The Dua and Prayer of Need (Hajat/Hacet): Recitation, Meaning and How to Perform It
Quick Answer
The dua of need (hajat) is a supplication made to Allah for a wish or need to be fulfilled; it is usually recited after a voluntary two-rakah prayer of need. The dua the Prophet taught begins: 'La ilaha illallahu'l-halimu'l-karim, subhanallahi Rabbi'l-'arshi'l-'azim...' The prayer of need is performed by making wudu and praying two rakahs, then presenting the wish to Allah sincerely, along with praise and blessings on the Prophet.
What Are the Dua and Prayer of Need?
The word hajat means "need, wish." The prayer of need is a voluntary prayer performed for a wish to be fulfilled; the dua of need is the supplication recited after this prayer (or separately). The Prophet said:
"Whoever has a need from Allah or from people, let him make a thorough ablution, then pray two rakahs, then praise Allah and send blessings on His Prophet, then recite [the dua of need]." (Tirmidhi, Witr 17)
โ ๏ธ Note: Dua and prayer do not replace effort. While performing the prayer of need for work, an exam, or provision, one must also work and take the practical means available.
How Is the Prayer of Need Performed?
- Perform a thorough ablution (wudu). (For guidance โ How to Perform Wudu)
- Form the intention for the prayer of need.
- Pray two rakahs:
- 1st rakah: Al-Fatihah + Ayatul Kursi
- 2nd rakah: Al-Fatihah + Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, An-Nas
- After the salam, raise your hands and praise Allah.
- Send blessings on the Prophet (for example, the Salat al-Tunjina).
- Recite the dua of need and present your wish to Allah sincerely.
The most favoured time: the last third of the night (tahajjud and the pre-dawn hours).
The Prophet's Dua of Need
Arabic
ููุง ุฅููููฐูู ุฅููููุง ุงูููููู ุงููุญููููู ู ุงููููุฑููู ูุ ุณูุจูุญูุงูู ุงูููููู ุฑูุจูู ุงููุนูุฑูุดู ุงููุนูุธููู ูุ ุงููุญูู ูุฏู ููููููู ุฑูุจูู ุงููุนูุงููู ูููู
Transliteration
La ilaha illallahu'l-halimu'l-karim. Subhanallahi Rabbi'l-'arshi'l-'azim. Al-hamdu lillahi Rabbi'l-'alamin.
Meaning
"There is no deity except Allah, the Forbearing, the Generous. Glory be to Allah, Lord of the Mighty Throne. Praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the worlds."
โ Tirmidhi, Salat 348. After this dua, the need is stated openly and sincerely to Allah.
Related Duas by Purpose
- For work and provision: Duas for Provision and Finding Work
- For exams and success: Duas to Recite Before an Exam
- For health and healing: Duas for the Sick
Frequently Asked Questions
At which times is the prayer of need not performed?
Voluntary prayer is not performed during the disliked hours (at sunrise, when the sun is at its zenith, and at sunset). Outside of these, it may be performed at any time; the most virtuous time is at night.
For how many days should I recite the dua of need?
There is no fixed limit. One may continue supplicating patiently and persistently until the wish is fulfilled. The Prophet advised against being impatient in dua.
Can I perform the prayer of need every day?
Yes, since it is a voluntary prayer, it can be performed whenever a need arises, or regularly. Consistency is itself a means to a dua being accepted.
The Dua of Need in the Nurlu App
To perform the prayer and dua of need regularly:
- a step-by-step guide to the prayer and dua, always within reach
- a tahajjud/pre-dawn reminder to catch the most favoured time
- a dhikr counter to track your blessings and remembrance
Download Nurlu for free โ Get it on the App Store
๐ See also: The Salat al-Tunjina Dua ยท Duas for Provision and Work ยท All Duas
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the prayer of need (salat al-hajah) performed?
Perform a thorough wudu, then pray two rakahs. In the first rakah, it is recommended to recite Ayatul Kursi after Al-Fatihah; in the second, Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq and An-Nas after Al-Fatihah. After the prayer, praise Allah, send blessings on the Prophet, and recite the dua of need, presenting the wish to Allah sincerely.
What is the dua of need, and when is it recited?
It is a dua recited for a wish to be granted. It may be recited after the prayer of need, or at any other time. It is considered more readily accepted when performed at night (during tahajjud) or in the pre-dawn hours. What matters most is sincerity, patience, and leaving the outcome to Allah.
How many rakahs is the prayer of need?
According to common practice, it is two rakahs. Some narrations mention four or twelve rakahs, but the best-known and simplest form is two. As it is a voluntary prayer, it can be performed at any time outside the disliked (makruh) hours.
I made the dua of need but my wish wasn't granted โ why?
Allah answers a dua in one of three ways: He grants what was asked, He wards off a greater harm because of it, or He stores its reward for the hereafter (Tirmidhi). If what we ask for is not good for us, it may not be given. Trusting that 'Allah knows best' and remaining patient is the essential attitude.
For which wishes can the prayer of need be performed?
It can be performed for any permissible wish: work, health, marriage, an exam, freedom from debt, a good decision, and so on. It should not be made for anything forbidden or harmful to another person. The wish must be legitimate, and effort must accompany the dua.
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Morning, evening and situational dua reminders โ in the app.