اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْهُدَى وَالتُّقَى وَالْعَفَافَ وَالْغِنَى
O Allah, I ask You for guidance, piety, chastity, and contentment/self-sufficiency.
Allahumma inni as'alukal-huda wat-tuqa wal-'afafa wal-ghina
When to Read
This powerful dua is excellent to recite after completing your obligatory prayers (fardh salah). It encapsulates seeking comprehensive well-being, encompassing both spiritual direction and material contentment. You can also make it a regular part of your supplications at any time, especially when you feel a need for clarity or when facing life's decisions.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a present heart. Raise your hands if you are making it a standalone supplication, as is the custom for many duas. Focus on the meaning of each word: seeking Allah's guidance (huda), protection from disobedience (tuqa), purity from sin and neediness (afaf), and contentment with what Allah has provided (ghina). Imagine yourself asking your Lord, the Most Merciful, for these essential provisions for your life and your hereafter.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua, taught by our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, is incredibly comprehensive. It asks for: * **Guidance (Huda):** The clarity to know what is right and the strength to follow it. * **Piety (Tuqa):** A deep consciousness of Allah that prevents us from falling into sin. * **Chastity/Self-Sufficiency (Afaf):** The dignity to remain chaste and avoid seeking from others, both in terms of purity and avoiding neediness. * **Contentment/Self-Sufficiency (Ghina):** A sense of richness and satisfaction with Allah's decree and provision, freeing us from excessive desire and envy. By asking for these, we are essentially requesting the best for our dunya (this world) and our akhirah (the next).
Source & Authentication
Al-Mughirah ibn Shu'bah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to supplicate after the prayer and say: 'La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa 'ala kulli shay'in qadir. Allahumma la mani'a lima a'tata, wa la mu'tiya lima mana'ta, wa la yanfa'u dhal-jaddi minkal-jadd. Allahumma inni as'alukal-huda wat-tuqa wal-'afafa wal-ghina.' Translation: 'None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, with no partner. To Him belongs all sovereignty and praise, and He is over all things competent. O Allah, none can withhold what You have given, and none can give what You have withheld. The wealth of a wealthy person is no use against me. O Allah, I ask You for guidance, piety, chastity, and contentment/self-sufficiency.'