How to make Dua: Tip #31

To start Du’a with ones self

A person should be concerned with himself first and foremost, as this is how it will be on the Day of Judgement. So when making dua, before asking Allah for others, ask for yourself first.
It is desirable that the person making the du’a should first ask of it for himself. This is so for a number of reasons. Firstly, a person should desire all good for himself, so it does not make sense to pray for others and forget one’s self. Secondly, the fact that a person prays for himself shows what he is praying for is an important goal anf objective. In other words, this ensures that he desires that he his brothers what he desires for himself. Thirdly, it increases him in his sincerity in this du’a, for verily mankind is weak, so when he makes du’a only for his brother, it is possible that it will not be as sincere as when he makes du’a for himse;f and his brother.

Likewise, this principle is affirmed by the hadith, as was collected by at-Tirmidhi in the narration of Ubay bin Ka’ab (may Allah be pleased with him) that if someone was mentioned to the Prophet, he would invoke Allah for him but would begin with himself. [Sahih at-Tirmidhi, abu Dauwd, an-Nasa’i, Sahih al-Jami #4723]

However, this was not the constant habit of the Prophet [May the Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him], for there are other narrations to show that sometimes he would not begin with himself, while still prying for another person. Thus, it is permissible to make du’a without mentioning one’s self, but in general it is recommended to do so.