It's almost maghrib, and your kids are hovering near the table. Your youngest asks, "What do we say before we eat?" You pause. Was it that dua from the Instagram post? Or the one Aunty forwarded in the family chat?
Here's the thing: between social media graphics and well-meaning messages, it's gotten confusing. What's actually authentic? What did the Prophet ﷺ teach us?
This guide cuts through the noise. Here are some of the authentic duas for the month of Ramadan that we have extracted from the Qur'an and Sahih hadith. Just simple, meaningful supplications you can trust and teach your family. It doesn't matter if you are fasting, breaking your fast, or looking for Laylatul Qadr; you are sure to find what you really need for a blessed Ramadan.
Why Dua Is So Powerful During the Month of Ramadan
But why is dua during Ramadan so special? What makes this month different?
Here's the thing—dua isn't just about asking for stuff. It's worship. When you raise your hands and talk to Allah, you're saying, "I need You. Only You can help me." And that? That's everything.
Ramadan has this way of humbling us. We're hungry. We're tired. We're stripped down to what really matters. And in that rawness, our duas become real. No pretense, no performance; just you and Allah SWT.
The Prophet ﷺ told us that the dua of a fasting person is among those that are not rejected… Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3598
Read that again. Not. Rejected. Allah's mercy is always there.
Want your kids to feel this connection too? Islamic Galaxy has authentic, simple resources that make learning about Islam joyful for the whole family. Check out our Ramadan rules for kids here
Now, timing matters. Let's talk about when your duas have the best chance of being answered.
When Are Duas Most Likely to Be Accepted in Ramadan?
Allah is always listening to us, regardless of the situation. Yet sometimes during the month of Ramadan, your duas seem to be more powerful than ever. The bond feels so strong, and the indication is that He is by your side.
1. While You're Fasting
The Prophet ﷺ said that three people's duas will never be turned away by Allah, and one of them is the fasting person (Ibn Majah). So basically, your entire day is blessed. Every time you think of Allah while you're tired or thirsty or stressed out, that prayer counts. Big time.
2. Just Before Iftar
Those last minutes before maghrib when you're completely wiped out? That's actually when your dua is strongest. I know you're busy getting food ready or whatever, but seriously, take even 30 seconds. Ask Allah for what you need. This is the time.
3. During Sujood
Being in prostration is the closest you can get to Allah. (Sahih Muslim). Don't just get up instantly again. Lie down for a few moments and fully express your emotions. It's personal, it's intense.
4. The Last Third of the Night
Yeah, I know. You're really tired, and your bed is just so cozy. But Allah actually descends and calls out, "Who will call on Me?" (Sahih Bukhari). At least one time during Ramadan, you should really give it a try. Just get up 15 minutes earlier than Fajr and have a word with Him only. It is an experience you won't regret.
5. Between Adhan and Iqamah
That quick time after the adhan but before prayer starts? Don't just sit there. Make dua. The Prophet ﷺ said prayers aren't rejected then (Tirmidhi).
So those are your power moments.
So, what can you say to yourself during the day while you're fasting, and you need a simple but meaningful thing to keep you going? Let's find out.
Dua During Ramadan Fasting (Daytime Duas)
Keeping away from food for the entire day can be quite difficult. You might feel worn out, perhaps a little irritable, and sometimes you just crave something to hold on to.
Want to hear the good news? No, you don’t have to say long, complicated prayers. Here are a few simple duas which you can repeat all day long when you feel that you need more strength or help with forgiveness.
Dua For Patience & Strength
رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِي صَدْرِي
Rabbi ishrah li sadri
"O my Lord, expand my chest [with assurance]"
(Qur'an 20:25)
It was part of the Prophet Musa (AS )'s response when he felt overwhelmed. Whenever you find fasting is getting tough at 3 in the afternoon and you start to wonder how you'll be able to continue, just say this.
Dua For Forgiveness
أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ
Astaghfirullah wa atubu ilayh
"I seek Allah's forgiveness and repent to Him."
Note: Say it throughout the day as often as you can. It's brief, straightforward, and you can softly utter it at any time.
Dua of Prophet Yunus (AS)
لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ
La ilaha illa anta subhanaka inni kuntu minaz-zalimeen
"There is no deity except You; glory be to You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers."
(Qur'an 21:87)
This dua got Prophet Yunus (AS) out of some serious trouble. Allah says He answers anyone who calls on Him with these words. Keep it in your back pocket for when you really need help.
Now, after a long day of fasting and making these duas, there's one special moment that deserves its own spotlight: breaking your fast at iftar.
Dua to Break Fast During Ramadan (The Iftar Dua)
Remember when we mentioned that the last few minutes before iftar are very powerful for dua?... Well, the moment you actually break your fast is just as special. The Prophet ﷺ told us that a fasting person's dua won't be rejected, especially right when they break their fast (Ibn Majah). So don't just grab that date and gulp down water without saying something first.
The Iftar Dua month of Ramadan:
ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ وَثَبَتَ الأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ
Dhahaba al-zama' wa abtalat al-'urooq wa thabata al-ajru insha'Allah
"The thirst has gone, the veins are moist, and the reward is confirmed, if Allah wills."
Abu Dawud (hasan)
Alternative Version (Also Practiced):
اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ صُمْتُ وَعَلَى رِزْقِكَ أَفْطَرْتُ
Allahumma laka sumtu wa 'ala rizqika aftartu
"O Allah, for You I have fasted, and with Your provision I have broken my fast."
Note: There are varying opinions among scholars on the chain of authenticity of this report; however, it is widely used by Muslims.
Family Tip: Have one person say the dua out loud before anyone touches their food. Even your youngest can join in by saying "Ameen" at the end. It takes 10 seconds and makes iftar feel more meaningful.
Want to make these Ramadan duas easier for your kids to learn? Islamic Galaxy has family-friendly Ramadan activities that turn learning into something fun.
Speaking of family, let's talk about building a simple dua routine that works for real life, not just Instagram-perfect moments.
Daily Duas for Ramadan (Simple Family Routine)
Alright, throw away those picture-perfect Ramadan schedules. Here is what you can do realistically:
Morning (After Fajr)
If you manage morning adhkar, mashallah. But if you're barely awake and rushing around, at least get this one in:
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً
Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan
"Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter"
Qur'an 2:201
During the Day
Say "Astaghfirullah" whenever Allah pops into your head. Doing laundry? Say it. Waiting for your coffee? Say it. That's it.
Before Iftar
Five minutes to maghrib, drop everything and start a conversation with Allah. It doesn't matter if children are screaming or food is burning. Just stop and make dua.
After Isha
Get the kids to say their bedtime duas. Read some Qur'an if you're not dead tired. Short and sweet wins.
Honestly, if every single day during Ramadan the only thing you get right is the iftar dua, then you have already won. Just stop comparing yourself with people's highlights.
You must have seen those posts going viral, right? Those posts talking about special duas for the first 10 days, different for the next 10, then the last 10? Yup, we really need to talk about what is really authentic and what people just keep sharing without checking their sources.
Ramadan Dua for First 10 Days: What's Authentic?
Alright, we need to have a frank talk. Remember those posts that split Ramadan into three parts? The first ten days for mercy, the next ten days for forgiveness, and the last ten days against the hellfire? Yeah, those get shared everywhere.
But here's what nobody wants to tell you: that breakdown isn't from any authentic hadith. The day-by-day dua lists? Also not authentic. It has been going on forever, I know, and your aunt is probably the one who forwarded it to the whole family on WhatsApp, but researchers have been unable to track down an original and credible source for it.
Look, I understand. It seems nice and well arranged, and people share it with great intentions. We do, however, have to acknowledge what truly originated from the Prophet ﷺ and what is merely tradition.
Just make duas for mercy whenever you want. Allah's mercy isn't boxed into some 10-day period anyway. One such lovely one right from the Qur'an that you can say at any time:
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً
Rabbana atina min ladunka rahmah
"Our Lord, grant us mercy from Yourself."
Qur'an 18:10
Say it morning, evening, whenever it just feels right. Just don't worry about which day you're on.
Those final 10 nights? That's a whole different story. In fact, the Prophet ﷺ taught a particular dua for those nights and most especially for Laylatul Qadr. And that one is definitely 100% authentic.
Dua for the Last 10 Days of Ramadan (Laylatul Qadr)
The last 10 nights of Ramadan hit different. Why? Because buried in there somewhere is Laylatul Qadr—one night better than a thousand months. That's literally 83 years of worship into a few hours.
So what do you say?
The Dua for Laylatul Qadr:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul al afwa fa Ifu anni
"O Allah, You are Pardoning, and You love to pardon, so pardon me."
Source: Tirmidhi (authentic).
Aisha (RA) asked the Prophet ﷺ what to say on Laylatul Qadr, and he told her this exact dua.
This isn't just asking Allah to forgive you. It's asking Him to completely erase it. Like it never happened. That's what pardon means. Way bigger deal.
When? Many people observe Laylat al-Qadr on the odd nights—21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, 29th. Most scholars emphasize the odd nights, though some hold it may occur on any of the last ten. Here's what I do: on all of the last ten nights, I set your alarm for like 3 AM. Get up, say this dua, and pray my heart out as much as I can; that's the best thing you can do
Got kids? Don't stress about keeping them up all night. Half an hour is fine. Older kids can handle it. Younger ones? Let them stay up for 10 minutes and feel special, then send them to bed.
Islamic Galaxy has these guides specifically for Laylatul Qadr that make it way easier to keep everyone on track
But real quick—what if your Arabic isn't great? Or what if you just want to talk to Allah in your own words? Can you do that? Let's address that right now.
Teaching Kids Duas During Ramadan (Parent Guide)
Teaching kids duas shouldn't be a difficult task. You just have to connect it to their level.
Ages 3-5: Keep It Super Simple
One or two words max. "Bismillah" before eating. "Alhamdulillah" after. That's it. Say it with them every single time until it becomes automatic. Repetition is your friend here.
Ages 6-9: Add Some Meaning
Now they can handle 2-3 short duas with actual meanings. Demonstrate how to recite the iftar dua to them and potentially one Qur'anic dua. Write them on colorful cards and stick them around the house—bathroom mirror, fridge, their bedroom door. They'll see it, they'll remember it.
Ages 10+: Go Deeper
They're ready for full duas in Arabic. The Laylatul Qadr dua, morning and evening adhkar, the whole thing. Review together at night. Better yet, have them teach the younger kids. They'll remember it better that way.
Family Activity: Make a "Ramadan Dua Journal" together. Pick one dua each day. Let the kids decorate it, write out the transliteration, and draw what it means to them. They'll actually look forward to it.
Looking for ready-made dua cards and Ramadan activities that don't require you to DIY everything? Islamic Galaxy has age-appropriate Islamic resources that make this way easier.
Conclusion
Ramadan isn't a checklist you need to ace. It's a gift you get to unwrap however you can.
You don't need to memorize every dua in this article or wake up at 3 AM every night or do everything right. Just pick one dua that hits you in the chest and say it like you mean it. That's literally all Allah's asking for.
Let dua be your thing this Ramadan. Not a chore, just a conversation. Whether you learn ten duas or stick with one, whether it's in perfect Arabic or broken English, none of that matters. What matters is you're showing up and talking to Him. He's not grading you. He's just glad you're there.
If you want help making Ramadan work for your actual real-life family—not the picture-perfect Instagram version—Islamic Galaxy's got resources that don't feel like extra
homework. Dua cards, activity guides, stuff that actually makes sense when you've got kids running around and barely enough time to breathe.
FAQs
1. What is the most important dua to say during Ramadan?
The dua for Laylatul Qadr taught by Prophet ﷺ: "Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa Ifuanni." However, any sincere dua from the heart—whether in Arabic or your own language—is valuable and accepted by Allah.
2. Can I make dua in English during Ramadan?
Yes! Allah understands all languages. While learning Arabic duas is beautiful, never let language be a barrier. The Prophet ﷺ said Allah looks at your heart and sincerity, not your eloquence or words.
3. Do children need to memorize duas in Arabic?
Start with understanding the meaning in their language first. Arabic can come gradually as they grow. Even if they only learn one short dua this Ramadan, celebrate that progress with them.
