اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَهَا وَخَيْرَ مَا جَبَلْتَهَا عَلَيْهِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّهَا وَشَرِّ مَا جَبَلْتَهَا عَلَيْهِ. (and if the person is a male: اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَهُ وَخَيْرَ مَا جَبَلْتَهُ عَلَيْهِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّهِ وَشَرِّ مَا جَبَلْتَهُ عَلَيْهِ)
O Allah, I ask of You its [or his] goodness and the goodness of that which You have decreed for it [or him], and I seek refuge in You from its [or his] evil and the evil of that which You have decreed for it [or him].
Allahumma inni as'aluka khayraha wa khayra ma jabaltaha 'alayhi, wa a'udhu bika min sharriha wa sharri ma jabaltaha 'alayhi. (and if the person is a male: Allahumma inni as'aluka khayrahu wa khayra ma jabaltahu 'alayhi, wa a'udhu bika min sharrihi wa sharri ma jabaltahu 'alayhi)
When to Read
This dua is specifically recited when one is considering marrying a particular person. It is often said after seeking advice and performing Istikhara, but it can also be recited during the engagement period or even before proposing if you have someone in mind. It's a beautiful way to entrust the ultimate decision and outcome to Allah, asking for the best in both the person and the destiny You have planned for them.
How to Read
The best way to recite this dua is with sincerity and a sincere intention. Raise your hands as you would in supplication, with humility and focus on the meaning of the words. It's a personal plea to Allah, so speak from your heart, seeking His guidance and protection for this significant step in your life. Make it a habit to turn to Allah for all major decisions.
Virtues & Benefits
Reciting this dua is a powerful way to acknowledge Allah's dominion over all affairs, especially the crucial decision of marriage. It seeks divine protection from potential harm or ill-fortune associated with the union and asks for the inherent goodness within the chosen partner and the destiny Allah has planned for them. This act purifies one's intentions, places trust in the Creator, and invites blessings into the potential marriage, aligning it with Allah's perfect will.
Source & Authentication
The narration regarding this dua comes from the context of praying for a chosen spouse. Jabir ibn Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'If any one of you proposes to a woman, he should do MINṢALA of two rak'ahs of voluntary prayer, and then say: Allahumma inni as'aluka min khairiha wa khayra ma fa-ta-ta bihi, wa a'udhu bika min sharriha wa sharri ma fa-ta-ta bihi. (O Allah, I ask of You its goodness and the goodness of that which You have decreed for it, and I seek refuge in You from its evil and the evil of that which You have decreed for it.)'