In Islam, prayers are believed to be answered by Allah at all times, but there are certain times and circumstances when prayers are considered more likely to be answered. Here are some of those times:
1. During Sujood (Prostration): The moment of prostration in prayer is considered a time when a believer is closest to Allah. Supplications made during this position are believed to have a higher chance of being accepted.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "The closest that a person is to his Lord is when he is prostrating, so make a lot of du‘ā then."(Muslim, 482)
2. In the Last Third of the Night: The time just before dawn, known as the last third of the night, is considered a blessed time for prayer and supplication. It is believed that Allah descends to the lowest heaven during this time, listening to the prayers of His servants.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Our Lord, (ﷻ) comes down to the lowest heaven every night when the last third of the night is left, and He says: ‘Who will call upon Me, that I may answer him? Who will ask of Me, that I may give him? Who will ask Me for forgiveness, that I may forgive him?’" (Al-Bukhaari, 1145)
3. Between Adhan and Iqama: The period between the call to prayer (Adhan) and the actual commencement of the prayer (Iqama) is considered a time when prayers are more likely to be answered.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "A du‘ā offered between the adhan and iqamah is not rejected." (Abu Dawud, 521)
4. On Friday: The day of Friday, especially during the afternoon before Maghrib prayer, is considered a blessed time for making dua (supplication). It is recommended to increase prayers and supplications on this day.
The Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ) said: “Friday is twelve hours in which there is no Muslim who asks Allaah for something but He will give it to him, so seek the last hour after ‘Asr.” (Abu Dawood, 1048)
5. During Ramadan: The month of Ramadan is a special time for increased prayer and supplication. The last ten nights of Ramadan, in particular, are considered especially auspicious, with Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree) falling within this period.
6. While Fasting: While fasting, especially during the month of Ramadan, prayers and supplications are believed to be more readily accepted by Allah.
7. When getting up in the night: Making du'a (supplication) when getting up in the night, especially during the last third of the night, holds great significance in Islam. This time is considered blessed and conducive to having one's prayers answered by Allah.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Whoever awakens from the night and says:
لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ، وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ، وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ. الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ، وَسُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ، وَلاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ، وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَلاَ حَوْلَ وَلاَ قُوَّةَ إِلاَّ بِاللَّهِ. ثُمَّ قَالَ اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي
La ilaha ill-Allaah wahdahu la sharika lah, lahu al-mulku wa lahu al-hamd, wa huwa 'ala kulli shay-in qadir. Alhamdulillaah, wa Subhanallaah, wa la ilaha illa Allaah wallaahu akbar wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa Billaah.
(There is no god but Allaah Alone, He has no partners, His is the Sovereignty, to Him belongs praise and He is over all things Capable. Glory be to Allaah, there is no (true) God but Allaah, and Allaah is Most Great and there is no power and no strength except with Allaah), then he says:
اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِى
Allaahumma ighfir li
(O Allaah, forgive me)
or he makes du‘ā, his prayer will be answered, and if he does wudu and prays, his prayer will be accepted.” (Al-Bukhari, 1154.)
8. For one who is sick: When making du'a for someone who is sick, it's important to express sincere supplication and heartfelt empathy for their well-being.
The Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ) said: "When you visit a sick person, say good things, for the angels say Amin to whatever you say…" (Muslim, 919)
9. The prayer of people after the departure of a deceased soul: The prayer offered after the departure of a deceased soul is known as the Funeral Prayer (Salat al-Janazah). It is a collective supplication performed by the Muslim community to ask Allah for mercy, forgiveness, and blessings for the deceased.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “When the soul is taken, the gaze follows it.”... “Do not pray for anything but good for yourselves, for the angels say Amin to whatever you say.” (Muslim. 2732)
10. When in Sincerity and Humility: Prayers offered with sincerity, humility, and a pure heart are more likely to be accepted by Allah. It is important to pray with full conviction and trust in Allah's mercy and wisdom.
While these are some specific times when prayers are believed to be more likely to be answered, it is important to remember that Allah is always ready to listen to the prayers of His servants and can answer them at any time and in any circumstance. It is encouraged for believers to maintain a constant connection with Allah through regular prayers and supplications, seeking His guidance, mercy, and forgiveness.
O Allaah, help us remember You, to be grateful to You, and to worship You in an excellent manner.
آمِيْن