اللَّهُمَّ آتِنِي حِكْمَةً وَأَلْحِقْنِي بِالصَّالِحِينَ، وَاجْعَلْ لِي لِسَانَ صِدْقٍ فِي الآخِرِينَ، وَاجْعَلْنِي مِنْ وَرَثَةِ جَنَّةِ النَّعِيمِ
O Allah, grant me wisdom and join me with the righteous, and grant me a truthful tongue among later generations, and make me among the inheritors of the Garden of Delight.
Allahumma atini hikmatun wa alhiqni bis-salihin, waj'al li lisana sidqin fil-akhirin, waj'alni min warathati jannatin na'im.
When to Read
This dua is perfect to recite when you find yourself tempted to speak ill of others, or when you feel the sting of gossip or slander directed at you. Recite it after every prayer or at any time you feel the need to strengthen your resolve to speak good and avoid evil.
How to Read
Raise your hands, as you would during supplication, and recite this dua with sincerity and a clear intention to protect yourself and others from the harms of the tongue. Focus on the meaning of the words, asking Allah for the ability to embody truthfulness and righteousness in your speech and actions.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive supplication, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to his companion Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him), asks Allah for several key virtues that directly combat negative gossip and slander. Wisdom (hikmah) allows us to discern right from wrong and speak appropriately. Being joined with the righteous means we are influenced by good company and strive for righteous deeds. A 'truthful tongue among later generations' means to have our good reputation preserved and to be remembered for speaking the truth, a stark contrast to the falsehoods of slander. Finally, seeking inheritance of Paradise is the ultimate goal, which is achieved through righteous conduct, including the proper use of speech.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said to Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) when he asked him to teach him a supplication to recite in his prayer: 'O Abu Bakr, say: O Allah, I have wronged myself greatly, and none can forgive sins except You. So forgive me with forgiveness from You, and have mercy upon me. Verily, You are the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.' Then he said: 'O Abu Bakr, say: O Allah, I have wronged myself greatly, and none can forgive sins except You. So forgive me with forgiveness from You, and have mercy upon me. Verily, You are the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.' (This was the first supplication). Then he said: 'O Allah, grant me wisdom and join me with the righteous, and grant me a truthful tongue among later generations, and make me among the inheritors of the Garden of Delight.' (This was the second supplication). Abu `Isa said: This is a Hasan Hadith. (Sunan At-Tirmidhi, Book 47, Hadith 3565)