Ruling on Duas Mentioned in Weak Hadiths: Can We Act Upon Them?

Understanding the Ruling on Duas in Weak Hadiths: What Is Permissible?

Duas (supplications) are of two types:

1. Duas Related to Specific Times, Places, Acts of Worship, Numbers, and Virtues

   For example, the supplication for travel, entering a house, supplications during prayer, or those with specific numbers and virtues. For this type of supplication, it is essential that they are proven authentic through reliable chains of narration. Only then can we act upon them. If a supplication of this category is mentioned in a weak hadith, we will not act upon it. For instance, the supplication for the new year is mentioned in Al-Tabarani Al-Awsat, narrated by Abdullah bin Hisham, who said that the Companions used to teach one another this supplication at the beginning of a year or month:  

   “اللهم أدخله علينا بالأمن والإيمان، والسلامة والإسلام، ورضوان من الرحمن، وجواز من الشيطان”

   (O Allah, let it enter upon us with security and faith, safety and Islam, the pleasure of the Most Merciful, and protection from Satan).  

   Sheikh Al-Albani has declared this hadith weak. (Silsilat al-Ahadith al-Da‘ifah wa al-Mawdu‘ah, Vol. 8, p. 6, Hadith No. 3504).  

   Since this hadith is related to the specific time of the new year, it will not be acted upon. Similarly, weak supplications related to specific places, acts of worship, numbers, and virtues should be understood in the same way.  

2. General Supplications That Can Be Made Anytime  

   These are the supplications that are not tied to specific times, places, acts of worship, numbers, or virtues. There is no harm in making such supplications. We know that one can supplicate to Allah in any language and with any words. Therefore, it is permissible to use general supplications mentioned in weak hadiths, but with certain considerations:  

•    – Firstly, do not believe that this supplication is proven from the Prophet ﷺ.  
•    – Secondly, the words of the supplication should not contain anything contrary to Shari‘ah.  
•    – Thirdly, do not have specific expectations of reward or virtue for this supplication.  
•    – Fourthly, do not adhere to it regularly; recite it occasionally and leave it occasionally.  

And Allah knows best.