اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَ هَذِهِ اللَّيْلَةِ وَخَيْرَ مَا فِيهَا ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ هَذِهِ اللَّيْلَةِ وَشَرِّ مَا فِيهَا ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ قَلْبًا مُنْقَطِعًا إِلَيْكَ ، وَعِلْمًا نَافِعًا ، وَيَقِينًا صَادِقًا ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ هُدَى ضَلالٍ ، وَمِنْ شَرِّ سَمْعٍ ، وَمِنْ شَرِّ بَصَرٍ ، وَمِنْ شَرِّ لِسَانٍ ، وَمِنْ شَرِّ قَلْبٍ ، وَمِنْ شَرِّ مَنِيٍّ ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ رِزْقًا طَيِّبًا ، وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًا ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ هُدَىً وَتُقًى وَعَفَافًا وَغِنًى.
O Allah, I ask You for the goodness of this night and the goodness of what is in it, and I seek refuge in You from the evil of this night and the evil of what is in it. O Allah, I ask You for a heart devoted to You, beneficial knowledge, and truthful certainty. And I seek refuge in You from misleading guidance, and from the evil of hearing, and the evil of sight, and the evil of the tongue, and the evil of the heart, and the evil of seed/desire. O Allah, I ask You for pure sustenance and accepted deeds. O Allah, I ask You for guidance, piety, chastity, and contentment.
Allahumma inni as'aluka khayra hadhihi al-laylati wa khayra ma fiha, wa a'udhu bika min sharri hadhihi al-laylati wa sharri ma fiha. Allahumma inni as'aluka qalban munqati'an ilayk, wa 'ilman nafi'an, wa yaqinan sadiqan, wa a'udhu bika min huda dalalin, wa min sharri sam'in, wa min sharri basarin, wa min sharri lisanin, wa min sharri qalbin, wa min sharri maniyyin. Allahumma inni as'aluka rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan. Allahumma inni as'aluka huda wa tuqa wa 'afafan wa ghina.
When to Read
This comprehensive dua is perfect to recite before settling down to sleep when facing a significant decision or when feeling uncertain about the path forward. It's a powerful way to end your day, entrusting your concerns to Allah (SWT) and seeking His wisdom. Recite it after you have completed your Isha prayer and are preparing for rest.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a humble heart. Focus on the meaning of each phrase, truly asking Allah (SWT) for guidance. It is recommended to face the Qiblah if possible, and to have your ablution (wudu) before reciting, although it's not strictly required for this supplication at bedtime. Place your trust in Allah (SWT) that He will grant you clarity, whether through a dream, an idea that comes to mind upon waking, or through circumstances unfolding.
Virtues & Benefits
This supplication is incredibly comprehensive. It seeks the good of the night and protection from its ills, acknowledging Allah's (SWT) absolute control. More importantly, it asks for a heart fully devoted to Him, which is the foundation of all righteous action and seeking guidance. Asking for beneficial knowledge and truthful certainty equips you to make sound decisions. Seeking refuge from misleading guidance and various evils protects you from falling into error. Finally, asking for pure sustenance and accepted deeds ensures your efforts are aligned with His pleasure. This dua helps foster a mindset of complete reliance on Allah (SWT), which is essential when facing difficult choices.
Source & Authentication
The hadith describes a prayer that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to say. While the precise wording for asking for guidance on a *specific* decision isn't given in this exact form as a separate prayer (like Istikhara), this general prayer for goodness, knowledge, certainty, and protection encompasses the spirit of seeking Allah's (SWT) help in all matters, including significant decisions. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us the prayer of Istikhara for specific decisions, which involves praying two rak'ahs and then supplicating. However, incorporating this beautiful and comprehensive dua into your evening routine before sleep is a powerful way to imbue your heart with reliance on Allah (SWT) and seek His general guidance in all aspects of your life, including those decisions that weigh on your mind.