بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ. اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَهَا وَخَيْرَ أَهْلِهَا وَخَيْرَ مَا فِيهَا، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّهَا وَشَرِّ أَهْلِهَا وَشَرِّ مَا فِيهَا.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. O Allah, I ask You for its goodness, the goodness of what it contains, and the goodness of its nature. And I seek refuge in You from its evil, the evil of what it contains, and the evil of its nature.
Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim. 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 dua is excellent to recite when embarking on any new venture, including a creative or artistic project. Whether you're starting a new painting, writing a piece of music, designing something, or embarking on any endeavor that requires skill and inspiration, this dua can be a beautiful way to seek Allah's blessings and protection. Say it before you begin, as you set up your workspace, or even as you take the first step.
How to Read
Begin with the Basmala (Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim). Recite the dua with sincerity and focus. Visualize the positive outcomes you hope for in your artistic endeavor. Understand that 'its goodness' and 'its evil' refer to the project or venture itself and all that is associated with it. Trust in Allah's plan and His ability to guide your efforts towards success and away from harm.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates seeking the best of a new endeavor and seeking protection from its potential harms. By reciting it, you are entrusting your efforts to Allah (SWT), acknowledging His power over all things, and asking for His guidance and facilitation. It sets a tone of reliance on Allah and a desire for His barakah (blessings) in your creative work. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us to seek Allah’s help in all our affairs, and this is particularly relevant when starting something new where the outcome is uncertain.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us this dua when a person was about to embark on a journey. He instructed to say: 'Bismillah, tawakkaltu 'alallah, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah. Allahumma inni as'aluka min khayri hadhihi as-safari wa khayri ma fihi, wa a'udhu bika min sharriha wa sharri ma fihi.' (In the name of Allah, I place my trust in Allah, and there is no might nor power except with Allah. O Allah, I ask You for the goodness of this journey and the goodness of what it contains, and I seek refuge in You from its evil and the evil of what it contains.) The hadith mentioning 'its goodness, the goodness of what it contains, and the goodness of its nature' is found in Sunan Abi Dawud with the wording adapted here for a general new endeavor rather than specifically a journey.