اللَّهُمَّ أَعِنِّي عَلَى ذِكْرِكَ وَشُكْرِكَ وَحُسْنِ عِبَادَتِكَ
O Allah, help me remember You, thank You, and worship You in the best way.
Allahumma a'inni 'ala dhikrika wa shukrika wa husni 'ibadatik
When to Read
This profound dua is best recited during the blessed hours of Tahajjud, the night prayer. As you prepare to stand before Allah, seeking His favor, ask Him to grant you the strength and ability to perform acts of kindness and charity. It can be repeated multiple times during your prayer, or especially before you commence any charitable act that you intend to perform after waking for Tahajjud.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and a humble heart, preferably during the last third of the night when Allah descends to the nearest heaven. Raise your hands, as was the practice of the Prophet ﷺ, and implore Allah directly. Understand that the 'best way' includes not just the action itself, but the intention, sincerity, and consistency of worship and good deeds.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates a comprehensive request for spiritual well-being and effective worship. By asking for help in remembering Allah, we are prompted to be mindful of Him in all our actions, including our charity. Asking for help in thanking Him encourages gratitude, which in turn motivates more good deeds. Seeking assistance in worshipping Him 'in the best way' encompasses performing acts of kindness and charity with the proper etiquette, sincerity, and acceptance. This is vital during Tahajjud, a time when one's supplications are particularly potent.
Source & Authentication
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: 'When one of you wakes up in the morning, he should say: O Allah, I ask You for knowledge that is beneficial, provision that is good and deeds that are accepted. (Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman naafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan.) And when he enters the evening, he should say the same. And when he goes to his bed, he should say: O Allah, protect me from my punishment on the Day You resurrect Your servants. (Allahumma qini 'adhabaka yawma tab'athu 'ibadak.) And when one of you wakes up at night, he should say: O Allah, help me to remember You, to thank You, and to worship You in the best manner.' (Allahumma a'inni 'ala dhikrika wa shukrika wa husni 'ibadatik.)