطَأْنَا
Rabbana laa tu’aakhiznaaa in naseenaaa aw akhtaanaa
“Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or erred.”
[2:286]
"As for those who repent, believe, and do good deeds, they are the ones whose evil deeds Allah will change into good deeds. For Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Surah Al-Furqan, 25:70)
Asking Allah for forgiveness is one of the best du’as a believer can make - it demonstrates the believer’s belief in Allah’s infinite mercy, their recognition that Allah’s commands are to be obeyed and builds humility.
RABBANA DU’A 6
رَبَّنَا وَلَا تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْنَآ إِصْرًا كَمَا حَمَلْتَهُۥ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِنَا
Rabbana wa laa tahmil-‘alainaaa isran kamaa hamaltahoo ‘alal-lazeena min qablinaa
“Our Lord, and lay not upon us a burden like that which You laid upon those before us.”
[2:286 ]
By uttering this dua, the believer is recognising and affirming that only Allah can be the one to relieve them of their hardships and burdens. It is Allah who has written and decided the course of our lives and it is only He who can change this.
This du’a asks Allah to make the path of righteousness easy on the believer and to ease their difficulties.
RABBANA DU’A 7
رَبَّنَا وَلَا تُحَمِّلْنَا مَا لَا طَاقَةَ لَنَا بِهِۦ ۖ وَٱعْفُ عَنَّا وَٱغْفِرْ لَنَا وَٱرْحَمْنَآ ۚ أَنتَ مَوْلَىٰنَا فَٱنصُرْنَا عَلَى ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلْكَٰفِرِينَ
Rabbana wa laa tuhammilnaa maa laa taaqata lanaa bih; wa’fu ‘annaa waghfir lanaa warhamnaa; Anta mawlaanaa fansurnaa ‘alal qawmil kaafireen
“Our Lord, and burden us not with that which we have no ability to bear. And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy upon us. You are our protector, so give us victory over the disbelieving people.”
[2:286]
Numerous hadiths speak of the extensive rewards and benefits of the last 2 ayats of Surah Baqarah. They are amongst some of the most memorised verses of the Qur’an. A few of the qualities of these verses include: these two verses are said to guard the reciter at night, they were gifted to the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) during the Night of Ascent and they are verses of Noor.
The Messenger of Allah ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: “If anyone recited two verses from the last of Surah Baqarah at night, they will be sufficient for him.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
RABBANA DU’A 8
رَبَّنَا لاَ تُزِغْ قُلُوبَنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ ھَدَیْتَنَا وَھَبْ لَنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً إِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْوَھَّابُ
Rabbana laa tuzigh quloobanaa ba’da iz hadaitanaa wa hab lanaa mil ladunka rahmah; innaka antal Wahhaab
“Our Lord, let not our hearts deviate after You have guided us and grant us from Yourself mercy. Indeed, You are the Bestower.”
[3:8]
This du’a affirms Allah’s infinite mercy and our need for His guidance. It shows us that Allah granting us hidayah (guidance) is in itself a mercy of Allah and the greatest gift to be thankful for. Constant gratitude and du’a is needed to keep us firm on our faith, as the numerous Rabbana du’as on this topic demonstrate.
The name ‘Al-Wahhab’ speaks to Allah being the all endowering, perpetual giver, who gives liberally and freely, with no conditions or prior cause.
RABBANA DU’A 9
رَبَّنَآ إِنَّكَ جَامِعُ ٱلنَّاسِ لِيَوْمٍ لَّا رَيْبَ فِيهِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُخْلِفُ ٱلْمِيعَادَ
“Our Lord, surely You will gather the people for a Day about which there is no doubt. Indeed, Allah does not fail in His promise.”
[3:9 ]
This du’a affirms one of the six articles of faith: belief in the Day of Judgement and the afterlife.
Ultimately, firm belief in the afterlife grounds believers to a central purpose; it reminds us that all our deeds will be held to account and prevents us from developing a dangerous love for this dunya. Therefore, this du’a is an important reminder to constantly renew our intentions in everything we do, whether it be studying, working, feeding our families etc. to ensure that everything we do is for the sake of Allah, and because of our intense desire to be entered into Jannah.
RABBANA DU’A 10
رَبَّنَآ إِنَّنَآ ءَامَنَّا فَٱغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَقِنَا عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ
Rabbanaaa innanaaa aamannaa faghfir lanaa zunoobanaa wa qinaa ‘azaaban Naar
“Our Lord, indeed we have believed, so forgive us our sins and protect us from the punishment of the Fire”
[3:16 ]
Oftentimes, when we think of doing ‘good’, we think of all the righteous deeds we have performed, the charity we have given, the Qur’an we have read and the salah we have read.
These righteous actions all increase our nearness to Allah but this du’a reminds us we can also seek nearness to Allah simply through belief. By extension, this will cause us to perform righteous deeds but the first step comes from having the firm belief in Allah. Ultimately, this is what earns His forgiveness and so we should constantly affirm Tawheed, on our tongues and in our hearts.
RABBANA DU’A 11
رَبَّنَآ ءَامَنَّا بِمَآ أَنزَلْتَ وَٱتَّبَعْنَا ٱلرَّسُولَ فَٱكْتُبْنَا مَعَ ٱلشَّٰھِدِینَ
Rabbanaaa aamannaa bimaaa anzalta wattaba’nar Rasoola faktubnaa ma’ash shaahideen
“Our Lord, we have believed in what You revealed and have followed the messenger [i.e., Jesus], so register us among the witnesses [to truth].”
[3:53]
The disciples declared their faith to the Prophet Isa (Jesus). Recite this du’a to affirm your faith and to remind yourself that believing in what Allah has revealed means that, by extension, you will also make an effort to follow the teachings of the Prophets he has sent down. The best example we can follow is that of the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم
RABBANA DU’A 12
رَبَّنَا ٱغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَإِسْرَافَنَا فِىٓ أَمْرِنَا وَثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَنَا وَٱنصُرْنَا عَلَى ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلْكَٰفِرِينَ
Rabbanagh fir lanaa zunoobanaa wa israafanaa feee amrinaa wa sabbit aqdaamanaa wansurnaa ‘alal qawmil kaafireen
“Our Lord, forgive us our sins and the excess [committed] in our affairs and plant firmly our feet and give us victory over the disbelieving people.”
[3:147 ]
The following verse says, “So Allah gave them the reward of this world and the good reward of the Hereafter. And Allah loves the doers of good.” This shows the great power of du’a as a means of communicating with Allah; He listens and he answers your du’as.
This du’a is also very comprehensive; it asks Allah for forgiveness, firmness of faith and victory and this can be applied to all affairs.
RABBANA DU’A 13
رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ هَٰذَا بَٰطِلًا سُبْحَٰنَكَ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ
Rabbanaa maa khalaqta haaza baatilan Subhaanaka faqinaa ‘azaaban Naar
“Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”
[3:191]
This du’a invites us to reflect on the beauty and complexity of Allah’s creation. This du’a essentially affirms the belief that Allah created all of His creation, including humankind, with a purpose. Reflecting on this allows us to remember our ultimate goal of reaching Jannah, whilst simultaneously expressing gratitude and awe towards Allah.
RABBANA DU’A 14
رَبَّنَآ إِنَّكَ مَن تُدْخِلِ ٱلنَّارَ فَقَدْ أَخْزَيْتَهُۥ ۖ وَمَا لِلظَّٰلِمِينَ مِنْ أَنصَارٍ
Rabbanaaa innaka man tudkhilin Naara faqad akhzai tahoo wa maa lizzaalimeena min ansaar
“Our Lord, indeed whoever You admit to the Fire – You have disgraced him, and for the wrongdoers there are no helpers.”
[3:192]
One who fails to remember his ultimate destination will also fail to prepare adequately for it. Allah constantly reminds us of Hell and Heaven in the Qur’an.
Constant remembrance of the fact that all our deeds will be accounted for helps us strive to do good and avoid sin. There’s an important balance between belief in Allah’s mercy but also fear of Him being severe in his punishment.
RABBANA DU’A 15
رَّبَّنَآ إِنَّنَا سَمِعْنَا مُنَادِيًا يُنَادِى لِلْإِيمَٰنِ أَنْ ءَامِنُوا۟ بِرَبِّكُمْ فَـَٔامَنَّا
Rabbanaaa innanaa sami’naa munaadiyai yunaadee lil eemaani an aaminoo bi Rabbikum fa aamannaa
“Our Lord, indeed we have heard a caller, calling to faith, [saying], ‘Believe in your Lord,’ and we have believed.”
[3:193 ]
This verse starkly contrasts a verse in Surah Mulk describing the disbelievers who will say “Yes, a warner did come to us, but we denied and said, ‘Allah has revealed nothing. You are extremely astray.’” [67:9]
RABBANA DU’A 16
رَبَّنَا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَكَفِّرْ عَنَّا سَیِّئَاتِنَا وَتَوَفَّنَا مَعَ الأبْرَارِ
Rabbanaa faghfir lanaa zunoobanaa wa kaffir ‘annaa saiyi aatina wa tawaffanaa ma’al abraar
“Our Lord, so forgive us our sins and remove from us our misdeeds and cause us to die among the righteous.”
[3:193]
Narrated Ibn Abbas (ra): (One night) I stayed overnight in the house of my aunt Maimuna, and said to myself, “I will watch the prayer of Allah’s Messenger ( صلى الله عليه وسلم)” My aunt placed a cushion for Allah’s Messenger ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) and he slept on it in its length-wise direction and (woke-up) rubbing the traces of sleep off his face and then he recited the last ten Verses of Surah Imran till he finished it.
RABBANA DU’A 17
رَبَّنَا وَءَاتِنَا مَا وَعَدتَّنَا عَلَىٰ رُسُلِكَ وَلَا تُخْزِنَا يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ ۗ إِنَّكَ لَا تُخْلِفُ ٱلْمِيعَادَ
Rabbanaa wa aatinaa maa wa’attanaa ‘alaa Rusulika wa laa tukhzinaa Yawmal Qiyaamah; innaka laa tukhliful mee’aad
“Our Lord, and grant us what You promised us through Your messengers and do not disgrace us on the Day of Resurrection. Indeed, You do not fail in [Your] promise.”
[3:194 ]
This du’a can be one of great comfort and hope to true believers. Many promises have been made to the true believer in the Qur’an, and the true believer understands that Allah never fails in his promise. For example, Surah Waqi’ah contains extensive descriptions of the rewards of paradise for those who believe.
‘They will be waited on by eternal youths, with cups, pitchers, and a drink ˹of pure wine˺ from a flowing stream, that will cause them neither headache nor intoxication….’ [56:17-19]
RABBANA DU’A 18
رَبَّنَآ ءَامَنَّا فَٱكْتُبْنَا مَعَ ٱلشَّٰهِدِينَ
Rabbanaaa aamannaa faktubnaa ma’ash shaahideen
Our Lord, we have believed, so register us among the witnesses.”
[5:83]
Many of the Rabbana du’as follow this theme, affirming the believer’s faith. This repetition shows the need to be consistent in our du’a and affirmation of faith in order to hold onto it. It’s not enough to praise Allah once or to ask for forgiveness once.
RABBANA DU’A 19
رَبَّنَآ أَنزِلْ عَلَيْنَا مَآئِدَةً مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ تَكُونُ لَنَا عِيدًا لِّأَوَّلِنَا وَءَاخِرِنَا وَءَايَةً مِّنكَ ۖ وَٱرْزُقْنَا وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ ٱلرَّٰزِقِينَ
Rabbanaaa anzil ‘alainaa maaa’idatam minas samaaa’i takoonu lanaa ‘eedal li awwalinaa wa aakhirinaa wa Aayatam minka warzuqnaa wa Anta khairur raaziqeen
“O Allah, our Lord, send down to us a table [spread with food] from the heaven to be for us a festival for the first of us and the last of us and a sign from You. And provide for us, and You are the best of providers.”
[5:114]
This du’a asks for Rizq. Rizq means provision. It includes everything that we have been provided with by Allah including but not limited to: wealth, food, shelter, and clothing.
This du’a recognises that everything we have comes from Allah. Something as simple as an apple was written for you long before it reached your hands. Recognising this breeds a deep sense of gratitude and contentment with everything we have been given, no matter how big or small.
RABBANA DU’A 20
رَبَّنَا وَءَاتِنَا مَا وَعَدتَّنَا عَلَىٰ رُسُلِكَ وَلَا تُخْزِنَا يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ ۗ إِنَّكَ لَا تُخْلِفُ ٱلْمِيعَادَ
Rabbanaa wa aatinaa maa wa’attanaa ‘alaa Rusulika wa laa tukhzinaa Yawmal Qiyaamah; innaka laa tukhliful mee’aad
“Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers.”
[7:23]
Prophet Adam (AS) recited this du’a after sinning in Paradise. Admitting our faults to Allah removes arrogance from our hearts and allows us to ask for forgiveness purely and sincerely as we wholeheartedly admit we have wronged.
Allah forgave the Prophet Adam (AS) and so this is a beautiful example of Allah’s mercy which should inspire us to ask for forgiveness in this manner too.
RABBANA DU’A 21
رَبَّنَا لاَ تَجْعَلْنَا مَعَ الْقَوْمِ الظَّالِمِینَ
Rabbanaa laa taj’alnaa ma’al qawmiz zaalimeen
“Our Lord, do not place us with the wrongdoing people.”
[7:47 ]
This du’a could refer both to bad company on this Earth but also to being placed with wrongoing people in the Hellfire.
It is said in the Qur’an that the wrongdoers will proclaim '“Woe to me! I wish I had never taken so-and-so as a close friend.” [25:28] Clearly, our friends have a huge influence on the person we are. After all, it is said that you are the sum of the five people you are closest to; make continuous du’a to be placed in righteous company so that you may, yourself, be righteous.
RABBANA DU’A 22
رَبَّنَا افْتَحْ بَیْنَنَا وَبَیْنَ قَوْمِنَا بِالْحَقِّ وَأَنتَ خَیْرُ الْفَاتِحِینَ
Rabbanaf-tah bainana wa baina qawmina bil haqqi wa anta Khairul Fatiheen
“Our Lord, decide between us and our people in truth, and You are the best of those who give decision.”
[7:89]
The Prophet Suhaib (AS) was threatened with eviction by the people of Madyan unless he fabricated a lie against Allah. He was firm in his rejection and this was his response:
“We would have invented against Allah a lie if we returned to your religion after Allāh had saved us from it. And it is not for us to return to it except that Allāh, our Lord, should will. Our Lord has encompassed all things in knowledge. Upon Allāh we have relied. Our Lord, decide between us and our people in truth, and You are the best of those who give decision." [7:89]
RABBANA DU’A 23
رَبَّنَآ أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًا وَتَوَفَّنَا مُسْلِمِينَ
Rabbanaaa afrigh ‘alainaa sabranw wa tawaffanaa muslimeen
“Our Lord, pour upon us patience and let us die as Muslims [in submission to You].”
[7:126]
Prophet Musa (AS) was challenged by Firaun to bring a sign. He established the truth by throwing down his staff which transformed into a serpent. Firaun then threatened the Prophet Musa (AS) with persecution and the Prophet recited this du’a.
The Prophet Musa’s (AS) great patience and trust in Allah even during direct conflict with the most powerful man in the land is inspiring. It shows us that immense trust and patience in Allah is what will help us through every situation in life.
RABBANA DU’A 24
رَبَّنَا لاَ تَجْعَلْنَا فِتْنَةً لِّلْقَوْمِ الظَّالِمِینَ ; وَنَجِّنَا بِرَحْمَتِكَ مِنَ الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِینَ
85. Rabbana la taj’alna fitnatal lil-qawmidh-Dhalimeen ; 86. wa najjina bi- Rahmatika minal qawmil kafireen
“Our Lord, make us not [objects of] trial for the wrongdoing people. And save us by Your mercy from the disbelieving people.”
[10:85-86]
This is a du’a for success and protection, recited by the companions of Prophet Musa (AS). They faced one of the biggest trials, by being in direct opposition with one of the biggest tyrants to walk the face of this Earth.
Their du’a for victory against the disbelieving people shows their steadfastness and firm belief in Allah despite their hardships. We can use this as an example for ourselves - remain committed to asking Allah for help in times of hardship.
RABBANA DU’A 25
رَبَّنَآ إِنَّكَ تَعْلَمُ مَا نُخْفِى وَمَا نُعْلِنُ ۗ وَمَا يَخْفَىٰ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ مِن شَىْءٍۢ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِى ٱلسَّمَآءِ
Rabbanaaa innaka ta’lamu maa nukhfee wa maa nu’lin; wa maa yakhfaa ‘alal laahi min shai’in fil ardi wa laa fis samaaa
“Our Lord, indeed You know what we conceal and what we declare, and nothing is hidden from Allah on the earth or in the heaven.”
[14:38]
This is part of a longer du’a made by the Prophet Ibrahm (AS). This du’a affirms Allah’s quality of being Al-Aleem, meaning the One whose knowledge is comprehensive and extends to all which is seen and unseen, apparent and hidden, present and future, near and far.
This du’a reminds us that Allah sees all that we do, serving both as a warning to steer away from sin, and as a comfort, knowing that He sees all efforts and good. It also shows complete trust and reliance in Allah.
RABBANA DU’A 26
رَبِّ اجْعَلْنِي مُقِيمَ الصَّلَاةِ وَمِنْ ذُرِّيَّتِي ۚ رَبَّنَا وَتَقَبَّلْ دُعَآءِ
Rabbij ‘alnee muqeemas Salaati wa min zurriyyatee Rabbanaa wa taqabbal du’aaa
“My Lord, make me an establisher of prayer, and [many] from my descendants. Our Lord, and accept my supplication.”
[14:40]
This is part of a longer du’a made by the Prophet Ibrahm (AS). He knew of how the past communities had erred asked Allah to make the current and future generations good muslims.
The term ‘establish’ has a wider meaning which encompasses performing and executing the prayer in the proper manner as prescribed in the Qur’an and Sunnah, praying regularly at the prescribed times and perhaps also being of those who guide other people to prayer. The term ‘establish’ also recognises that this is not an automated process; rather, it’s something we must actively do every single day.
RABBANA DU’A 27
رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِینَ یَوْمَ یَقُومُ الْحِسَابُ
Rabbanagh fir lee wa liwaalidaiya wa lilmu’mineena Yawma yaqoomul hisaab
“Our Lord, forgive me and my parents and the believers the Day the account is established.”
[14:41]
This du’a was recited by Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
Abu Hurairah (ra) said, “The dead person can be raised a degree after his death. He said, ‘My Lord, how is this?’ He was told, ‘Your child can ask for forgiveness for you.'” (Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 36)
It is reported on the authority of ‘Abdullah that the Messenger of Allah observed: “The best of’ the deeds or deed is the (observance of) prayer at its proper time and kindness to the parents.” (Muslim) One of the greatest acts of kindness we can show towards another muslim is to pray for them.
RABBANA DU’A 28
رَبَّنَآ ءَتِنَا مِنْ لَدُنْكَ رَحْمَةً وَهَيِّئْ لَنَا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا رَشَدًا
Rabbanaaa aatinaa mil ladunka rahmatanw wa haiyi’ lanaa min amrinaa rashadaa
“Our Lord, grant us from Yourself mercy and prepare for us from our affair right guidance.”
[18:10]
This du’a is found in Surah Kahf and was recited by the ‘Companions of the cave’ who fled their city as they feared persecution for practising their religion. They made this du’a in the cave which they sought refuge in.
Allah granted them the mercy of this cave for 309 years. When they later emerged, they found that the people of their city were all believers.
RABBANA DU’A 29
رَبَّنَآ إِنَّنَا نَخَافُ أَن يَفْرُطَ عَلَيْنَآ أَوْ أَن يَطْغَى
Rabbanaaa innanaa nakhaafu ai yafruta ‘alainaaa aw ai yatghaa
“Our Lord, indeed we are afraid that he will hasten [punishment] against us or that he will transgress.”
[20:45]
This dua was recited by both Harun (AS) and Musa (AS) who feared the wrath of Firaun, the most evil tyrant to walk this Earth. We see that even great prophets felt fear.
However, Allah responded in the following verse, “Do not be afraid. I am surely with you both I hear and I see.” [20:46] This is a comforting reminder that Allah is with us, and that our fear for standing up for what is right and true should not stop us from doing so.
RABBANA DU’A 30
رَبَّنَآ ءَتِنَا مِنْ لَدُنْكَ رَحْمَةً وَهَيِّئْ لَنَا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا رَشَدًا
Rabbanaaa aatinaa mil ladunka rahmatanw wa haiyi’ lanaa min amrinaa rashadaa
“Our Lord, grant us from Yourself mercy and prepare for us from our affair right guidance.”
[18:10]
This du’a calls upon Allah through his attribute of being ‘Ar-Rahim’, loosely translated to ‘The Most Merciful’. One way of building a connection with Allah and gaining a deeper understanding of his names is by using the name of His which is particular befitting for your specific situation or du’a. For example, by calling upon Him as Ar-Rahim when asking for mercy.
RABBANA DU’A 31
رَبَّنَا اصْرِفْ عَنَّا عَذَابَ جَهَنَّمَ إِنَّ عَذَابَهَا كَانَ غَرَامًا إِنَّهَا سَآءَتْ مُسْتَقَرًّا وَمُقَامًا
65. Rabbanas rif ‘annnaa ‘azaaba Jahannama inn ‘azaabahaa kaana gharaamaa 66. Innahaa saaa’at mustaqarranw wa muqaamaa
“Our Lord, avert from us the punishment of Hell. Indeed, its punishment is ever adhering; Indeed, it is evil as a settlement and residence.”
[25:65-66 ]
This verse is from Surah Furqaan, in which Allah describes the Prophet Muhammad SAW in the first verse as ‘for every nation, a warner’. Later in the Surah, this du’a is described to be the du’a made by the ‘true servants of the Most Merciful’.
The true servants are therefore those who take heed of the warnings, both in the Qur’an and from our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW. They affirm their belief in the warnings which have come to them and pray to Allah to save them.
RABBANA DU’A 32
رَبَّنَا ھَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَاجِنَا وَذُرِّیَّاتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْیُنٍ وَاجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِینَ إِمَامًا
Rabbanaa hab lanaa min azwaajinaa wa zurriyaatinaa qurrata a’yuninw waj ‘alnaa lilmuttaqeena Imaamaa
“Our Lord, grant us from among our wives and offspring comfort to our eyes and make us a leader [i.e., example] for the righteous.”
[25:74 ]
The Arabic phrase “qurrata ‘ayn” means to bring ‘coolness to the eye’, i.e. to bring calmess, joy or happiness. These words alone do not do justice to the beauty and eloquence of this du’a.
Allah used the same expression to describe the feeling of Prophet Musa’s (AS) mother being reunited with her son after having put him in the water to save him from Pharaoh; imagine the relief of a mother unsure of whether her son was alive or not being reunited with him. This phrase was also used by Asiah RA when she found Musa (AS) and said ‘May this baby become the coolness of my eyes.’ She hoped to seek refuge in the care of this baby, from her tyrannical husband.
Therefore, when we ask Allah to bestow upon us spouses and children who are the ‘coolness of our eyes’, we are asking Him to grant us such intense happiness and comfort that they make us want to cry with joy.
RABBANA DU’A 33
رَبَّنَا لَغَفُورٌ شَكُورٌ
Rabbana la Ghafurun shakur
“Our Lord is Forgiving and Appreciative”
[35:34 ]
Numerous hadith speak of the importance of gratitude, but it’s interesting to think of this as being a quality of Allah. Allah is ‘As-Shakur’, the One who is grateful, meaning the One who acknowledges even the little things you do for Him and rewards you for it.
Emulating a certain attribute of Allah (of the ones that can be) means that Allah Himself will give more from that attribute. I.e. if we are merciful to others, He will be merciful towards us. If we are appreciative to Him and to others, He will be appreciative of us.
The combination of this name with Allah being forgiving may show that no matter how much we thank Allah, this will never truly match the blessings He has given us. For example, if one was to prostate to Allah every day for the next five years, this would still not be enough to thank Allah adequately for his eyesight. Yet, Allah forgives us for this lack and still appreciates the good we do and the thanks we give سُبْحَانَ ٱللَّٰهِ.
RABBANA DU’A 34
رَبَّنَا وَسِعْتَ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ رَّحْمَةً وَعِلْمًا فَاغْفِرْ لِلَّذِینَ تَابُوا وَاتَّبَعُوا سَبِیلَكَ وَقِھِمْ عَذَابَ الْجَحِیمِ
Rabbanaa wasi’ta kulla shai’ir rahmatanw wa ‘ilman faghfir lillazeena taaboo wattaba’oo sabeelaka wa qihim ‘azaabal Jaheem
“Our Lord, You have encompassed all things in mercy and knowledge, so forgive those who have repented and followed Your way and protect them from the punishment of Hellfire.”
[40:7]
This describes the du’a of the angels who carry the Throne of Allah. Allah is so incredibly merciful that He designated angels in his presence to ask for the forgiveness of those who believe in Him, repent to Him and follow his way.
Imagine the sinless creation of Allah making du’a for you - it is bound to be accepted. In order for us to fall into this category, however, we need to ensure we are of those who repent and follow the path of Allah.
RABBANA DU’A 35
رَبَّنَا وَأَدْخِلْھُمْ جَنَّاتِ عَدْنٍ الَّتِي وَعَدتَّھُم وَمَن صَلَحَ مِنْ آبَائِھِمْ وَأَزْوَاجِھِمْ وَذُرِّیَّاتِھِمْ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْعَزِیزُ الْحَكِیمُ وَقِھِمُ السَّیِّئَاتِ وَمَن تَقِ السَّیِّئَاتِ یَوْمَئِذٍ فَقَدْ رَحِمْتَھُ وَذَلِكَ ھُوَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِیمُ
Rabbana wa adhkhilhum Jannati ‘adninil-lati wa’attahum wa man salaha min aba’ihim wa azwajihim wa dhuriyyatihim innaka antal ‘Azizul-Hakim, 9. waqihimus saiyi’at wa man taqis-saiyi’ati yawma’idhin faqad rahimatahu wa dhalika huwal fawzul-‘Adheem
“Our Lord, and admit them to gardens of perpetual residence which You have promised them and whoever was righteous among their forefathers, their spouses and their offspring. Indeed, it is You who is the Exalted in Might, the Wise. And protect them from the evil consequences [of their deeds]. And he whom You protect from evil consequences that Day – You will have given him mercy. And that is the great attainment.”
[ 40:8-9]
This is a continuation of the du’a above, made by the angels who carry the Throne of Allah for people who believe in Allah, repent to Him and follow His way.
This du’a asks Allah to admit, not just ourselves, into the gardens of paradise but also our righteous family members. It calls upon Allah by His names ‘Al-Hakeem’ (The Wise) and ‘Al-Aziz’ (The Mighty). It asks Allah to save us from the Hellfire and affirms that this is his ultimate mercy and our ultimate triumph.
We should be grateful to Allah for creating angels who make such beautiful du’a for us.
RABBANA DU’A 36
رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لَنَا وَلِإِخْوَانِنَا الَّذِينَ سَبَقُونَا بِالْإِيمَانِ وَلَا تَجْعَلْ فِي قُلُوبِنَا غِلًّا لِّلَّذِينَ اٰمَنُوا
Rabbanagh fir lanaa wa li ikhwaani nal lazeena sabqoonaa bil eemaani wa laa taj’al fee quloobinaa ghillalil lazeena aamanoo
“Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith and put not in our hearts [any] resentment toward those who have believed.”
[59:10]
The Qur’an describes the Muhajirun, the Ansar and the later generations as three groups of believers, each with different circumstances, contexts and privileges, yet they are all united by a common thread; they help their fellow muslims and form part of a greater brotherhood/sisterhood. The Muhajirin, by fighting in the cause of Allah, the Ansar by accommodating for the emigrés and the later generations by making du’a for their brothers and sisters and honouring their contributions.
‘Those who preceded us in faith’ refers to those who who embraced Islam before the emigration from Makkah to Yathrib (the Muhajirin). Those who came after would be everyone who accepted Islam after the migration. This du’a reminds us that we are all one Ummah and we must continue with love in our hearts for our community and resist being envious of any good Allah has bestowed upon others.
A Muslim should mention his ancestors, make du’a for them, love the companions of the Messenger of Allah and pray for Allah to be pleased with them.
RABBANA DU’A 37
رَبَّنَآ إِنَّكَ رَؤُوفٌ رَّحِیمٌ
Rabbannaaa innaka Ra’oofur Raheem
“Our Lord, indeed You are Kind and Merciful.”
[59:10]
The name ‘Ar-Ra’uf’ (The Most Kind, Compassionate) appears ten times in the Qur’an. Of these ten times, it appears together with the name ‘Ar-Rahim’ (The Most Merciful) eight times. The name ‘Ar-Ra’uf’ can be said to describe Allah showing compassion/kindness/tenderness in good times, whereas the name ‘Ar-Rahim’ can refer to Allah’s mercy through both good times and hardships, i.e. the blessings Allah sends in the form of hardships. These two names complement each other and we can understand Allah to be lovingly merciful through both good and bad times.
The Prophet SAW was also described to be ‘Ra’uf’ (although the name ‘Al-Ra’uf is of course exclusively reserved for Allah). Aisha (RA) reported: The Prophet, SAW, said, “Verily, gentleness (kindness) is not found in anything but that it beautifies it, and it is not removed from anything but that it disgraces it.”
We should strive to show kindness to others if we wish for Allah to show kindness to us.
RABBANA DU’A 38
رَّبَّنَا عَلَیْكَ تَوَكَّلْنَا وَإِلَیْكَ أَنَبْنَا وَإِلَیْكَ الْمَصِیرُ
Rabbanaa ‘alaika tawakkalnaa wa ilaika anabnaa wa ilaikal maseer
“Our Lord, upon You we have relied, and to You we have returned, and to You is the destination.”
[60:4]
This is a du’a showing complete trust and reliance in Allah. It is a comforting du’a, especially in times of hardship, as it reminds us of the temporary nature of this life, and that our final destination is when we return to Allah. Any pain or suffering we are going through is therefore also temporary.
RABBANA DU’A 39
رَبَّنَا لَا تَجْعَلْنَا فِتْنَةً لِّلَّذِینَ كَفَرُوا وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا رَبَّنَآ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْعَزِیزُ الْحَكِیمُ
Rabbana laa taj’alnaa fitnatal lillazeena kafaroo waghfir lanaa rabbanaaa innaka antal azeezul hakeem
“Our Lord, make us not [objects of] torment for the disbelievers and forgive us, our Lord. Indeed, it is You who is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.”
[60:5]
The Prophet Ibrahim (AS) recited this du’a, asking for the victory of the believers over the non-believers. Being made ‘objects of torment’ for the disbelievers refers to the fact that they would have questioned how the believers lost if what they claimed was true. This is a good example of calling upon Allah using a name which is befitting to your particular situation as the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) calls upon Allah using the name ‘Al-Hakeem’ meaning the Wise. Of course, Allah was aware of the statement Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was making and He knew how the disbelievers would handle victory, however Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was also affirming to Himself that Allah is the Most Wise and everything which happens is already written in His plan, therefore he would accept whatever came his way, knowing it had come from Allah.
RABBANA DU’A 40
رَبَّنَآ أَتْمِمْ لَنَا نُورَنَا وَاغْفِرْ لَنَآ ۖ إِنَّكَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِیرٌ
Rabbanaaa atmim lanaa nooranaa waghfir lana innaka ‘alaa kulli shai’in qadeer
“Our Lord, perfect for us our light and forgive us. Indeed, You are over all things competent.”
[66:8]
The full verse containing this du’a reads:
“O believers! Turn to Allah in sincere repentance, so your Lord may absolve you of your sins and admit you into Gardens, under which rivers flow, on the Day Allah will not disgrace the Prophet or the believers with him. Their light will shine ahead of them and on their right. They will say, “Our Lord! Perfect our light for us, and forgive us. [For] You are truly Most Capable of everything.””
This is a beautiful reminder that Islam is not simply reserved for the pious. Jannah is full of sinners who repented. In contrast to people in this world who may wait for you to sin and fall in error, Allah awaits your repentance and openly welcomes it; He is happy when you turn to Him.
We are told in the Qur’an that believing men and women will have a light shining from them on the day of judgement, whereas the hypocrites will be stumbling in darkness. This du’a asks Allah to perfect for us our light on that day, meaning to make us one of those true believing men or women who is granted Jannah. It then goes on to ask for forgiveness and affirm Allah’s greatness, so it directly relates back to the command to turn to Allah in sincere repentance.
