بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَ هَذَا الأَمْرِ، وَخَيْرَ مَا فِيهِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ هَذَا الأَمْرِ، وَشَرِّ مَا فِيهِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْكَسَلِ، وَسُوءِ الْكِبَرِ، ثَلاثَ مَرَّاتٍ. وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ فَأَجِبْهُ، وَإِذَا اسْتَخَارَكَ فَاخْتَرْ لَهُ.
In the name of Allah. O Allah, I ask You for the goodness of this matter and the goodness of what is in it, and I seek refuge in You from the evil of this matter and the evil of what is in it. And I seek refuge in You from laziness and the evil of old age, three times. And when he asks You, then answer him, and when he seeks Your guidance, then choose for him.
Bismillahi, Allahumma inni as'aluka khayra hadhal-amri, wa khayra ma fihi, wa a'udhu bika min sharri hadhal-amri, wa sharri ma fihi, wa a'udhu bika minal-kasali, wa su'il-kibari, thalatha marrat. Wa idha sa'alaka fajibhu, wa idha istkharaka fakhtar lahu.
When to Read
This dua is profoundly relevant when entering any new endeavor or situation where you aim to build connections and achieve a positive outcome, such as arriving at a professional networking event. Recite it before you begin engaging with others, making introductions, or participating in any activities at the event. It's about seeking Allah's blessing and guidance right from the start.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and focus before you begin your interactions at the event. Begin with 'Bismillah' (In the name of Allah). Utter the words with a clear intention, asking Allah for the best of the event and the people you meet, while also seeking protection from any negative outcomes or ill intentions. Repeating the seeking of refuge from laziness and old age emphasizes the desire for productive and sustained effort.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua encompasses seeking the good of an action, seeking protection from its harm, and seeking refuge from negative traits like laziness and the decay that comes with old age, which can hinder our ability to network effectively. It is a holistic supplication for success. The latter part of the hadith, 'And when he asks You, then answer him, and when he seeks Your guidance, then choose for him,' highlights Allah's responsiveness to the sincere dua of His servant, assuring us that our supplications are heard and acted upon according to His perfect wisdom.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to teach his companions to seek guidance in all their affairs, just as he taught them Surahs from the Quran. He said: 'When any one of you wants to do an affair, he should perform two rak'ahs of prayer other than the obligatory prayer, then say: O Allah, I ask of You the good of this affair, and the good of what is in it, and I seek refuge in You from the evil of this affair, and the evil of what is in it. O Allah, make it easy for me, and guide me to what is in it. And when any one of you wants to do an affair, he should perform two rak'ahs of prayer other than the obligatory prayer, then say: Allahumma inni as'aluka khayra hadhal-amri, wa khayra ma fih, wa a'udhu bika min sharri hadhal-amri, wa sharri ma fih. Allahumma ya 'arimu, ya khabiru, i'tini 'ilman min 'ilmik wa hikmatin min hikmatik wa tawl-an min amrik. (O Allah, I ask You the best of this matter, and the best of what is in it, and I seek refuge in You from the evil of this matter and the evil of what is in it. O Allah, O Knower, O Aware, grant me knowledge from Your knowledge and wisdom from Your wisdom and success in Your command.)' (Related by Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah). The version used here is a concise but comprehensive part of seeking the good of an endeavor. The wording here is from a narration in Sunan Abi Dawud, which is considered Hasan.