This article was co-authored by Idris Abdul-Zahir and by wikiHow staff writer, Dan Hickey. Idris Abdul-Zahir is a spiritual leader, civic innovator, and IT executive based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He currently serves as the Resident Imam and Board Chair of Masjidullah: The Center for Human Excellence, where he has led one of the city’s most active and civically engaged Muslim congregations for over five years. Prior to that, he served as Assistant Imam for two years. Appointed in 2024 to Philadelphia’s first-ever Commission on Muslim Engagement and to Governor Josh Shapiro’s Advisory Commission for African American Affairs, Idris plays a key role in shaping inclusive policy and civic engagement across the state. In the public sector, Idris brings nearly two decades of experience in technology leadership. As Deputy Chief Information Officer, he oversees enterprise IT operations, including service strategy and communications infrastructure, with a focus on equitable digital transformation. Idris Abdul-Zahir is committed to transforming systems, narratives, and lives through faith, service, and inclusive leadership.
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The dua e hajat (prayer of need) is a voluntary prayer separate from the 5 daily obligatory prayers in Islam. With this dua, worshipers ask Allah for guidance or help to fulfill their needs and wishes. In this article, we’ll show you how and when to perform the dua e hajat, plus explain why it’s important and the benefits of daily hajat.
Things You Should Know
- Perform wudu (stay in the form of wudu while reading dua hajat) and two rakats before reciting the dua e hajat. After speaking the prayer, ask Allah to fulfill your needs and close with “Allahumma Ameen.”
- Dua e hajat can be performed at any time except for the hours from Subah to sunrise, when the sun is at meridian, and from Asr to sunset.
- The dua e hajat is a reminder that Allah is the ultimate provider; all blessings and guidance come from Him.
Steps
Performing Dua e Hajat
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Perform wudu (ritual cleansing or ablutions). Wudu ensures you’re physically and spiritually clean before prayer. First, say “Bismillah” (“in the name of God”) and wash your hands up to the wrists 3 times, wasting as little water as possible. Then, rinse your mouth and nose 3 times each.[4]
- Next, wash your entire face and beard (if you have one) 3 times, followed by your arms and hands from the fingertips to the elbows, 3 times.
- Wipe your head and then your ears next using fresh water.
- Next, wash your feet thoroughly 3 times, making sure to get between the toes and around the back of the ankle.
- Finish with this prayer: “Ash-hadu an laa ilaaha ill-Allahu wahdahu laa shareeka lah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa Rasooluh. Allahumma-j‘alni minat-tawwabeen wa-j‘alni minal-mutatahhireen.”
- In English: “I bear witness that none has the right to be worshiped but Allah Alone, Who has no partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. O Allah! Make me among the repentant and make me among those who purify themselves.”
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Perform two rakats in a quiet place facing Mecca. A rakat is a single unit or iteration of prayer that is part of the obligatory prayers, or salahs. Find a quiet, clean spot to pray and position yourself to face the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca (you may perform the rakats standing or seated). Perform the rakats with the intention of Nafl Salaat, or non-obligatory prayer. The two rakats in order are:
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Surah Al-Fatiha: “Bismi Allahi alrrahmani alrraheemi. Alhamdu lillahi rabbi alalameena; Alrrahmani alrraheemi; Maliki yawmi alddeeni. Iyyaka nabudu wa-iyyaka nastaeenu. Ihdina alssirata almustaqeema; Sirata allatheena anamta alayhim ghayri almaghdoobi alayhim wala alddalleena.”[5]
- In English: “In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds; Most Gracious, Most Merciful; Master of the Day of Judgment. Thee do we worship, and Thine aid we seek. Show us the straight way; The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace, those whose (portion) is not wrath, and who go not astray.”
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Surah Al-Ikhlas: “Qul huwa laahu ahad. Allah hus-samad. Lam yalid wa lam yoolad. Wa lam yakul-lahu kufuwan ahad.”[6]
- In English: “He is Allah, the One and Only; Allah, the Eternal, Absolute; He begetteth not, nor is He begotten; And there is none like unto Him.”
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Surah Al-Fatiha: “Bismi Allahi alrrahmani alrraheemi. Alhamdu lillahi rabbi alalameena; Alrrahmani alrraheemi; Maliki yawmi alddeeni. Iyyaka nabudu wa-iyyaka nastaeenu. Ihdina alssirata almustaqeema; Sirata allatheena anamta alayhim ghayri almaghdoobi alayhim wala alddalleena.”[5]
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Raise your hands, recite the dua sincerely, then make your request. Surrender your needs to Allah and have faith that He will grant your wishes when He deems it the right time. Recite the dua e hajat first, then ask Allah for your specific need.[7] When you’re finished, say “Allahumma Ameen” (“Oh Allah, hear my prayer”).[8]
- Ask for anything as long as you’re genuine and your intentions won’t harm somebody else. For example, ask for love, help with an illness or injury, better financial luck, or for the wellbeing of your loved ones.
Expert Q&A
Video
Tips
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Dua e hajat is also known as dua hajat, salatul hajat, dua for hajja, or the hajjah prayer.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://simplyislam.academy/blog/how-to-perform-salatul-hajat-prayer-in-need
- ↑ https://zamzam.com/blog/salatul-hajat/
- ↑ https://simplyislam.academy/blog/how-to-perform-salatul-hajat-prayer-in-need
- ↑ https://muslimhands.org.uk/latest/2018/05/how-to-perform-wudu
- ↑ https://www.webpages.uidaho.edu/~rfrey/PDF/166/Islam/166Surah%201.pdf
- ↑ https://hajjah.net/surah-al-ikhlas-in-arabic-with-english-translation-and-transliteration/
- ↑ https://simplyislam.academy/blog/how-to-perform-salatul-hajat-prayer-in-need
- ↑ https://myislam.org/allahumma-ameen/
- ↑ https://muslim.sg/articles/how-to-perform-solat-hajat