Dua & Sunnah

Dua for Guidance to Truth and Understanding in Night Prayer

Night Worship & Tahajjud
Sahih HadithThe Book of Travelers' Prayers and Shortening Thereof 770

اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ جِبْرَائِيلَ وَمِيكَائِيلَ وَإِسْرَافِيلَ فَاطِرَ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ عَالِمَ الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ أَنْتَ تَحْكُمُ بَيْنَ عِبَادِكَ فِيمَا كَانُوا فِيهِ يَخْتَلِفُونَ اهْدِنِي لِمَا اخْتُلِفَ فِيهِ مِنَ الْحَقِّ بِإِذْنِكَ إِنَّكَ تَهْدِي مَنْ تَشَاءُ إِلَى صِرَاطٍ مُسْتَقِيمٍ

O Allah, Lord of Jibreel, Mika'il, and Israfil, Creator of the heavens and the earth, Knower of the unseen and the seen. You judge between Your servants concerning that wherein they differ. Guide me concerning that wherein they differ of the truth by Your leave. Verily, You guide whom You will to a straight path.

Allahumma Rabba Jibreela wa Mika'eela wa Israfeela, Fatiras-samawati wal-ardi, 'Alimal-ghaybi wash-shahadati anta tahkumu bayna 'ibadika fima kanu fihi yakhtalifoon. Ihdini lima-khtulifa fihi minal-haqqi bi-idhnik. Innaka tahdi man tashaa'u ila siratim mustaqeem.

When to Read

This profound supplication was an integral part of the Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ opening duas (Du'a al-Istiftah) when he would stand for night prayer (Qiyam al-Layl or Tahajjud). It is recited *after* the initial takbeer (Allahu Akbar) and *before* the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, setting a powerful spiritual tone for worship.

How to Read

When you recite this dua, do so with a heart full of reverence and humility. Reflect on the magnificent attributes of Allah mentioned: Lord of the great angels, Creator of all existence, and Knower of everything hidden and manifest. Understand that you are seeking His divine illumination to distinguish truth from falsehood, especially in matters where opinions may differ. This isn't merely about academic knowledge, but about clarity in understanding your Deen, making righteous choices, and walking the straight path. Let your intention be to truly submit to His guidance.

Virtues & Benefits

Engaging with this dua during your night vigil directly connects you to the prophetic practice, a time when supplications are most readily accepted. By calling upon Allah with His majestic names, you affirm His absolute power and knowledge, strengthening your reliance on Him alone. The specific request to 'guide me concerning that wherein they differ of the truth' is a comprehensive plea for wisdom, sound understanding, and protection from confusion and error in all aspects of life and faith. It cultivates a heart that perpetually seeks truth, fostering profound spiritual and intellectual growth, and helping you navigate life's complexities with divine insight.

Source & Authentication

Abdullah ibn Abbas reported: When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ stood up for prayer during the night, he used to say: > **Arabic:** كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم إِذَا قَامَ مِنَ اللَّيْلِ يَتَهَجَّدُ قَالَ ‏ "‏ اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ جِبْرَائِيلَ وَمِيكَائِيلَ وَإِسْرَافِيلَ فَاطِرَ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ عَالِمَ الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ أَنْتَ تَحْكُمُ بَيْنَ عِبَادِكَ فِيمَا كَانُوا فِيهِ يَخْتَلِفُونَ اهْدِنِي لِمَا اخْتُلِفَ فِيهِ مِنَ الْحَقِّ بِإِذْنِكَ إِنَّكَ تَهْدِي مَنْ تَشَاءُ إِلَى صِرَاطٍ مُسْتَقِيمٍ ‏" > > **Translation:** "O Allah, Lord of Jibreel, Mika'il, and Israfil, Creator of the heavens and the earth, Knower of the unseen and the seen. You judge between Your servants concerning that wherein they differ. Guide me concerning that wherein they differ of the truth by Your leave. Verily, You guide whom You will to a straight path." > > **Transliteration:** *Kana Rasulullahi ﷺ idha qama minal-layli yatahajjadu qala: "Allahumma Rabba Jibreela wa Mika'eela wa Israfeela, Fatiras-samawati wal-ardi, 'Alimal-ghaybi wash-shahadati anta tahkumu bayna 'ibadika fima kanu fihi yakhtalifoon. Ihdini lima-khtulifa fihi minal-haqqi bi-idhnik. Innaka tahdi man tashaa'u ila siratim mustaqeem."* > > — Sahih Muslim 770
Sahih HadithThe Book of Travelers' Prayers and Shortening Thereof 770
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