Dua in the Quran — Its Names and Types

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:

1. 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.
2. 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).

Etiquette of dua in the Quran: "Call upon your Lord in humility and privately — He does not love transgressors" (7:55) — two conditions: humility and quietness, and prohibition of excess in supplication.

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)