اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَهَا وَخَيْرَ مَا جَبَلْتَهَا عَلَيْهِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّهَا وَشَرِّ مَا جَبَلْتَهَا عَلَيْهِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ.
O Allah, I ask You for its (this matter's) goodness and the goodness of what You have decreed it to be, and I seek refuge in You from its evil and the evil of what You have decreed it to be. O Allah, I ask You of Your bounty.
Allahumma inni as'aluka khayraha wa khayra ma jabaltaha 'alayhi, wa a'udhu bika min sharriha wa sharri ma jabaltaha 'alayhi, Allahumma inni as'aluka min fadlik.
When to Read
This profound dua is recited by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ when he wanted to undertake a matter. It is particularly fitting when you are standing at a crossroads, facing a significant life decision such as a career change, marriage, a move, or any choice that carries weight and uncertainty. You can recite it after performing Salatul Istikhara (the prayer of seeking guidance from Allah) or at any moment you feel the need to invoke Allah's wisdom and strength.
How to Read
Begin by ensuring you are in a state of purity (wudu). Face the Qiblah if possible. Recite with sincere intention, humility, and complete reliance on Allah. Understand that the goodness you are asking for is what Allah knows is best for you, and the evil you seek refuge from is what Allah knows is harmful. The phrase 'min fadlik' (from Your bounty) signifies acknowledging that all good comes solely from Allah's grace. It’s beneficial to reflect on the meaning of the dua as you recite it.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua is a direct supplication taught by our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for seeking Allah’s wisdom and protection when facing decisions. It embodies the essence of Tawakkul (reliance on Allah) coupled with seeking the best outcome. By reciting this, you acknowledge your own limitations and entrust the outcome to Allah, seeking both the good of the chosen path and protection from potential harm. It brings immense peace of mind, knowing that you have sought the best guidance from the One who knows all.
Source & Authentication
Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to teach us the Istikhara for all matters, just as he used to teach us the Surahs of the Quran. He would say: 'When one of you is concerned about a matter, he should pray two Rak'ahs other than the obligatory ones, and then say: O Allah, I ask of You, through Your knowledge, for the best is Yours to give, and through Your power, for You are powerful and I am powerless, and I ask of You of Your great bounty. For You know all and I know not, and You have knowledge of the unseen. O Allah, if You know that this matter (then he should specify it) is good for me in my religion, my livelihood and my life (and he said: or he said: for my world and my Hereafter), then ordain it for me, make it easy for me, and bless it for me. And if You know that this matter is bad for me in my religion, my livelihood and my life (and he said: or he said: for my world and my Hereafter), then turn it away from me and turn me away from it, and choose for me what is good.' Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) said: 'And he would say: And he should name his need.'