اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْهُدَى وَالتُّقَى وَالْعَفَافَ وَالْغِنَى.
O Allah, I ask You for guidance, piety, chastity, and self-sufficiency (contentment).
Allahumma inni as'alukal-huda wat-tuqa wal-'afafa wal-ghina.
When to Read
This comprehensive dua is excellent to recite when you feel your resolve weakening, especially when facing temptations or opportunities to fall into sin. It's particularly poignant after Fajr prayer, a time of spiritual renewal, but it can be recited at any time as a constant plea for divine assistance in cultivating a strong sense of modesty and God-consciousness.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and a humble heart. Raise your hands in supplication as you ask Allah. Visualize the meaning of guidance, piety, chastity, and self-sufficiency. Reflect on how these qualities are interconnected, and how true hayaa stems from acknowledging Allah's constant watchfulness. Repeat it regularly, making it a habit.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua directly asks Allah for several virtues essential for a balanced Muslim life. Guidance (huda) directs us to the right path. Piety (tuqa) means developing a consciousness of Allah that prevents us from falling into sin. Chastity ('afaf) encompasses guarding one's chastity in all aspects – speech, actions, and desires, which is a core component of hayaa. Self-sufficiency (ghina) refers to contentment and not being overly dependent on creation, which also stems from a strong reliance on Allah. Cultivating hayaa, as taught in other hadith (e.g., Sahih al-Bukhari 2), means embodying modesty and shame in the face of Allah, which in turn inspires good conduct and prevents indecency. This prayer is a pathway to achieving that.
Source & Authentication
Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to say: 'Allahumma inni as'alukal-huda wat-tuqa wal-'afafa wal-ghina.' (O Allah, I ask You for guidance, piety, chastity, and self-sufficiency).