what is the appropriate time in the salat to make du‘a?

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Question
Salam respected Imam, what is the appropriate time in the salat to make du‘a? Can du‘a be made in English or any other language? How is du‘a differentiated from normal speech, which breaks the salat? JazakAllahu khayran.

Answer
Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain.

1. Appropriate Times for Personal Du‘a in Salah

The fuqaha differentiate between moments in salah restricted to legislated adhkar (like between the two sajdahs and after the opening takbir), and moments where open, personal du‘a is permitted. The clearest times for personal du‘a are:

  • In sujood: The Prophet ﷺ said: “The closest a servant is to his Lord is while in prostration, so increase your supplications therein.” (Muslim). This is the strongest time for personal du‘a.
  • After the final tashahhud and before the taslim: The Prophet ﷺ instructed du‘a at this point, including legislated du‘as and allowing for additional personal supplications. The scholars agree this is a time for du‘a, but they differed in scope:
    • Hanafis: limit personal du‘a here to matters of the Hereafter, not worldly requests.
    • Malikis, Shafi‘is, Hanbalis: allow all kinds of du‘a — both for dunya and akhira.

2. Language of Du‘a in Salah

  • In sujood: Since this is the moment of personal supplication, du‘a may be made in any language.
  • After tashahhud, before taslim: The preferred way is in Arabic. But if someone does not know Arabic, many scholars permitted du‘a in one’s own language, provided it is personal supplication directed to Allah.
  • Other positions of salah (e.g., between sajdahs, after takbir): These are reserved for legislated adhkar only (such as Rabbighfir li between sajdahs). Personal du‘a should not be inserted here.

3. Distinguishing Du‘a from Speech

  • Du‘a: Words directed to Allah in glorification or request, whether legislated or personal.
  • Speech: Words directed to humans, greetings, or conversation. The Prophet ﷺ said: “This prayer is not suitable for the speech of people.” (Muslim). This is what breaks the prayer.

Final Ruling

  • The strongest moments for personal du‘a in salah are in sujood and after tashahhud before taslim.
  • In sujood, du‘a can be made in any language.
  • After tashahhud, the preferred is Arabic, but for one who cannot, du‘a in another language is acceptable. According to the Hanafis, it should be restricted to matters of the Hereafter, while the other madhhabs allow both worldly and religious matters.
  • Legislated adhkar (like between sajdahs and after the opening takbir) should not be replaced with personal du‘a.
  • Du‘a does not invalidate the prayer because it is worship directed to Allah, whereas ordinary speech does.

And Allah knows best.