Why Are My Duas Going Unanswered Despite Praying 5 Times a Day?

Feeling like your duas are going unanswered even though you pray regularly? Let’s see what Quran and Sunnah telling us about it!

Your pain is real—and it’s shared by many sincere believers. Feeling tired of making same dua in same prayer again and again? or feeling disheartened when duas seem unanswered? Well, it is not a sign of weak faith. It is, in fact, a trial that Allah places on those He loves, to refine their patience, sincerity, and reliance on Him.

Is This a Normal Feeling?

Short Answer: Yes — and It’s a Test of Sincere Faith

Even Prophets and righteous people experienced long delays before their duas were answered. The fact that you’re still praying, despite how you feel, is not weakness. It’s the definition of strength.

What Does the Qur’an Say About This?

“Call upon Me; I will respond to you.”
(Surah Ghafir 40:60)

This is Allah’s promise—but not all answers come immediately, and not all look the way we expect.

“And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient…”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:155–156)

Your trial may not be punishment, but a means of spiritual purification or hidden protection.

What Did the Prophet (PBUH) Say About This Feeling?

“A servant will continue to be answered so long as he does not ask for something sinful, or cut family ties, and so long as he does not say: ‘I made du‘a but I was not answered.’”
(Sahih Muslim 2735c)
“No Muslim makes a du‘a, unless it contains sin or severing ties, but Allah will grant it in one of three ways: He will answer it immediately, delay it for the Hereafter, or avert from him an equivalent harm.”
(Musnad Ahmad 11133)

This means your dua is always heard, even if the answer is hidden or delayed.

Why This Happens: Wisdom Behind the Delay

You’re Being Elevated Spiritually
Du‘a is not only about getting what you ask for. It’s about building a connection with Allah. Delays test the quality of your faith.
Something Better is Being Prepared
What you’re asking for may not be in your best interest right now—or ever. Allah, in His mercy, may be guiding you to something far better.
Your Sins Are Being Cleansed
One answer to your du‘a could be the removal of a future calamity or the forgiveness of past sins.
Faith Is Proven in Difficulty, Not Ease
Anyone can be grateful when du‘a is answered. But pushing through when your heart feels dry? That’s true sincerity.

Practical Advice When Du‘a Feels Exhausting

Continue praying, no matter what
Praying even when your heart isn’t in it is still obedience. Allah sees your struggle.
Make du‘a for patience and inner peace, not just outcomes
Ask Allah: “Ya Allah, give me strength to accept Your decree, and grant me contentment.”
Seek forgiveness often (Istighfar)
Sins can act as spiritual blocks. The Prophet (PBUH) made istighfar over 70 times a day—even though he was sinless.
Limit comparing your life to others
Everyone has unseen trials. Du‘a is not a scoreboard—it’s a relationship.
Surround yourself with dhikr and righteous companionship
Being in good company and environments of remembrance softens the heart and renews spiritual energy.

Final Thoughts

What you’re feeling is a real, painful, and deeply personal struggle—but it is not in vain. Allah knows your tears, hears your du‘a, and sees your effort. Your persistence in prayer, especially when your soul feels tired, is beloved to Him. That in itself is worship.