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 'ibadatik
When to Read
This is a comprehensive supplication that can be recited at any time, but it's particularly beneficial to make it a habit after the obligatory prayers, especially in the evening before sleep. By asking Allah for help in remembering Him, thanking Him, and worshipping Him, you are essentially asking for the strength and ability to perform acts of worship like Fajr and Tahajjud. Making this dua a part of your evening routine sets the intention and seeks divine assistance for the night's worship and the early morning prayer.
How to Read
Recite this dua sincerely, with presence of heart and firm belief in Allah's ability to grant your request. Focus on the meaning of each phrase: asking for help to remember Allah often, to be grateful for His blessings, and to perfect your worship. It's best to recite it after your obligatory prayers or before sleeping, turning your face towards the Qiblah if possible, and with full conviction.
Virtues & Benefits
This powerful dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to a companion, encompasses the essence of a fulfilling relationship with Allah. By asking for help in remembering Him, you increase your chances of staying conscious of Him throughout the day and night, which naturally leads to performing acts of worship. Gratitude (Shukr) fosters contentment and further blessings. Perfecting worship (Husn 'Ibadah) means striving to perform prayers and all acts of devotion with sincerity and excellence. Asking for this comprehensive help directly addresses the struggle many face in waking for Fajr and Tahajjud, as it strengthens the spiritual foundation needed for such efforts. The Prophet ﷺ also said: 'Whoever intends to do a good deed but does not do it, it is written down as one complete good deed.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6491) By making this dua, you are intending to wake for prayer, and Allah, in His mercy, may reward you even for the intention and help you achieve the act.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) passed by Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) while he was supplicating and saying: "O Allah, I have wronged myself a great deal, and none can forgive sins except You. So, grant me forgiveness and have mercy on me. Verily, You are the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful." The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "O Abu Bakr, indeed this is supplication." Then Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "The supplication of Dhu an-Nun when he called out from the darkness: 'There is no deity but You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers.'" (21:87) So, he (the Prophet) said: "Whoever says this will be answered, and whoever says it when asked about his sin will be forgiven." Abu Bakr said: "O Allah's Messenger! Should I not teach this to the people?" The Prophet said: "Yes, you should teach it to those whom you lead."