Key Takeaways
- The Quran records many duas in the words of prophets and righteous believers, and these are among the best models for supplication.
- Each dua in this collection is given with its surah and ayah number, so you can find it in your own mushaf and check the wording.
- Short duas like these are easy to learn by heart and can be added to daily prayer, study time, or family routines.
- The English translations used here are from Sahih International, and the Arabic should always be checked against a reliable mushaf.
- Learning the meaning of a dua, not only the sound, is what turns repetition into genuine supplication.
The Quran records many short duas in the words of prophets and righteous believers, and they are some of the best models for supplication. Here are eight, each with its surah and ayah reference, so you can check the wording in your own mushaf.
Why Learn Duas Straight From the Quran
Duas from the Quran come with a clear source, which means there is no doubt about the wording. They are also short, balanced, and cover the needs most of us have: this life and the next, knowledge, family, forgiveness, and steadiness in worship. All translations below are from Sahih International.
A Dua for the Good of Both Worlds (2:201)
"Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire." This is a short, complete dua that fits almost any situation.
A Dua for Forgiveness and Ease (2:286)
The closing part of Surah Al-Baqarah includes: "Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or erred. Our Lord, and lay not upon us a burden like that which You laid upon those before us. Our Lord, and burden us not with that which we have no ability to bear. And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy upon us."
A Dua for Knowledge (20:114)
"And say, 'My Lord, increase me in knowledge.'" It is only a few words, which makes it ideal for students of any age to say before studying.
A Dua for Keeping Up Prayer (14:40)
This is a dua of Ibrahim: "My Lord, make me an establisher of prayer, and [many] from my descendants." Parents often make it for themselves and their children together.
A Dua for Family (25:74)
"Our Lord, grant us from among our wives and offspring comfort to our eyes and make us an example for the righteous." It asks for a family that brings peace, and for the ability to lead by example.
A Dua for Parents (17:24)
"My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small." It is often taught to children early, since it links gratitude to parents with mercy from Allah.
A Dua of Repentance (7:23)
The words of Adam and his wife: "Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers." It is a good model for honest repentance.
A Dua in Difficulty (21:87)
The call of Yunus from the darkness: "There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers." It combines praise of Allah with an honest admission of our own faults.
Making These Part of a Daily Routine
Learning one dua at a time, with its meaning, works better than trying to memorise a long list. If you're building your reading, a teacher can help you learn the Arabic accurately, starting from Noorani Qaida and moving into Tajweed. To understand the meaning behind each verse, our Translation course is a good next step, and a free trial lesson is an easy way to begin.