اللَّهُمَّ أَعِنِّي عَلَى ذِكْرِكَ وَشُكْرِكَ وَحُسْنِ عِبَادَتِكَ
O Allah, assist me in remembering You, thanking You, and worshipping You in the best manner.
Allahumma a'inni 'ala dhikrika wa shukrika wa husni 'ibadatika
When to Read
This is a comprehensive dua that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would often make. While it's not specifically tied to eating, you can make this plea to Allah anytime you feel a need for greater spiritual energy, focus, and ability to carry out your religious duties. It's particularly potent when you feel weak, distracted, or unmotivated to pray, read Quran, or perform other acts of worship. You can make it a part of your morning routine, after prayers, or whenever you consciously decide to strengthen your connection with Allah.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and focus, understanding the profound request you are making. It's about asking Allah, the source of all strength, to empower you to maintain a consistent and excellent level of worship. Visualize yourself performing acts of worship with ease and devotion as you utter these words. The act of supplicating itself is a form of worship, so even asking for help in worship is an act of obedience.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua is a cornerstone for spiritual growth. By asking for Allah's assistance in remembrance (dhikr), gratitude (shukr), and beautiful worship (husn 'ibadah), you are seeking the very essence of a believer's life. It helps combat laziness and worldly distractions that pull us away from our purpose. The Prophet's ﷺ own practice of making this dua highlights its importance for maintaining a strong connection with Allah throughout one's life. It's a prayer for sustained spiritual vitality, ensuring that our worship is not just a ritual but a deeply felt and beautifully executed expression of servitude.
Source & Authentication
A woman came to Allah's Apostle (peace be upon him) and said, 'O Allah's Apostle! I have not been able to offer the prayer at night.' She was from the Ansar. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Then your neighbour will be credited for it.' Another version: She said: 'I cannot pray at night.' She was from Ansar. He said: 'The neighbours of the Ansar are rewarded for their neighbours.' He said: 'The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) taught us the supplication: "Allahumma a'inni 'ala dhikrika wa shukrika wa husni 'ibadatika." (O Allah, help me to remember You, to give thanks to You, and to worship You in the best manner.) (This refers to the prayer at night, i.e. Tahajjud) - [Reported by Abu Dawud and Nasa'i] *Note: The context provided in some versions of the hadith links this dua to the ability to perform the night prayer (Tahajjud), emphasizing its role in overcoming physical and spiritual inertia in worship.*