دعاء
du'a
The English phrase "dua" is translated into Arabic as دعاء (du'a).
The term دعاء describes an act of supplication or a prayer addressed to God in Islam. It is specifically used to refer to personal, spontaneous requests or prayers made to God, which distinguishes it from the formal ritual prayer known as Salah.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of دعاء is دعوات (du'awat).
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is du'a.
When do people say it?
When performing دعاء, it is customary to raise your hands with the palms facing up as a sign of supplication.
Did you know?
- In some Arabic dialects, دعاء can be used to describe a 'curse' if the speaker is asking God to punish someone.
- The term دعاء shares a linguistic root with the word for a party invitation, دعوة, linking the act of prayer to the act of inviting guests.
- While دعاء is a request for help, Arabic uses a different word, تسبيح, for the act of glorifying God without asking for anything in return.
Examples in context
- أنا أحتاج إلى دعاء منكم.anā aḥtāju ilā du'ā' minkum.I need a prayer from you all.
- اللهم استجب دعاءنا.Allāhumma istagib du'ā'anā.O Allah, answer our supplication.
Example conversation
Maryam and Ahmed are talking about a sick friend.
- مريم Maryamأنا سأقوم بعمل دعاء لصديقنا.Ana sa'aqumu bi'amali du'a'in li-sadiqina.I will make a prayer for our friend.
- أحمد Ahmedهذا لطف منك يا مريم.Hadha lutfun minki ya Maryam.That is kind of you, Maryam.
- مريم Maryamهل تريد قول دعاء أيضاً؟Hal turidu qawla du'a'in aydan?Do you want to say a prayer too?
- أحمد Ahmedنعم، سأفعل ذلك الآن.Na'am, sa'af'alu dhalika al-an.Yes, I will do that now.
