Can I ask other people to make dua for me?
Yes, asking a living person to pray for you is allowed and was done by the Companions. People asked the Prophet ﷺ himself for dua, and he told his Companions to ask a righteous man from Yemen to pray for them. Just keep making your own dua too: you don't need anyone in between you and Allah.
The Companions did it
- For rain: a man stood up during the Friday sermon, said the livestock were dying, and asked, "please pray to Allah for rain." The Prophet ﷺ raised his hands and prayed (Sahih al-Bukhari 1013).
- For illness: a woman with epilepsy asked him, "please invoke Allah for me." He gave her a choice between patience with Paradise or a dua for cure, and she chose patience but asked him to pray that she would not become uncovered, so he did (Sahih al-Bukhari 5652).
- For forgiveness: the Prophet ﷺ told his Companions that whoever met Uwais from Yemen "should ask him to supplicate for forgiveness (from Allah) for you" (Sahih Muslim 2542).
A popular narration in which the Prophet ﷺ asked Umar not to forget him in his dua is considered weak by many scholars (Sunan Abi Dawud 1498), so it's better not to rely on that one. The reports above are enough.
It's good for both of you
When a Muslim prays for you in your absence, the angels say the same good for them (Sahih Muslim 2732). So asking someone to pray for you isn't a burden on them; it's an invitation to earn reward. Many Muslims reply simply, "I'll keep you in my duas," and ask you to do the same for them.
A few things to keep in mind
- Keep praying yourself: Allah hears you directly. "I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me."
- Ask living people: asking a friend, imam or relative to pray for you is fine. Directing your requests to the dead or to saints is something scholars warn strongly against, because dua is worship meant for Allah alone.
- Don't depend on it: some scholars note it's better not to make a habit of asking others for everything, and to ask with the intention that they benefit too.
- No payment needed: you don't have to pay anyone to make dua for you. Be wary of anyone who charges for "special" prayers.
How to ask
Keep it simple: "Please make dua for me, I have an exam on Friday," or "Remember my mom in your duas, she's having surgery." You can ask your local mosque community, your convert support group or a trusted friend. If you're a new Muslim, many brothers and sisters will be glad to be asked. You might also like Can I make dua for someone without telling them? and Why isn't Allah answering my dua?
- Asking a living person for dua is allowed.
- The Companions asked the Prophet ﷺ and others.
- The one who prays for you is rewarded too.
- Never stop making your own dua.
People also ask
Can I read my duas from my phone or a paper?
Yes, outside prayer you can read duas from a phone, book or paper. Inside salah, use memorized duas; schools differ on reading.
Read the full answer →How do I send salawat on the Prophet?
Yes, it's easy: say "Sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam" when his name is mentioned. The full Ibrahimiyyah form is said in prayer.
Read the full answer →Can I make dua for someone without telling them?
Yes, praying for someone in their absence is a sunnah, and the angels pray the same good for you. Telling them is optional.
Read the full answer →What dua do I say when visiting someone who is sick?
Yes: say "La ba'sa, tahurun in sha Allah" or "As'alullahal-'Azim... an yashfiyak" seven times. Keep visits kind and short.
Read the full answer →What dua can I say when I'm sick?
Yes: hand on the pain, say Bismillah 3 times and "A'udhu billahi wa qudratihi..." 7 times. Make dua and see a doctor too.
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