اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَهَا وَخَيْرَ مَا جَبَلْتَهَا عَلَيْهِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّهَا وَشَرِّ مَا جَبَلْتَهَا عَلَيْهِ.
O Allah, I ask You for its [the woman's] goodness and the goodness of what You have decreed for her. And I seek refuge in You from its evil and the evil of what You have decreed for her.
Allahumma inni as'aluka khayraha wa khayra ma jabaltaha 'alayhi, wa a'udhu bika min sharriha wa sharri ma jabaltaha 'alayhi.
When to Read
This dua is specifically for the man who has found a potential spouse and wishes to proceed with marriage. It is recommended to recite it after deciding to propose, or even before making the final decision, as it invokes Allah's protection and blessings over the potential union. It's about seeking the best outcome from Allah, recognizing that only He knows what is truly good.
How to Read
This dua is typically recited by the man, or someone acting on his behalf, when seeking the hand of a woman in marriage. It is said upon meeting her or at the point of intending to marry her. The intention should be sincere, seeking Allah's guidance and blessing for a union that is pleasing to Him. It’s a prayer for both the individual's character and the overall outcome of the marriage.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting this dua is a profound act of seeking Allah's wisdom and protection in one of life's most significant decisions. It demonstrates reliance on the Creator, acknowledging that true goodness and protection come only from Him. By seeking refuge from potential evil, we are asking Allah to safeguard the marriage from discord, incompatibility, and anything that displetes Him. It’s a proactive step towards building a marriage on a foundation of faith and seeking Allah's best for both individuals involved.
Source & Authentication
Jabir ibn Abdullah reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, taught us to perform Istikhara in all matters, just as he taught us the Surahs of the Quran. He said, 'If one of you intends to do a matter, let him pray two units of prayer other than the obligatory ones, and then say: 'O Allah, I seek guidance from Your knowledge and power from Your might, and I ask of Your great bounty. You are able and I am not. You know and I do not. You are the Knower of the unseen. O Allah, if You know this matter [and then the person mentions the matter he wants to do] to be good for me in this life and in the Hereafter, then decree it for me and make it easy for me, and bless it for me. And if You know this matter to be evil for me, then turn it away from me and turn me away from it, and decree for me the good wherever it may be and make me content with it.' In another narration, when intending to marry, the Prophet ﷺ said: 'O Allah, I ask You for its goodness and the goodness of what You have decreed for her. And I seek refuge in You from its evil and the evil of what You have decreed for her.' (Sahih Muslim 107)