اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَهَا وَخَيْرَ أَهْلِهَا وَخَيْرَ مَا جَبَلْتَ عَلَيْهِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّهَا وَشَرِّ أَهْلِهَا وَشَرِّ مَا جَبَلْتَ عَلَيْهِ
O Allah, I ask You for its [this new phase/family] goodness, and the goodness of its people, and the goodness of what You have naturally inclined it towards. And I seek refuge in You from its evil, and the evil of its people, and the evil of what You have naturally inclined it towards.
Allahumma inni as'aluka khairaha wa khaira ahliha wa khaira ma jabalta 'alayhi, wa a'udhu bika min sharriha wa sharri ahliha wa sharri ma jabalta 'alayhi.
When to Read
This dua is particularly relevant when entering into a new stepfamily situation, whether as a stepparent, a child in a blended family, or an adult navigating a remarriage. Recite it at the beginning of this new chapter, and periodically throughout the adjustment period, especially during times of uncertainty or when facing particular challenges within the family dynamic. It can be recited after prayers, or at any quiet moment of reflection.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and a humble heart. Focus on the meaning as you speak, asking Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala for help and protection. It's recommended to raise your hands slightly in supplication as you recite it, and to be mindful of the immense responsibility and the potential for both joy and difficulty in blending families. Patience, empathy, and consistent effort are key alongside this dua.
Virtues & Benefits
This beautiful dua, taught by our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, is a comprehensive request for the best in any new situation. By asking for the 'goodness of its people' and 'what You have naturally inclined it towards,' we are seeking harmony, understanding, and ease in relationships. Simultaneously, seeking refuge from the 'evil' acknowledges that challenges are a reality, and we are placing our trust in Allah to protect us from hardship, ill-will, or negative inclinations that might arise. It fosters a mindset of reliance on Allah while actively seeking positive outcomes in building a healthy stepfamily environment.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: When one of you marries a woman, let him take her by the forelock and ask for Allah's blessing, and say: 'Allahumma inni as'aluka khairaha wa khaira ma jabalta 'alayha, wa a'udhu bika min sharriha wa sharri ma jabalta 'alayha.' (O Allah, I ask You for its goodness, and the goodness of what You have naturally inclined it towards. And I seek refuge in You from its evil, and the evil of what You have naturally inclined it towards). And when one of you buys a servant, let him take him by the forelock and ask for Allah's blessing, and say the like of that. (Sahih Muslim 1080)