Dua for Marriage in Islam: Meaning and Guidance

Dua for Marriage in Islam: Meaning and Guidance

Marriage (Nikah) is a sacred union in Islam — a partnership built on mercy, love, and shared purpose. Many Muslims pray for Allah’s guidance when seeking a righteous spouse or asking Allah to strengthen an existing marriage.

One of the most beloved supplications (duas) for marriage is the prayer of Prophet Zakariya (AS), demonstrated in the Qur’an.

The Most Common Dua for Marriage

The dua that Prophet Zakariya (AS) made for a righteous child is also commonly used by Muslims seeking a good spouse, because it reflects sincere dependence on Allah and praise of His attributes:

رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِن لَّدُنكَ ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً ۖ إِنَّكَ سَمِيعُ الدُّعَاءِ
Rabbī hab lī min ladunka dhurriyyatan ṭayyibatan innaka samīʿu ad-duʿāʾ
(O my Lord, grant me from Yourself a good offspring — indeed, You are the Hearing of supplication.)
— Qur’an 3:38

Although this dua was made specifically for offspring, many scholars and teachers encourage its recitation with sincere intention for:

• A righteous spouse

• Allah’s guidance in finding love and companionship

• Blessing in family life

Another Beautiful Dua for a Righteous Spouse

A widely narrated supplication for marriage and blessings in family life is:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَهَا وَخَيْرَ مَا جَبَلْتَهَا عَلَيْهِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِن شَرِّهَا وَشَرِّ مَا جَبَلْتَهَا عَلَيْهِ
Allāhumma innī as’aluka khayrahā wa khayra mā jabaltahā ‘alayhi, wa a’ūdhu bika min sharrihā wa sharri mā jabaltahā ‘alayhi
(O Allah, I ask You for the good of her and the good You have ordained for her, and I seek refuge in You from her evil and the evil You have ordained for her).

You can make this type of dua when specifically asking Allah for:

• a righteous spouse

• harmony and blessings in marriage

• Allah’s protection for the relationship

How to Pray for Marriage (With Ikhlas & Intention)

Here are practical steps to accompany the dua:

1. Begin with Praise of Allah

   • Start your dua by praising Allah (Al-hamdu lillah) and sending blessings on Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

2. Ask from the Heart

   • Speak to Allah sincerely. Express your desire for a righteous spouse, clarity, and blessings.

3. Repeat with Consistency

   • There’s beauty in repeating these supplications especially during times of acceptance such as after Salah, in the last third of the night, and on Laylatul Qadr in Ramadan.

4. Make Dua with Good Deeds

   • Give charity (Sadaqa) as part of your supplication, seeking to draw closer to Allah and soften matters of the heart.

5. Tawakkul (Trust in Allah)

   • After making dua, trust that Allah hears all prayers and responds in the best way and time.

Dua in the Sunnah Related to Marriage

There are many authentic supplications from the Sunnah that focus on guidance, blessing, and goodness in life — some of which the Prophet ﷺ encouraged for all areas of need, including marriage. The underlying principle in all prophetic duas is sincerity, humility, and hope in Allah.

When Is Dua Most Likely Accepted?

Islam teaches that Allah responds to His servants in three main circumstances:

• while prostrating (sujood)

• during the last third of the night

• after obligatory prayers (fard salah)

Making dua specifically for marriage in these times, accompanied by righteous action and consistent prayer, is a spiritually uplifting practice.

A Simple Dua You Can Make Often

A brief but heartfelt dua you can repeat regularly is:

رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَ‌اجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّاتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَاجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا
Rabbana hab lana min azwajina wa dhurriyyatina qurrata a’yunin waj’alna lilmuttaqina imama
(Our Lord, grant us from among our spouses and offspring comfort to our eyes and make us a leader for the righteous.)
— Qur’an 25:74

This dua is often used to ask Allah for:

• righteous spouses

• positive family life

• calm homes and blessing in future generations

Final Thoughts: Dua with Patience and Perseverance

Dua is an intimate conversation with Allah. When asking for marriage:

• Be sincere in intention (niyyah)

• Remain patient and persistent

• Combine dua with good character and action

• Continue to seek Allah’s guidance in all aspects of life

Marriage in Islam is not just a union of two people — it’s a path of mercy, love, and patience ordained by Allah.

May Allah grant ease and goodness to all those who sincerely ask.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dua for Marriage

What is the best time to make dua for marriage?

There are certain times when dua is more likely to be accepted, such as while in sujood (prostration), during the last third of the night, and after completing the obligatory prayers. Making dua for marriage at these times, with sincerity and patience, is highly encouraged.

Can I make dua for someone else’s marriage?

Yes. You can make dua for the marriage of a family member, friend, or anyone else. Making dua for others is a virtuous act, and there is great reward in sincerely asking Allah to grant goodness, ease, and blessings to others.

Should I make this dua every day?

Yes. Consistency in dua is encouraged in Islam. Making dua for marriage regularly helps strengthen reliance on Allah and demonstrates patience and trust in His timing. There is no harm in repeating the same dua daily.

Does Allah respond to all duas?

Allah hears every dua and responds in the best way. A response may come by granting what was asked, delaying it for a better time, or replacing it with something better. A sincere dua is never wasted, even if the outcome is not immediate or visible.