اللَّهُمَّ أَلِّفْ بَيْنَ قُلُوبِهِمَا، وَأَصْلِحْ ذَاتَ بَيْنِهِمَا، وَاهْدِهِمَا سُبُلَ السَّلَامِ، وَأَخْرِجْهُمَا مِنَ الظُّلُمَاتِ إِلَى النُّورِ بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِمَا، وَجَنِّبْهُمَا الْفَوَاحِشَ مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا وَمَا بَطَنَ، وَبَارِكْ لَهُمَا فِي أَسْمَاعِهِمَا، وَأَبْصَارِهِمَا، وَقُلُوبِهِمَا، وَأَزْوَاجِهِمَا، وَذُرِّيَّاتِهِمَا، وَتُبْ عَلَيْهِمَا، إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ.
O Allah, unite their hearts, mend the matters between them, guide them to the ways of peace, and bring them out from darkness into light by Your Lord's permission. Keep them away from shameful deeds, both apparent and hidden. Bless their hearing, their sight, their hearts, their spouses, and their offspring. Turn to them in repentance, indeed, You are the Ever-Relenting, the Most Merciful.
Allahumma allif bayna qulubihima, wa aslih dhata baynihima, wahdihima subulis-salam, wa akhrijhuma minaz-zulumaati ilan-noori bi idhni Rabbihima, wa jannib-huma-l-fawaahisha ma dhahara minha wa ma batan, wa barik lahuma fi asma'ihima, wa absarihima, wa qulubihima, wa azwajihima, wa dhurriyyatihima, wa tub 'alayhima, innaka antat-Tawwabur-Raheem.
When to Read
This dua is profoundly beneficial for couples in intercultural marriages, particularly when facing challenges in communication, cultural differences, or misunderstandings. It's ideal to recite it during times of potential conflict, before important family discussions, or as a regular supplication for strengthening the marital bond. You can also make it when praying for your spouse or for the well-being of your marriage.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a clear intention for peace and understanding to prevail in the marriage. Focus on the meaning of each phrase, visualizing Allah's blessings and guidance encompassing both spouses. It is best recited with hands raised, as is the Sunnah during supplication, and facing the Qiblah if possible. Repeating it multiple times can also enhance its impact.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua encompasses seeking Allah's help in fostering love and harmony ('unite their hearts'), resolving conflicts ('mend the matters between them'), and guiding the couple towards paths of tranquility and mutual respect. It seeks protection from morally reprehensible actions ('shameful deeds') and asks for blessings in the very faculties through which they interact and perceive the world ('hearing, sight'), and in their inner selves ('hearts'). Crucially, it includes supplication for the continuation and purity of their lineage ('spouses, and their offspring') and a plea for Allah's acceptance and mercy. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us the importance of seeking Allah's guidance and blessings in all aspects of life, especially in matters as significant as marriage, as He is the ultimate source of all success and harmony. (Referencing the principle found in Surah Al-Imran 3:159: 'Then by the mercy of Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you were harsh and crude of heart, they would have broken away from about you. So pardon them; and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].')
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'Allah created the creatures; and when He finished from His creatures, His Ummah (i.e. Muslims) would praise Him, and His Throne would shake. Then He said (to His Throne): 'Be still!' He said: 'How can I be still when Your Ummah are not praising You?' Then Allah said: 'Be still, for I have created Myself from My Mercy, and My Mercy is stronger than My Punishment.' (Sahih Muslim 1601). While this specific hadith discusses the Throne, the underlying principle of seeking Allah's mercy and guidance to unite hearts and resolve matters is directly applicable to marital harmony.