اللَّهُمَّ أَعِنِّي عَلَى ذِكْرِكَ وَشُكْرِكَ وَحُسْنِ عِبَادَتِكَ
O Allah, help me to remember You, to thank You, and to worship You in the best way.
Allahumma a'inni 'ala dhikrika wa shukrika wa husni 'ibadatika
When to Read
This powerful dua is recommended to be recited *after* the Tashahhud, just before the Tasleem (the final salutation of the prayer). It's a perfect moment to ask Allah for assistance in perfecting our worship before concluding the prayer. You can also make this dua at any point during your prayer, or even outside of it, as it encompasses the core of a believer's relationship with Allah: remembering Him, being grateful to Him, and worshipping Him sincerely.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a humble heart. Focus on the meaning of the words as you utter them. It's particularly potent when said just before concluding your prayer, as it serves as a final request for acceptance and improvement of the very act of worship you've just completed. Imagine the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, teaching this to his dearest companion, Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him), emphasizing its importance.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua is a concise yet comprehensive request that touches upon the pillars of sincere worship. By asking for help to remember Allah, we seek to maintain constant awareness of His presence, which is the essence of *dhikr*. Asking for help to thank Him is asking for the ability to be *shakoor* (grateful), acknowledging all His blessings. Finally, seeking help to worship Him in the best way encompasses striving for *khushu'* (concentration and devotion) in our prayers and all acts of obedience. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself would often make this dua, indicating its immense significance.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him): I said, "O Messenger of Allah! How should I supplicate (in my prayer)?" He said, "Say: Allahumma a'inni 'ala dhikrika wa shukrika wa husni 'ibadatika." (O Allah, help me to remember You, to thank You, and to worship You in the best way.) — Sunan Abi Dawud 1522 (Hasan)