اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَهَا وَخَيْرَ مَا جَبَلْتَهَا عَلَيْهِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّهَا وَشَرِّ مَا جَبَلْتَهَا عَلَيْهِ
O Allah, I ask You for its (the wife's) goodness and the goodness of what You have decreed for her, and I seek refuge in You from its evil and the evil of what You have decreed for her.
*Allahumma inni as'aluka khayraha wa khayra ma jabaltaha 'alayhi, wa a'udhu bika min sharriha wa sharri ma jabaltaha 'alayhi*
When to Read
This dua is part of the marriage contract (nikah) prayer, traditionally recited by the groom. However, its essence of seeking Allah's protection and blessing for the spouse can be adapted by either partner when physically separated. Recite it during times of longing, worry, or when simply seeking Allah's continued care for your spouse and your union. You can also make a more general dua for your spouse's well-being using the principles of seeking good and refuge from evil.
How to Read
The original context is the groom reciting this upon contracting the marriage. However, for a couple separated by distance, you can adapt this dua. Face the direction of qiblah if possible, raise your hands, and sincerely ask Allah. Focus on the specific qualities you love about your spouse and the future you hope for together. Acknowledge that all good comes from Allah and seek His protection from any potential hardship or negative influence that distance might bring. It is essential to have sincere intention and tawakkul (reliance on Allah).
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates the holistic approach to seeking Allah's blessings for a relationship. It's not just about wishing for good things but also seeking refuge from potential harm. By asking for the 'goodness of what You have decreed,' it acknowledges Allah's divine plan and wisdom, fostering contentment even in difficult circumstances. For separated spouses, it's a powerful way to entrust each other's well-being to Allah, strengthening the spiritual bond despite physical distance. The Hadith also mentions reciting two rak'ahs of prayer after this, with the first rak'ah having Surah Al-Fatihah and 'Abd (Surah Al-Kafirun), and the second having Surah Al-Fatihah and 'Qul Huwallahu Ahad' (Surah Al-Ikhlas). This shows the importance of prayer in seeking Allah's help for marital matters.
Source & Authentication
Anas narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: When any one of you marries a woman, he should take her by the forelock and ask Allah to bless her and say: 'Allahumma inni as'aluka khayraha wa khayra ma jabaltaha 'alayhi, wa a'udhu bika min sharriha wa sharri ma jabaltaha 'alayhi.' (O Allah, I ask You for its goodness and the goodness of what You have decreed for her, and I seek refuge in You from its evil and the evil of what You have decreed for her.) And when he buys a slave, he should take him by the forelock and ask for the same (dua). According to the narration of Ibn 'A'dhi: He should recite two rak'ahs of prayer, in the first rak'ah he should recite Surah Al-Fatihah and 'Qul Ya Ayyuhal Kafirun', and in the second rak'ah he should recite Surah Al-Fatihah and 'Qul Huwallahu Ahad'.