اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْجَنَّةَ وَمَا قَرَّبَ إِلَيْهَا مِنْ قَوْلٍ أَوْ عَمَلٍ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ النَّارِ وَمَا قَرَّبَ إِلَيْهَا مِنْ قَوْلٍ أَوْ عَمَلٍ
O Allah, I ask You for Paradise and whatever brings me closer to it, of speech or action. And I seek refuge in You from the Fire and whatever brings me closer to it, of speech or action.
Allahumma inni as'alukal jannata wa ma qarraba ilayha min qawlin aw 'amal, wa a'udhu bika minan nari wa ma qarraba ilayha min qawlin aw 'amal.
When to Read
This powerful dua is best recited on Friday, especially after the obligatory prayers or during the special time for acceptance of supplications on this blessed day. You can make it a habit to recite it regularly to keep your ultimate goal – Paradise – at the forefront of your mind.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and conviction, raising your hands as you normally would for supplication. Reflect on the meaning: you are directly asking Allah for the highest reward, Jannah, and seeking His protection from the Hellfire. The dua also wisely asks for guidance to do the *actions* and *speak the words* that lead to Paradise, acknowledging that our deeds are the means to achieve it.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encompasses the core of a believer's aspiration. By asking for Paradise and what leads to it, and seeking refuge from the Fire and what leads to it, you are essentially asking Allah to guide your entire life towards His pleasure and ultimate reward. It's a comprehensive request that covers both seeking good and warding off evil. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us to be comprehensive in our supplications, and this dua is a beautiful example.
Source & Authentication
Narrated 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to supplicate: 'Allahumma inni as'alukal jannata wa ma qarraba ilayha min qawlin aw 'amal, wa a'udhu bika minan nari wa ma qarraba ilayha min qawlin aw 'amal.' (O Allah, I ask You for Paradise and whatever brings me closer to it, of speech or action. And I seek refuge in You from the Fire and whatever brings me closer to it, of speech or action.) Sunan Ibn Majah, Book 34, Hadith 4298