اللَّهُمَّ مَنْ وَلِيَ مِنْ أَمْرِ أُمَّتِي شَيْئًا فَشَقَّ عَلَيْهِمْ فَاشْقُقْ عَلَيْهِ وَمَنْ وَلِيَ مِنْ أَمْرِ أُمَّتِي شَيْئًا فَرَفَقَ بِهِمْ فَارْفُقْ بِهِ
O Allah, whoever is made a guardian over any affair of my Ummah and makes it difficult for them, make it difficult for him; and whoever is made a guardian over any affair of my Ummah and is kind to them, be kind to him.
Allahumma man waliya min amri ummati shay'an fa shaqqa 'alayhim fashquq 'alayh, wa man waliya min amri ummati shay'an fa rafaqa bihim farfuq bih.
When to Read
This profound supplication from the Prophet ﷺ offers a guiding light on how we should view and pray for those in positions of authority. You can recite this dua, or its essence, whenever you reflect on leadership, whether it's your supervisor at work, a manager, or a national leader. It's especially powerful when you witness leadership that causes hardship, or conversely, when you are grateful for a leader's kindness and the ease they bring. Make this a general prayer for the well-being of the Muslim community, asking Allah to steer those in authority towards justice and compassion, knowing that Allah holds them accountable according to their deeds. It serves as a reminder that divine justice is ultimately supreme.
How to Read
Approach this dua with deep sincerity and a thoughtful understanding of its profound implications. While this is a supplication made by the Prophet ﷺ for Allah to act upon, we can internalize its spirit in our own heartfelt prayers. When you recite it, ponder the immense responsibilities of leadership and the significant impact a leader has on the lives of those under their charge. You can incorporate this dua into your regular supplications, particularly after your obligatory prayers (Salat), or whenever you feel the need to ask Allah for improved leadership in your life or community. Remember to raise your hands, as is the Sunnah for making dua, and supplicate with unwavering certainty in Allah's response.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting this specific dua, or making similar supplications inspired by its profound meaning, brings immeasurable spiritual rewards. Firstly, it is a direct adherence to the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet ﷺ, who was deeply concerned with the welfare and just treatment of his Ummah. By internalizing this prayer, we actively acknowledge the paramount importance of justice and compassion in leadership, and we place our trust in Allah's ultimate judgment and His supreme power to bring about change. This particular dua, coming directly from the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, carries with it the promise of divine intervention. It acts as a spiritual shield against oppressive leadership by invoking Allah's decree, and conversely, it is a wellspring of hope for the manifestation of benevolent leadership. Ultimately, it serves as a powerful reminder that every leader, regardless of their worldly power, is unequivocally accountable to Allah, fostering in us a profound sense of peace and complete reliance upon Him.
Source & Authentication
Abdullah b. Mas'ud reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: There would be leaders after me who would not be guided by my guidance and would not adopt my Sunnah, and there would be among them men who would have the hearts of devils in the bodies of human beings. He (the narrator) said: I said: Allah's Messenger, what should I do, if I live to see them? He replied: You should listen to the Amir and obey him, even if he whips your back and takes your property, still listen to him and obey. And in another narration: O Allah, whoever is made a guardian over any affair of my Ummah and makes it difficult for them, make it difficult for him; and whoever is made a guardian over any affair of my Ummah and is kind to them, be kind to him.