1. Commence the dua by praising Allah Ta‘ala and then reciting durood upon Hazrat Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Thereafter, in all humility and respect, present your needs before Allah Ta‘ala.

Hazrat Fadhaalah bin Ubaid (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that on one occasion, Hazrat Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was seated in the musjid when a person entered the musjid and performed salaah. He then made dua saying, “O Allah, forgive me and have mercy on me.” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) addressed him saying, “O musalli, you have hastened (in your dua). After performing salaah, when you sit (to engage in dua), then (first) praise Allah Ta‘ala with praises that befit His majesty and honour. Thereafter, recite durood upon me, and then call upon Allah Ta‘ala and ask Him of your needs.” Subsequently, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had seen another person perform salaah. After performing salaah, he engaged in dua. He first praised Allah Ta‘ala and thereafter recited durood upon Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) addressed him saying, “O musalli, call upon Allah Ta‘ala and ask Him for your needs, your dua will be answered (as you have abided by the etiquettes of dua).” ^[1]