اللَّهُمَّ إنِّي أسألُكَ الهُدَى والتُّقَى والعَفَافَ والغِنَى
O Allah, I ask You for guidance, piety, chastity, and contentment/self-sufficiency.
Allahumma inni as'alukal-huda wat-tuqa wal-'afafa wal-ghina
When to Read
This is a comprehensive dua that can be recited at any time, especially during your daily prayers (salat) after the Tashahhud and before the Tasleem, as the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us to seek refuge in Allah from four things within this very dua. It's particularly relevant when feeling uncertain about choices, or when exposed to differing opinions and practices within the community, reminding us to anchor ourselves to the Sunnah.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and a humble heart, focusing on the meaning of each request. Raise your hands slightly, as is customary when making dua, and reflect on your reliance on Allah for all matters, especially for clarity and steadfastness in faith.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates seeking the best in both this life and the hereafter. Guidance (Huda) is the light of knowledge and righteous action. Piety (Tuqa) is guarding oneself against Allah's displeasure by adhering to His commands and avoiding His prohibitions. Chastity (Afaf) means contentment and refraining from seeking what is with others. Self-sufficiency (Ghina) is being content with what Allah has provided, freeing one from neediness towards creation. By seeking these, we inherently shield ourselves from straying into bid'ah or deviant paths, as true guidance leads us to the straight path, the Sunnah.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abdullah ibn Mas'ud: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to supplicate: "Allahumma inni as'alukal-huda, wat-tuqa, wal-'afafa, wal-ghina." (O Allah, I ask You for guidance, piety, chastity, and self-sufficiency.)