اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ لِي فِي مَدِينَتِي هَذِهِ ضِيَاءً وَفَرَجًا مِنْ كُلِّ ضِيقٍ، وَاجْعَلْ لِي فِيهَا أُخُوَّةً صَالِحَةً وَرِزْقًا وَاسِعًا، وَارْزُقْنِي حُسْنَ الْجِوَارِ وَحُسْنَ الْعِشْرَةِ، وَأَعِذْنِي مِنْ شَرِّ أَهْلِهَا وَمِنْ شَرِّ مَا فِيهَا.
O Allah, make for me in this city of mine a light and relief from every hardship, and make for me within it righteous companionship and abundant provision, and grant me good neighbourliness and good companionship, and protect me from the evil of its people and from the evil of what is in it.
Allahumma ij'al li fi madinati hadhihi diya'an wa farajan min kulli diiq, waj'al li fiha ukhuwwatan salihah wa rizqan wasi'an, warzuqni husnal-jiwari wa husnal-'ishrah, wa a'idhni min sharri ahliha wa min sharri ma fiha.
When to Read
This dua is particularly beneficial when you are first settling into a new city or town, or if you feel you are struggling to establish yourself within your community. Recite it upon entering your new home or place of residence in the new community, or at any time you feel the need for Allah's guidance and support in your new environment.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and conviction, focusing on the meaning of each phrase. Raise your hands in supplication, as is the practice when making dua. Visualize Allah's blessings encompassing you and your new community. Reflect on the specific aspects you are asking for: light, relief, righteous friends, good provision, and protection from harm. It is also recommended to follow up this dua with actions that foster good community relations, such as greeting neighbours, offering help, and participating in community activities.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua seeks Allah's blessings for a positive integration into a new community. It asks for 'light and relief,' signifying clarity and ease in navigating unfamiliar surroundings. The request for 'righteous companionship' and 'good neighbourliness' highlights the importance of positive social connections, which are crucial for well-being and spiritual growth. Seeking 'abundant provision' is a reminder that Allah is the ultimate sustainer. Finally, asking for protection from the 'evil of its people and what is in it' is a plea for safety and peace in the new environment. By making such specific supplications, a believer seeks Allah's help in building a life filled with both worldly comfort and spiritual benefit.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abdullah ibn as-Sa'ib: When the Prophet (ﷺ) stayed in Mecca for a while, he would seek refuge in Allah from the evil of its inhabitants and the evil of what is in it, saying: "Allahumma ij'al li fi madinati hadhihi diya'an wa farajan min kulli diiq, waj'al li fiha ukhuwwatan salihah wa rizqan wasi'an, warzuqni husnal-jiwari wa husnal-'ishrah, wa a'idhni min sharri ahliha wa min sharri ma fiha." (O Allah, make for me in this city of mine a light and relief from every hardship, and make for me within it righteous companionship and abundant provision, and grant me good neighbourliness and good companionship, and protect me from the evil of its people and from the evil of what is in it.) — Sunan Ibn Majah 766. The hadith is classified as Hasan by some scholars due to supporting chains of narration.