Praising Allah in the way He deserves to be praised is the starting point for anyone making du’ā’.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ once heard a person making du’ā’ during prayer. He did not glorify Allah nor invoke salawāt upon the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “He was too hasty.”
He ﷺ called him and said, “When one of you makes du’ā’, he should start off with praising and glorifying His Lord, and should then invoke salawāt on the Prophet. He should then make du’ā’ for whatever he wishes.”
— Abū Dāwūd
Five Ways to Praise Allah
1. From the Qur’an
We praise Him as He has praised Himself. This is the best way to praise Allah. Learn it by reciting the Qur’an, reflecting upon it and forming a strong bond with it — for it is replete with Allah praising Himself.
2. From the Sunnah
Praise Him as our beloved Messenger ﷺ praised Him. Of Allah’s creation, none surpassed him in knowing Him and appreciating Him as He ought to be.
3. By the Words of the Companions
Praise Him with words used by the Companions (raḍiy Allāhu ‘anhum) and the pious predecessors.
4. With One’s Own Words
Praise Him with words emanating from the heart, so long as it does not contradict sound beliefs.
5. Through His Beautiful Names
One of the best ways of praising Allah is through His Beautiful Names. Allah says in the Noble Qur’an: “To Allah belongs the Most Beautiful Names, so call on Him by them.“ (7:180)