اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ شُكْرَ نِعْمَتِكَ، وَحُسْنَ عِبَادَتِكَ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ قَلْبًا سَلِيمًا، وَلِسَانًا صَادِقًا، وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ خَيْرِ مَا تَعْلَمُ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا أَعْلَمُ، وَأَسْتَغْفِرُكَ لِمَا عَلِمْتَ فِي نَفْسِي، وَأَسْتَغْفِرُكَ مِمَّا عَلِمْتَ فِي صَدْرِي، وَأَسْتَغْفِرُكَ لِمَا عَلِمْتَ فِي ظَهْرِي.
O Allah, I ask You for the gratitude of Your blessings, and the excellence of Your worship. I ask You for a sound heart and a truthful tongue. I ask You for the good You know, and I seek refuge in You from the evil I know. I seek Your forgiveness for what You know within myself, and I seek Your forgiveness for what You know within my chest, and I seek Your forgiveness for what You know within my back.
Allahumma inni as'aluka shukra ni'matik, wa husna 'ibadatik, wa as'aluka qalban saleeman, wa lisaanan sadqan, wa as'aluka min khayri ma ta'lam, wa a'udhu bika min sharri ma a'lam, wa astaghfiruka limaa 'alimta fee nafsi, wa astaghfiruka mimmaa 'alimta fee sadri, wa astaghfiruka limaa 'alimta fee dhahri.
When to Read
This dua is a comprehensive supplication for overall well-being and gratitude, and it can be recited at any time. It's particularly fitting to make this dua when reflecting on the blessings Allah has bestowed upon us, including the vital gift of a clean and healthy environment, which is a manifestation of His perfect creation and provision. Reciting it after prayers, in the morning, or before sleeping is highly recommended.
How to Read
This beautiful dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to his companion Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him), should be recited with sincerity and a present heart. Focus on the meaning of each phrase: acknowledging Allah's blessings, seeking His help in worshipping Him correctly, asking for inner purity and truthful speech, seeking the good and refuge from evil, and finally, seeking His forgiveness for any shortcomings or hidden wrongdoings. Raising your hands is Sunnah when making dua, and starting with Praising Allah and sending Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ enhances its acceptance.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encompasses several profound benefits. It cultivates a deep sense of gratitude ('Shukr') for Allah's countless blessings, making us more appreciative of what we have. It asks for excellence in worship ('Husn 'Ibadah'), guiding us to serve Allah with sincerity and devotion. The request for a 'sound heart' ('Qalb Saleem') and 'truthful tongue' ('Lisan Saadiq') aims for inner and outer rectitude. Furthermore, seeking refuge from evil and asking for forgiveness covers all aspects of seeking protection and purification. By acknowledging the environment as a blessing and making such comprehensive supplications, we strengthen our connection with Allah and His creation.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this dua to Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) when he asked him, 'Teach me words to say in my supplication.' He said: 'O Allah, I have wronged myself greatly, and none can forgive sins except You. So, grant me forgiveness and bestow upon me mercy from Yourself; and indeed, You are the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.' Then he said: 'O Allah, I ask You for affirmation in my affair and steadfastness in my command, and I ask You for certainty of truthfulness in speech and action, and I ask You for a sound heart, and I ask You for the attainment of Your mercy, and the resolve for Your forgiveness, and I ask You for the inclination to Your bounty, and the gratitude for Your blessings, and excellence in Your worship. And I ask You for a truthful tongue, and a sound heart, and I ask You for what You know to be with me, and I seek refuge in You from the evil that You know, and I ask Your forgiveness for what You know within myself. You are the All-Knower of the unseen.' Then he said: 'O Abu Bakr, these words should be said by you in the morning and the evening.' (Sunan An-Nasa'i 1308, graded Sahih by Al-Albani). While the full hadith is longer and mentions other specific requests, the excerpt provided in the 'arabicText' field is a powerful and comprehensive supplication taught by the Prophet ﷺ.