A Du’ā the Prophet ﷺ Said Will Always Be Answered
There are moments in life when we are desperate for Allah’s help, when we need our du’ā to be heard and answered. In those times, the words we choose can hold great weight, especially if they carry meanings beloved to Allah.
One such du’ā is mentioned in an authentic narration, where the Prophet ﷺ heard a man calling upon Allah with these words:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ بِأَنِّي أَشْهَدُ أَنَّكَ أَنْتَ اللَّهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ، الْأَحَدُ الصَّمَدُ، الَّذِي لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ، وَلَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ
Transliteration:
Allāhumma innī as’aluka bi-annī ash-hadu annaka anta Allāh, lā ilāha illā anta, al-Aḥadu aṣ-Ṣamad, alladhī lam yalid wa lam yūlad, wa lam yakun lahu kufuwan aḥad.
Meaning:
“O Allah, I ask You, as I bear witness that You are Allah. There is no deity except You, the One, the Self-Sufficient Master, who neither begets nor is born, and there is none comparable to Him.”
When the Prophet ﷺ heard these words, he said:
“By the One in Whose hand is my soul, he has asked Allah by His Greatest Name (al-Ism al-Aʿẓam), which if He is asked by it, He gives, and if He is called upon by it, He answers.”
(Jāmiʿ al-Tirmidhī, 3475 – authenticated by al-Albānī)
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Why is this du’ā so powerful?
1. It calls upon Allah with His Greatest NameThe Prophet ﷺ confirmed that this supplication contains al-Ism al-Aʿẓam (the Greatest Name of Allah). Scholars say this refers to the name Allah itself, or to the declaration of His Oneness as described in Sūrat al-Ikhlāṣ. When a person makes du’ā with this name, they are calling on Allah with the most complete recognition of His majesty and uniqueness.
2. It affirms pure tawḥīd (Oneness of Allah) These words are not just a request; they are a testimony. By reciting them, we are declaring that Allah is One, Eternal, Self-Sufficient, unlike any of His creation. This is one of the most beloved forms of dhikr and du’ā, because it combines both glorification and supplication.
3. It reminds us of Allah’s transcendenceWhen we say “He neither begets nor is born, and there is none comparable to Him,” we affirm that Allah is far beyond human limitations, weaknesses, or needs. Our hearts feel more at peace knowing the One we are turning to is completely self-sufficient, powerful, and above all creation.
When can we use this du’ā?
When making any personal request, whether for forgiveness, guidance, provision, or relief from hardship.
When feeling overwhelmed, to remind ourselves Who we are calling upon.
As part of our daily du’ā routine, to bring barakah and draw closer to Allah.
At the times du’ās are answered.
Recite this du’ā often for our brothers and sisters in Gaza and across the Ummah who are suffering, oppressed, or in need.
It can be recited on its own or as an introduction before asking for specific needs, as it carries a weight of sincerity and a testimony of faith.
You can use it like this:
“Allāhumma innī as’aluka bi-annī ash-hadu annaka anta Allāh, lā ilāha illā anta…” and after completing the du’ā, ask for the specific needs – whether for your family, yourself, or the oppressed Ummah.
For example:
“O Allah, by Your Greatest Name, grant victory, relief, and protection to the people of Gaza. Grant them safety, food, shelter, and peace. Remove their suffering, ease their hearts, and grant them strength and patience. Protect the oppressed wherever they may be, and bless the entire Ummah with guidance, unity, and mercy.”
Every time we make du’ā, we speak to the One who is Self-Sufficient and in need of nothing, yet He answers every sincere heart. This du’ā begins by glorifying Him, affirming His Oneness, and recognising His greatness before presenting our requests. It teaches us to put Allah first in our hearts and on our tongues, and to trust that His response will always be what is best.
May Allah make us from those whose tongues and hearts are always calling upon Him with these words, and may He grant us the blessings of calling on Him by His Greatest Name.