اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَهَا وَخَيْرَ مَا جَبَلْتَهَا عَلَيْهِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّهَا وَشَرِّ مَا جَبَلْتَهَا عَلَيْهِ. اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ.
O Allah, I ask You for its goodness and the goodness of what You have decreed for it. And I seek refuge in You from its evil and the evil of what You have decreed for it. O Allah, I ask You from Your bounty.
Allahumma inni as'aluka khayraha wa khayra ma jabaltaha 'alayhi, wa a'udhu bika min sharriha wa sharri ma jabaltaha 'alayhi. Allahumma inni as'aluka min fadlik.
When to Read
This powerful dua is specifically recommended to be recited after offering the two rak'ahs of the Jumu'ah prayer, particularly if one is intending to propose or has just concluded a marriage contract. The day of Jumu'ah itself is a blessed time for making supplications, and this dua focuses on seeking Allah's blessing for a marital union. Imagine sitting in the mosque after prayer, the atmosphere still charged with remembrance of Allah, and raising your hands to ask Him for the best in your chosen partner and the future of your sacred bond.
How to Read
After completing the two rak'ahs of Jumu'ah prayer (or any prayer, really, but especially recommended after Jumu'ah), face the Qiblah, raise your hands with sincere intention, and recite this dua. Focus on the meaning of each word, visualizing the righteous spouse you hope for and the blessed partnership you seek. Remember the etiquette of dua: have full conviction in Allah's ability to answer, have hope in His mercy, and do not despair. Be earnest and humble in your supplication.
Virtues & Benefits
Seeking a righteous spouse is paramount in Islam, as the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 'A woman may be married for four things: her wealth, her lineage, her beauty and her religion. So choose the religious one, may your hands be rubbed with dust (i.e., may you prosper).' (Sahih al-Bukhari 5090, Sahih Muslim 1466) This dua, used by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ when marrying, encapsulates seeking the best of both the person and Allah's divine decree for them. Reciting it on Friday amplifies the intention by leveraging the blessed nature of this day for seeking one's needs from Allah. It acknowledges that true blessing in marriage comes from Allah's favor and protection from any potential ill.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet (ﷺ) taught his companions how to seek counsel from Allah (Istikhara) in all matters, including marriage. While this specific wording is often used in the context of marriage proposals or contracts, the underlying principle of seeking Allah's guidance and blessing for a union is universal. When Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) was advised to propose to Fatimah (may Allah be pleased with her), the marriage was eventually facilitated with blessings and guidance from Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ). This dua is particularly relevant when a proposal is accepted and the contract is about to be made, or upon entering the marriage itself. It is a supplication for the best outcome, seeking goodness in the spouse and protection from any potential evil, all by Allah's will and bounty.