The Qur'an does not only tell us to pray; it gives us examples of supplication — and these are the Qur'an's own words. A selection follows; each verse's Arabic and translation are listed at the foot of the page.
“Our Lord” (Rabbanā) prayers
- Good in both worlds: “Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.” (2:201)
- Forgiveness, no burden beyond us: “Our Lord, do not take us to task if we forget or err … pardon us, forgive us, have mercy on us.” (2:286)
- Patience and firmness: “Our Lord, pour patience upon us and make our feet firm.” (2:250)
- A heart that stays true: “Our Lord, do not let our hearts swerve after You have guided us.” (3:8)
- Forgiveness of sins: “Our Lord, we have believed; forgive us our sins and protect us from the Fire.” (3:16; also 3:193-194)
- Spouses and offspring: “Our Lord, grant us joy in our spouses and offspring.” (25:74)
- For those who believed before us: “Our Lord, forgive us and our brethren who preceded us in faith, and leave no rancour in our hearts.” (59:10)
- At the foundations of the Kaʿba: “Our Lord, accept this from us.” (2:127)
- Completing the light: “Our Lord, perfect our light for us and forgive us.” (66:8)
The prophets' prayers
- Adam and his wife: “Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves; if You do not forgive us and have mercy, we shall be lost.” (7:23)
- Noah: “My Lord, forgive me, my parents and the believers.” (71:28)
- Abraham: “My Lord, make me and my offspring keep up the prayer. Our Lord, accept my prayer.” (14:40-41)
- Joseph: “Let me die in submission to You and join me with the righteous.” (12:101)
- Moses: “My Lord, expand my chest, ease my task, and loosen the knot in my tongue.” (20:25-27); “My Lord, I am in need of whatever good You send me.” (28:24)
- Job: “Affliction has touched me, and You are the most merciful of the merciful.” (21:83)
- Jonah: “There is no god but You; glory be to You. I have been among the wrongdoers.” (21:87)
- Zechariah: “My Lord, do not leave me alone.” (21:89); “Grant me from Yourself good offspring.” (3:38)
- Solomon: “My Lord, inspire me to be thankful for the favour You have shown me and my parents.” (27:19)
- Shuʿayb: “Our Lord, decide between us and our people in truth.” (7:89)
Refuge and everyday prayers
- Truthful entry and exit: “My Lord, make me enter truthfully and leave truthfully, and grant me supporting authority.” (17:80)
- From Satan's promptings: “My Lord, I seek refuge in You from the promptings of the devils.” (23:97-98)
- Mercy and a way out: “Our Lord, give us mercy from Yourself and prepare for us a right course.” (18:10)
- Parents and gratitude (at forty): “My Lord, inspire me to thank You for Your favour to me and my parents.” (46:15)
- The angels' prayer for the believers: “Our Lord … forgive those who repent and follow Your path, and protect them from the Fire.” (40:7-8)
Source: Qur'anic verses (M. Okuyan meal). For the manners of duʿāʾ see the “How to supplicate” guide.