What are the "Rabbana" duas in the Quran?
The "Rabbana" duas are the prayers in the Quran that begin with "Rabbana", meaning "Our Lord". Collections usually list about 40 of them. They were said by prophets and believers, and you can use them in your own dua today, in Arabic or in their meaning.
What "Rabbana" means
"Rabb" means Lord, Sustainer and Caretaker, and "-na" means "our". So every Rabbana dua opens by calling on Allah as the One who looks after us. Many are said in the plural, which reminds you that you pray as part of a community, not alone. Some prophets also say "Rabbi" ("my Lord"), such as Moses asking for an open heart (Quran 20:25).
The best-known Rabbana duas
- Good in both worlds (Quran 2:201), above. Anas said this was the dua the Prophet ﷺ made most often (Sahih al-Bukhari 6389).
- Accept from us: "Our Lord, accept [this] from us" (Quran 2:127), said by Abraham and Ishmael while building the Kaaba.
- Forgive our mistakes: "Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or erred" (Quran 2:286), the closing lines of Surah al-Baqarah.
- Keep our hearts steady: "Our Lord, let not our hearts deviate after You have guided us" (Quran 3:8), below.
- We wronged ourselves: the dua of Adam and Eve after their mistake (Quran 7:23), a perfect dua of repentance.
- Guidance in our affairs: the dua of the young men of the cave (Quran 18:10).
- Family: "Our Lord, grant us from among our wives and offspring comfort to our eyes" (Quran 25:74).
- Forgive those before us: a dua for all the believers who came before (Quran 59:10).
When can I say them?
Any time: after prayer, in the last part of the night, on Friday, or simply when you need help. Many Muslims say Rabbana atina in the final sitting of their prayer, before the salam. See What are the best times to make dua?
A hadith in Sahih Muslim discourages reciting the Quran while bowing or prostrating. Many scholars still allow a Quranic dua in sujood if you say it as a dua, not as recitation, while others prefer you keep these duas for the sitting. Both views are followed.
Do I have to say them in Arabic?
No. Learning a few in Arabic is a beautiful goal, because they are Quran and you are rewarded for reciting them. But outside the obligatory parts of prayer you can always ask Allah in English with the same meaning. See Can I make dua in English during prayer? When you finish, you can raise or lower your hands as you like. See Should I wipe my face after making dua?
- "Rabbana" means "Our Lord"; about 40 Quranic duas begin with it.
- Rabbana atina (Quran 2:201) was the Prophet's most frequent dua.
- They cover forgiveness, steady faith, family and good in both worlds.
- You can say them any time, in Arabic or in their meaning.
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