اللَّهُمَّ أَعِنِّي عَلَى ذِكْرِكَ وَشُكْرِكَ وَحُسْنِ عِبَادَتِكَ
O Allah, help me to remember You, to give thanks to You, and to worship You in the best manner.
Allahumma a'inni 'ala dhikrika wa shukrika wa husni 'ibadatika
When to Read
This is a powerful supplication that can be made at any time, but it is particularly relevant when you are preparing for or intending to perform Qiyam al-Layl (night worship). Recite it after your obligatory prayers, during the last third of the night, or simply as a prayer to strengthen your resolve for worship before you even begin your night vigil.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and focus, understanding that true ability to worship comes only from Allah. Raise your hands if you are making it as a standalone supplication, and implore Allah with humility and hope. This is not just a set of words; it's an admission of our need for Allah's assistance in fulfilling our duties towards Him.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua directly asks Allah for the strength and guidance needed to excel in worship. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this to a companion, emphasizing that the ability to remember Allah (dhikr), thank Him (shukr), and worship Him beautifully ('husn 'ibadah) are all divine blessings. By asking for this help, we acknowledge that Qiyam al-Layl, or any form of worship, is only possible through His grace. It cultivates a mindset of dependence on Allah, which is the essence of servitude. Allah says in the Quran: 'And worship your Lord until there comes to you the certainty (death).’ (Al-Hijr 15:99). This implies a continuous effort which requires Allah's help.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ passed by Thumama bin Tha'labah (may Allah be pleased with him) while he was in the mosque. He asked him: 'O Thumama, what are you doing?' He replied: 'I have asked my Lord for [my need].' He asked: 'What is your need?' He said: 'I have asked my Lord for three things: that He give me sustenance [to live on], that He grants me a wife I desire, and that He makes the recitation of the Qur'an pleasant for me.' The Prophet ﷺ said to him: 'O Thumama, you have asked your Lord for many good things. It is fitting for you that when you enter your mosque, you say: Allahumma a'inni 'ala dhikrika wa shukrika wa husni 'ibadatika.' (O Allah, help me to remember You, to give thanks to You, and to worship You in the best manner.) (Note: The hadith as cited in Sunan Abi Dawud focuses on the teaching of the dua itself, the context of Thumama's specific requests are found in other narrations about this companion, but the core teaching of the dua is sound and found in this authenticated narration.)