What dua do I say when I hear good news?
When you hear good news, say "Alhamdulillahi alladhi bi ni'matihi tatimmus-salihat" (praise be to Allah, by whose grace good things are completed), or simply "Alhamdulillah". The Prophet ﷺ also sometimes fell into a prostration of thanks (sujud ash-shukr) when good news reached him.
The sunnah words
Aisha said that when the Prophet ﷺ saw something he liked, he said, "Alhamdulillahi alladhi bi ni'matihi tatimmus-salihat" (Sunan Ibn Majah 3803; graded hasan by al-Albani, though some scholars grade it weak). It's perfect for a job offer, a positive test result, a pregnancy announcement or passing your driving test.
A plain "Alhamdulillah" is also completely fine. See What does "Alhamdulillah" mean and when do I say it?
The prostration of thanks
Abu Bakrah reported that when something pleasing came to the Prophet ﷺ, he would fall down in prostration, thanking Allah (Sunan Abi Dawud 2774). When Ka'b ibn Malik heard that Allah had accepted his repentance, he immediately prostrated (Sahih al-Bukhari 4418).
- It is one prostration, not a full prayer.
- Say "SubhanaRabbiyal-A'la" and thank Allah in your own words.
- Many scholars say you don't need wudu or to face the qiblah for it, while others recommend both. Either way, it's quick and simple.
It works much like the prostration for certain Quran verses. See What do I do when I reach a sajdah verse in the Quran?
Gratitude brings more
The Prophet ﷺ said the affair of the believer is amazing: if good comes to him, he is thankful, and that is good for him; if hardship comes, he is patient, and that is good for him too (Sahih Muslim 2999). Thankfulness in good times and patience in hard times are two sides of the same faith. For the other side, see What do I say when I hear bad news as a Muslim?
When it's someone else's good news
Congratulate them warmly and make dua for them. "Barakallahu lak" (may Allah bless it for you) and "Mabruk" (congratulations) are common. It also protects against envy, because you're asking Allah to increase their blessing rather than wishing it away.
- Say "Alhamdulillahi alladhi bi ni'matihi tatimmus-salihat" or simply "Alhamdulillah".
- A single prostration of thanks is a beautiful sunnah for big news.
- Allah promises more to those who are grateful (Quran 14:7).
- Greet others' good news with "Barakallahu lak".
People also ask
Should I ask Allah for patience or for ease?
Ask Allah for ease and well-being first, and for patience when hardship is already here. You can ask for both, as the Prophet taught.
Read the full answer →Can I make dua with my eyes closed?
Yes, you can make dua with your eyes closed. Outside salah there's no rule on it; inside salah, scholars allow it if it helps you focus.
Read the full answer →What dua do I say when I'm afraid of someone?
When you're afraid of someone, say "Allahumma inna naj'aluka fi nuhurihim" or "Hasbunallahu wa ni'mal wakil". Meanings, sources and safety tips.
Read the full answer →What dua do I say when I feel lazy?
The dua for laziness is "Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-'ajzi wal-kasal." Learn its meaning, the morning sunnah and small steps that help.
Read the full answer →What is Sayyid al-Istighfar?
Sayyid al-Istighfar is the master dua for seeking forgiveness. Learn its words, meaning, the Paradise promise in Bukhari, and when to say it daily.
Read the full answer →