اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَهَا وَخَيْرَ أَهْلِهَا وَخَيْرَ مَا فِيهَا، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّهَا وَشَرِّ أَهْلِهَا وَشَرِّ مَا فِيهَا.
O Allah, I ask You for its [this matter's] goodness, and the goodness of what it contains, and I seek refuge in You from its evil and the evil of what it contains.
Allahumma inni as'aluka khayraha wa khayra ahliha wa khayra ma fiha, wa a'udhu bika min sharriha wa sharri ahliha wa sharri ma fiha.
When to Read
This powerful dua is specifically taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for when one needs to make a decision or undertake a task. It's perfect for those moments when you're weighing options, starting a new venture, considering a job offer, or even thinking about a significant life change like marriage. It's about seeking Allah's wisdom and protection before committing.
How to Read
Before you make a significant decision or begin an important task, take a moment to be in a state of wudu if possible. Face the Qibla, raise your hands slightly, and sincerely recite this dua. Focus on the meaning, understanding that you are entrusting your choice to Allah. Repeat it with conviction, letting the sincerity of your heart guide your intention. This isn't just about reciting words; it's about a humble appeal to the One who knows what is best.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting this dua is a profound way to acknowledge our dependence on Allah. It seeks His blessing in our endeavors and shields us from potential harm or negative outcomes. By asking for 'khayr' (goodness), we are asking for what is ultimately beneficial for our worldly and eternal life. Seeking refuge from 'sharr' (evil) is a comprehensive protection against any ill consequences, seen or unseen. It fosters contentment, knowing that our choices are being made under Allah's watchful guidance.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Jabir: The Prophet ﷺ taught us the Istikhara prayer in all matters as he taught us a Surah from the Qur'an. He said: 'If anyone of you is concerned about a matter, he should perform two Rak'ahs of anything other than obligatory prayer, and then say: O Allah, I seek guidance from Your knowledge and help from Your power and ask for Your great bounty. For You are powerful and I am weak, You know all of the unseen. O Allah, if You know that this matter (then he should specify the matter) is good for me in this life and in the Hereafter, then ordain it for me and make it easy for me, and bless it for me. And if You know that this matter is bad for me in this life and in the Hereafter, then turn it away from me and turn me away from it and ordain for me the good wherever it may be, and make me satisfied with it.' And he added: 'And one should call upon Allah at the end of his supplication, and the wording of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) is: "(Allahumma inni as'aluka khayraka wa qudrataka wa as'aluka min fadlikal-azimi, fa innaka taqdiru wa la aqdiru, wa ta'lamu wa la a'lamu, wa anta 'allamul-ghuyub. Allahumma in kunta ta'lamu anna hadhal-amra 'ajiluh wa ajiluh khayrun li fi dini wa dunyaya wa 'aqibati amri, fa qaddirhu li wa yassirhu li thumma barik li fihi. Wa in kunta ta'lamu annahu sharrun li fi dini wa dunyaya wa 'aqibati amri, fasrifhu 'anni wasrifni 'anhu wa qaddir liyal-khayra haithu kana thumma ardhini bihi.)" - Reported by Bukhari.