What dua do I say when getting dressed?
Yes, there is one: for new clothes, the Prophet ﷺ thanked Allah and asked for the good of the garment. For everyday dressing, a simple "Alhamdulillah" (all praise is for Allah) is a good habit, and many Muslims also use a short dua of thanks reported in Sunan Abi Dawud. Starting with the right side is a sunnah too.
The dua for new clothes
When the Prophet ﷺ put on a new garment, he would name it (a turban, a shirt or a cloak) and then say:
- Arabic (transliterated): Allahumma lakal-hamdu, anta kasawtanihi, as'aluka khayrahu wa khayra ma suni'a lahu, wa a'udhu bika min sharrihi wa sharri ma suni'a lahu.
- Meaning: "O Allah, praise be to Thee! as Thou hast clothed me with it, I ask Thee for its good and the good of that for which it was made, and I seek refuge in Thee from its evil and the evil of that for which it was made" (Sunan Abi Dawud 4020). Jami' at-Tirmidhi has the same dua with the transliteration above (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 1767).
It fits a new coat, a new hijab, new shoes or a new work uniform. If the Arabic is hard at first, say the meaning in English while you learn it.
A dua for everyday dressing
A narration mentions thanking Allah when putting on a garment with these words: "Praise be to Allah Who has clothed me with this and provided me with it through no might and power on my part" (Sunan Abi Dawud 4023). Many Muslims use it daily. Scholars differ on the strength of its chain, so treat it as a good habit of gratitude rather than a strict requirement. Saying "Alhamdulillah" whenever you get dressed is always fine.
Right side first
The Prophet ﷺ "used to like to start from the right side on wearing shoes, combing his hair and cleaning or washing himself and on doing anything else" (Sahih al-Bukhari 168). For shoes he said: "put on the right shoe first; and if you want to take them off, take the left one first" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5855). Scholars apply the same to clothes:
- Putting on: right sleeve, right trouser leg and right shoe first.
- Taking off: left first.
- Forgot? No sin. It is a recommended habit, not a rule.
Gratitude, not just words
The point of these duas is to notice a blessing many people lack: clean, warm clothes. You can also follow the Companions' kind habit of wishing a friend well when they wear something new. For what modest clothing means in practice, see What does hijab actually cover? and Can I pray in jeans?
- New clothes: Allahumma lakal-hamdu, anta kasawtanihi... (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 1767).
- Everyday: "Alhamdulillah", or the longer dua of thanks many people use.
- Right side first when dressing, left first when undressing.
- These are sunnah habits; forgetting them is not a sin.
People also ask
What dua can I say when I feel anxious?
Yes, say "Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-hammi wal-hazan" and other sunnah duas, plus practical steps and help if it's serious.
Read the full answer →What do I say when I hear bad news as a Muslim?
Yes, say "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un" and ask Allah to reward you and replace your loss with better. Crying is allowed.
Read the full answer →Do I have to say "Ameen" after every dua?
No, your dua is valid without it. Ameen means "O Allah, accept". It's sunnah after al-Fatiha and a nice way to join others' duas.
Read the full answer →Can I make dua to marry a specific person?
Yes, if the marriage would be halal. Add "if they are good for me", pray istikhara, and take halal steps instead of secret dating.
Read the full answer →Can I make dua against someone who hurt me?
Yes, if you were truly wronged, but within limits, and forgiving is better when you can. The oppressed person's dua is powerful.
Read the full answer →