There are many authentic hadiths about morning and evening adhkar. See the detailed answer for some of these narrations.

1. In the case of unrestricted Dhikr, there is no specific number of times for repeating phrases; rather the individual may remember his Lord as much as a Muslim is able to. 2. In the case of restricted Dhikr, the basic principle is that the individual should adhere to what has been narrated in the religious Hadiths in terms of wording and number of repetitions, except when the text indicates that he may add to what is mentioned in the Hadith. In that case, if a Muslim adds more than one hundred, there is nothing wrong with that.

The Muslim may seek Barakah (blessings) by means of Taqwa (piety), which is refraining from forbidden acts and fulfilling obligatory ones, by repenting and seeking forgiveness, and by following the Prophet’s example in all matters.

Among the times when du`a is accepted are the following: 1. Laylat al-Qadar 2. In the depths of the night 3. Following the prescribed prayers 4. Between the adhan and the iqamah 5. When the call for the prescribed prayers is given 6. When rain falls 7. At a certain time of the night 8. A certain time on Friday 9. When drinking Zamzam water 10. When prostrating 11. When hearing the crowing of a rooster 12. Du`a of one who is sick

If a person who is asking for forgiveness experiences a delay in the arrival of a child or the occurrence of rain, it is not appropriate for him to think negatively of his Lord, may He be Exalted. Rather he must reflect and think negatively of his own self, for perhaps he is praying for forgiveness without proper focus and humility, or is merely paying lip service to praying for forgiveness, and this is an obstacle to his prayer for forgiveness being answered. Or perhaps the one who is praying for forgiveness has some sins of which he is heedless, and has not repented from them.

Allah doesn’t answer your Du`a: 1. When the Du`a is weak in itself because it involves something inappropriate, or involves bad manners towards Allah. 2. When the one is making Du`a is weak in himself, because he is faint-hearted in his turning towards Allah. 3. When one has done something that Allah has forbidden, such as having prohibited wealth or one has taken a prohibited job, or the stain of sin is still in his heart, or he is following Bid`ah in religion, or his heart has been overtaken by negligence. 4. When one consumes prohibited wealth. 5. When one tries to hasten the response. 6. When one makes the Du`a conditional, such as saying, O Allah, forgive me if You will or O Allah, have mercy upon me if You will.

Conditions of accepting Du`a are: • You should call upon no one except Allah. • You should seek to draw close to Allah in one of the ways that are prescribed in Shari`ah. • You should avoid seeking a quick response. • The Du`a should not involve sin or severing of the ties of kinship. • You should think positively of Allah. • You should be focused, aware of the greatness of the One upon Whom you are calling. • Ensuring that one’s food comes from permissible sources. • You should avoid aggression in Du`a. • You should not let Du`a distract you from an obligatory duty.

This is how to make du’a: 1. Believing in Tawhid. 2. Sincerity towards Allah Alone in making du’a. 3. Ask of Allah by His most beautiful names. 4. Praising Allah as He deserves. 5. Sending blessings upon the Prophet. 6. Facing the qiblah. 7. Raising the hands. 8. Asking frequently. 9. Having certain faith that Allah will respond. 10. Saying du’a three times. 11. Ensuring that one’s food and clothing are good/lawful. 12. Saying du’a silently.

Hasad (destructive envy) means wishing that a blessing that Allah has bestowed on the envied person be taken away.