اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَافِيَةَ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالآخِرَةِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ فِي دِينِي وَدُنْيَايَ، وَأَهْلِي وَمَالِي، اللَّهُمَّ اسْتُرْ عَوْرَاتِي وَآمِنْ رَوْعَاتِي، اللَّهُمَّ احْفَظْنِي مِنْ بَيْنِ يَدَيَّ وَمِنْ خَلْفِي، وَعَنْ يَمِينِي، وَعَنْ شِمَالِي، وَمِنْ فَوْقِي، وَأَعُوذُ بِعَظَمَتِكَ أَنْ أُغْتَالَ مِنْ تَحْتِي
O Allah, I ask You for well-being in this world and the Hereafter. O Allah, I ask You for forgiveness and well-being in my religion and my worldly affairs, and my family and my wealth. O Allah, conceal my shortcomings and secure me from what causes me distress. O Allah, protect me from in front of me and from behind me, from my right and from my left, and from above me. I seek refuge in Your Greatness lest I be consumed from beneath me.
Allahumma inni as'alukal 'afiyata fid-dunya wal-akhirah. Allahumma inni as'alukal 'afwa wal 'afiyata fi dini wa dunyaya, wa ahli wa mali. Allahummastur 'awrati wa amin raw'ati. Allahumma-hfazni min bayni yadayya wa min khalfi, wa 'an yameeni, wa 'an shimali, wa min fawqi, wa a'udhu bi'azamatika an ughtala min tahti.
When to Read
This comprehensive dua for 'Afiyah (well-being and safety) is perfect to recite for your children. You can make it a part of your daily supplications, especially after prayers or before they go out to interact with others. It's particularly beneficial to recite it when you are concerned about them being exposed to negative influences, such as gossip and backbiting, which are prevalent in social interactions.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and conviction, focusing on its meaning. You can recite it while making personal supplication (du'a) for your children, perhaps blowing gently on them afterwards (as is the practice with other duas for protection). It is recommended to face the Qiblah if possible, and to begin with praising Allah and sending salutations upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Remembering that Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) is Al-Aleem (The All-Knowing) and Al-Hafiz (The Protector) will increase the power of your dua.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful supplication, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to his uncle Al-Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him), asks Allah for comprehensive well-being. By seeking 'Afiyah, we are asking for protection not just from physical harm but also from spiritual and social ills. This includes safeguarding our children from engaging in or being affected by destructive behaviors like gossip (gheebah) and backbiting (namimah). The Prophet ﷺ emphasized its importance, stating that seeking 'Afiyah is one of the most beloved duas to Allah. (Sunan At-Tirmidhi 3502). Protecting our children from such harmful speech is crucial for their spiritual and moral development.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) that Al-Abbas bin 'Abdul Muttalib (may Allah be pleased with him) said: I said: 'O Messenger of Allah, teach me something I can ask Allah for.' He said: 'O Allah, I ask You for 'Afiyah.' So I stayed with him for a day, then I came to him again and said: 'O Messenger of Allah, teach me something I can ask Allah for.' He said to me: 'O Allah, I ask You for 'Afiyah in this world and the Hereafter.' I stayed with him for a day, then I came to him again and said: 'O Messenger of Allah, teach me something I can ask Allah for.' He said to me: 'O Allah, I ask You for forgiveness and 'Afiyah in my religion and my worldly affairs, and my family and my wealth. O Allah, conceal my shortcomings and secure me from what causes me distress. O Allah, protect me from in front of me and from behind me, and from my right and from my left, and from above me. I seek refuge in Your Greatness lest I be consumed from beneath me.' He said: 'And he said: 'And I am the greatest to seek refuge with Him.'