Daily Duas for Beginners: Six Short Supplications to Learn First
Learning duas can feel like a big task. There are so many of them, and people often give up before they start. The good news is that you do not need to learn them all at once. A small number of short supplications, said at the same moments each day, can change how the day feels. This guide gives you six to start with, along with the meaning and where each one is reported, and some simple ways to remember them.
The Arabic texts below are the commonly taught wordings. If you want to check a wording or a ruling, please ask a qualified teacher, and read the sources named under each dua.
How to start
- Learn one dua a week. Say it at the right moment every day until it comes without thinking.
- Understand the meaning first. It is easier to remember what you understand.
- Attach it to a habit. The dua for waking goes with opening your eyes, and the dua for entering the mosque goes with the doorway.
- Listen to a teacher. Pronunciation is best learned by listening to someone who recites correctly.
1. When you wake up
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي أَحْيَانَا بَعْدَ مَا أَمَاتَنَا وَإِلَيْهِ النُّشُورُ
Meaning: All praise is for Allah who gave us life after He caused us to die, and to Him is the resurrection.
Source: Sahih al-Bukhari. Sleep is described as a kind of minor death, and waking up is a reminder of the greater return.
2. Before you sleep
بِاسْمِكَ اللَّهُمَّ أَمُوتُ وَأَحْيَا
Meaning: In Your name, O Allah, I die and I live.
Source: Sahih al-Bukhari. For more bedtime supplications, see our page on the dua before sleeping.
3. Before eating
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ
Meaning: In the name of Allah.
Source: The instruction to say Bismillah, eat with the right hand and eat from what is near you is in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. If you forget at the start, the report in Sunan Abi Dawud and Sunan al-Tirmidhi says to say Bismillahi awwalahu wa akhirahu (in the name of Allah at its beginning and at its end). See also our page on the dua for eating.
4. When leaving the house
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى اللَّهِ وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ
Meaning: In the name of Allah, I place my trust in Allah, and there is no power and no strength except with Allah.
Source: Reported in Sunan Abi Dawud and Sunan al-Tirmidhi, and generally accepted by scholars. More on our page about the dua for leaving home.
5. Entering the mosque
اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
Meaning: O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy.
Source: Sahih Muslim. Scholars mention that it is said when entering with the right foot first, along with sending peace and blessings on the Prophet ﷺ.
6. Entering the toilet
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْخُبُثِ وَالْخَبَائِثِ
Meaning: O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the male and female evil ones.
Source: Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. It is said before entering, and not inside. Scholars give different details about where to say it, so ask a scholar if you want the rulings on this.
Tips for memorising
- Split it into pieces. Learn the first half, then the second, then join them.
- Repeat it at the moment. The best practice is at the real time. Saying the dua for leaving the house at the door is more effective than reading it from a list.
- Write it on a card. Put it where you will see it, such as the door or the bedside table.
- Teach someone else. Children learn quickly and will remind you.
- Be patient. If you forget, start again. The effort is itself rewarded.
Where to go next
Our daily duas page has more, and the dua after wudu is a good seventh. If you want to learn about the prayer for guidance when you have to make a decision, read our guide to istikhara.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to say duas in Arabic?
The reported wordings are in Arabic and it is best to learn them. Scholars generally permit you to ask Allah in your own language at any time, in addition to the reported wordings.
What if I make a mistake in pronunciation?
Keep learning. Allah knows your effort. A teacher can help you correct it over time.
Is it necessary to learn all the duas?
No. These are recommended acts, not requirements. Start with a few and add more as you can.
Can children learn these?
Yes, and short duas tied to daily habits are a very common way for children to start.
Sources and further reading: Sahih al-Bukhari; Sahih Muslim; Sunan Abi Dawud; Sunan al-Tirmidhi; al-Nawawi, al-Adhkar. Wordings and gradings are discussed by scholars, so please check with a qualified teacher.