اللَّهُمَّ أَعِنِّي عَلَى ذِكْرِكَ وَشُكْرِكَ وَحُسْنِ عِبَادَتِكَ
O Allah, help me remember You, thank You, and worship You in the best way.
Allahumma a'inni 'ala dhikrika wa shukrika wa husni 'ibadatika
When to Read
This dua is incredibly powerful to recite at any point during your prayer, especially when you feel your mind wandering, your body feels tired, or you struggle with focus. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this to his Companions to strengthen their worship, so it’s perfect for those moments of difficulty in prayer, whether it's during the standing (qiyam), bowing (ruku'), or prostration (sujood). You can also make this a regular part of your supplications before you even start praying, asking Allah for assistance from the outset.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and a humble heart. Imagine asking a loving Creator for the very tools you need to connect with Him better. Speak the words clearly, focusing on their meaning: seeking Allah's help to remember Him constantly, to be grateful for His countless blessings, and to perfect your worship. It’s best recited with your hands raised slightly, similar to how you might make other duas, or simply spoken from the heart during your prayer when you feel the need for that extra spiritual boost.
Virtues & Benefits
This profound dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself, is a comprehensive request for spiritual well-being during worship. By asking Allah for help in remembering Him, we are seeking to maintain constant awareness of His presence, which is the essence of mindfulness in prayer. Asking for help to be thankful opens the door to appreciating Allah's favors, making our prayers a more heartfelt expression of gratitude. Finally, seeking assistance in worshipping Him 'in the best way' is a plea for sincerity (ikhlas), correctness, and excellence in our acts of devotion, guarding us against distractions and weaknesses that can mar our connection with Allah.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said to Mu'adh bin Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him), 'O Mu'adh, by Allah, I love you, so I advise you not to miss saying after every prayer: Allahumma a'inni 'ala dhikrika wa shukrika wa husni 'ibadatika.' (O Allah, help me remember You, thank You, and worship You in the best way.) — Sunan Abi Dawud 1522 (Sahih)