The Rabbana Duas of Al-Baqara
Rabbana atina fid-dunya (2:201): Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina ‘adhab al-nar “Our Lord, give us in this world good and in the Hereafter good, and protect us from the torment of the Fire.” The Prophet (SAW) used to say this du’a frequently — it covers all of life’s needs in a single comprehensive supplication. Among the most-recited Quranic duas.
Rabbana afrigh ‘alayna (2:250): Rabbana afrigh ‘alayna sabran wa thabbit aqdamana wa nsurna ‘ala al-qawm al-kafirin “Our Lord, pour upon us patience and plant firmly our feet and give us victory over the disbelieving people.” Said by the believers with Talut (Saul) before battle — a du’a for steadfastness and divine support.
The du’a of the companions of the cave (related — same spirit as 2:286): Rabbana la tu’akhidhna in nasina aw akhta’na. Rabbana wa la tahmil ‘alayna isran kama hamaltahu ‘ala alladhina min qablina. Rabbana wa la tuhammilna ma la taqata lana bih. Wa’fu ‘anna, wa-ghfir lana, wa-rhamna. Anta mawlana fa-nsurna ‘ala al-qawm al-kafirin “Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or erred. Our Lord, lay not upon us a burden like that which You laid upon those before us. Our Lord, burden us not with that which we have no ability to bear. Pardon us; forgive us; have mercy upon us. You are our protector, so give us victory over the disbelieving people.” (2:286) The Prophet (SAW) said that whenever this verse is recited, Allah responds to each phrase: “I have done it, I have done it…” (Muslim)
From Surah Al-‘Imran
Rabbana la tuzigh qulubana (3:8): Rabbana la tuzigh qulubana ba’da idh hadaytana wa hab lana min ladunka rahmatan. Innaka anta al-Wahhab “Our Lord, let not our hearts deviate after You have guided us, and grant us from Yourself mercy. Indeed, You are the Bestower.” A du’a of those of sound knowledge — asking Allah to keep their hearts firm after guidance.
Rabbana innaka jami’ al-nas (3:9): Rabbana innaka jami’u al-nas li-yawmin la rayba fih. Innaka la tukhlifu al-mi’ad “Our Lord, surely You will gather the people for a Day about which there is no doubt. Indeed, Allah does not fail in His promise.”
Rabbana innana amanna (3:16): Rabbana innana amanna fa-ghfir lana dhunubana wa qina ‘adhab al-nar “Our Lord, indeed we have believed, so forgive us our sins and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”
The Du’a of Ibrahim (Surah Ibrahim)
Ibrahim’s supplication in Surah Ibrahim (14:40-41) is among the most profound in the Quran:
Ibrahim’s du’a for himself and his family: Rabbi ij’alni muqima al-salati wa min dhurriyyati. Rabbana wa taqabbal du’a. Rabbana ighfir li wa li-walidayya wa lil-mu’minina yawma yaqumu al-hisab “My Lord, make me an establisher of prayer, and [many] from my descendants. Our Lord, and accept my supplication. Our Lord, forgive me and my parents and the believers the Day the account is established.” (14:40-41)
This du’a is particularly beloved because it connects three dimensions of Islamic life: personal righteousness (prayer), family transmission (descendants), and communal prayer (asking for all believers).
The Duas of Specific Prophets
Musa (Moses) — du’a at the well (28:24): Rabbi inni lima anzalta ilayya min khayrin faqir “My Lord, indeed I am, for whatever good You would send down to me, in need.” Said when Musa arrived in Madyan with nothing, having fled Egypt. Among the most humble and beautiful duas — a prophet acknowledging his complete need.
Musa — du’a before the Pharaoh (20:25-28): Rabbi ishrah li sadri, wa yassir li amri, wa ahlul ‘uqdatan min lisani, yafqahu qawli “My Lord, expand for me my breast [with assurance], and ease for me my task, and untie the knot from my tongue, that they may understand my speech.” Musa’s du’a before his mission to Pharaoh. Made before any daunting task — asking for inner peace, ease of the matter, and clear speech.
Yunus (Jonah) — du’a in the whale (21:87): La ilaha illa anta, subhanaka, inni kuntu mina al-zalimin “There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers.” Said from inside the whale, in total darkness. The Prophet (SAW) said: “No Muslim supplicates with this du’a except that Allah responds to him.” (Tirmidhi) One of the most powerful short duas in the tradition.
Zakariyya — du’a for a child (21:89): Rabbi la tadhharni fardan wa anta khayru al-warithin “My Lord, do not leave me alone [with no heir], and You are the best of inheritors.” Zakariyya prayed this in old age, with his wife barren — Allah responded by granting him Yahya (John). A du’a for offspring and for not being left alone.
Ibrahim — du’a against idolatry (14:35): Rabbi ij’al hadha al-balada aminan wa-jnubni wa baniyta an na’buda al-asnam “My Lord, make this city [Mecca] secure and keep me and my sons away from worshipping idols.”
Du’a of Adam after the fall (7:23): Rabbana zalamna anfusana wa in lam taghfir lana wa tarhamna la-nakuunanna minal-khasirin “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.” The first du’a of tawba in Islamic tradition — Adam and Hawwa’s supplication after leaving Paradise.
From Surah Al-Furqan and Al-Furqan
Du’a of the servants of the Most Merciful (25:74): Rabbana hab lana min azwajina wa dhurriyyatina qurrata a’yunin wa-ij’alna lil-muttaqina imama “Our Lord, grant us from among our wives and offspring comfort to our eyes and make us an example for the righteous.” Among the most beloved family duas — asking not just for righteous family, but for family that is a comfort and joy, and for leadership among the God-conscious.
Theme-Based Collection
For forgiveness: Yunus du’a (21:87); Rabbana ighfir lana (3:16) For family and children: 14:40-41 (Ibrahim); 25:74; Zakariyya’s du’a (21:89) For ease and help: Musa’s du’a (20:25-28); 2:286 For guidance: 3:8 (Rabbana la tuzigh) For protection from fire: 2:201; 3:16 For steadfastness: 2:250
See also: Understanding Dua, Daily Duas, Dua Qunoot, Post Namaz Routine, Tawakkul Trust In Allah, Prophets In Quran