Intermediate
Quranic Sciences
Surah: Al-Baqarah (186)
Dua in the Quran — Its Names and Types
وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِي عَنِّي فَإِنِّي قَرِيبٌۖ أُجِيبُ دَعۡوَةَ ٱلدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ
— البقرة الآية 186
Names of Dua in the Quran:
Dua carries multiple names in the Quran expressing its meanings: "nida" (calling — Yunus 10:10), "sual" (asking — Al-Baqarah 2:186), "raghba" (yearning — Al-Anbiya 21:90), "rahba" (awe — Al-Anbiya 21:90), "tadarray" (humble supplication — Al-Araf 7:55).
Two main categories:
The promise of response: "When My servants ask about Me — I am near. I respond to the caller when he calls upon Me." (2:186)
Two main categories:
- Dua of Worship: Every act of worship is dua in the broad sense — the worshipper draws near to Allah and seeks His pleasure. Allah said: "Call upon Me — I will respond to you. Indeed those who are too proud to worship Me..." (Ghafir 40:60) — dua is called worship and worship is called dua.
- Dua of Request: Asking Allah for a need verbally — as in the dua of Zakariyya: "My Lord, do not leave me alone" (21:89) and Ibrahim: "My Lord, make this a land of security" (2:126).
The promise of response: "When My servants ask about Me — I am near. I respond to the caller when he calls upon Me." (2:186)
Source: Ibn al-Qayyim, Bada'i al-Fawa'id (3/1–30); Al-Tabari, Tafsir (3/482); Ibn Kathir, Tafsir (1/500); Ibn Taymiyyah, Majmu al-Fatawa (15/9)
Test Yourself
What is the difference between the dua of worship and the dua of request? Cite a verse for each.
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