اللَّهُمَّ أَعِنِّي عَلَى ذِكْرِكَ وَشُكْرِكَ وَحُسْنِ عِبَادَتِكَ
O Allah, help me in remembering You, thanking You, and worshipping You in the best manner.
Allahumma a'inni 'ala dhikrika wa shukrika wa husni 'ibadatik
When to Read
This profound supplication is particularly relevant when beginning night prayers (Tahajjud) or engaging in any form of worship that requires sustained effort and focus. It's a prayer for inner strength when fatigue sets in, reminding us that our ability to worship comes from Allah. Recite it just before you start your prayers, or at any point when you feel your resolve weakening.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a heartfelt plea to Allah. Raise your hands in supplication if possible, though it's not a strict requirement. Focus on the meaning of each word, acknowledging your dependence on Allah for the ability to perform acts of worship. It's beneficial to repeat it a few times to really internalize its message.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua is a comprehensive request for the tools needed for consistent worship: the ability to remember Allah (dhikr), to be grateful for His blessings (shukr), and to perfect our worship (husni 'ibadah). By asking for Allah's help, we acknowledge our limitations and seek divine assistance to overcome obstacles like fatigue, laziness, and forgetfulness. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this to a companion who asked for the best way to supplicate, highlighting its immense value for anyone seeking to deepen their connection with Allah, especially during the blessed hours of the night.
Source & Authentication
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this dua to a companion who asked for the best way to supplicate. The companion asked, 'O Messenger of Allah, what is the best supplication?' He replied, 'Ask Allah for 'Afiyah' (well-being). He asked again on another day, and he replied, 'O Messenger of Allah, teach me the best supplication.' He said, 'Say: O Allah, I ask You for well-being in this world and the Hereafter. O Allah, I ask You for pardon and well-being in my religion and worldly affairs, for my family and my wealth. O Allah, conceal my weaknesses and make me feel secure from my fears. O Allah, guard me from before me and from behind me, and from my right and from my left, and from above me, and I seek refuge in Your greatness from being snatched away from beneath me.' Then he said, 'O Allah, help me in remembering You, and thanking You, and worshipping You in the best manner.' The companion, Abdullah bin Hudayf, said, 'So I learned this dua and I used to supplicate with it. He (the Prophet ﷺ) said: 'Leave off asking people for things; it is enough for you to say: Allahumma a'inni 'ala dhikrika wa shukrika wa husni 'ibadatik.' (O Allah, help me in remembering You, and thanking You, and worshipping You in the best manner.) - Sunan Abi Dawud 1522