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 naturally created her with, and I seek refuge in You from its evil and the evil of what You have naturally created her with.
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 traditionally recited by the groom *before* consummating the marriage, upon seeing his bride for the first time. While its primary context is the wedding night, its spirit of seeking Allah's protection for a spouse and the marriage itself can be adapted. For safeguarding against external influences after marriage, we can adapt the intention and the general supplication to Allah for protection.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention, seeking Allah's protection for your spouse and your marriage. It is best recited with hands raised, facing the Qiblah, in a state of wudu. Understand that the *essence* of seeking refuge in Allah is paramount, even if the exact wording is for a specific marital initiation. Therefore, the general supplication to Allah for protection from harm, 'A'udhu billahi minash shaytanir rajim' (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan), and asking Allah to 'protect our marriage from all evil, gossip, and harmful influences' can be a powerful personal dua that stems from the same principle.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua is a beautiful example of the Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ concern for his Ummah's well-being, even in the most intimate of matters. It teaches us to seek Allah's help and protection right from the beginning of the marital journey. By asking for the goodness of the spouse and refuge from evil, we are establishing a foundation of reliance on Allah for marital harmony and protection from internal and external challenges. The principle of seeking refuge in Allah (isti'adhah) is a cornerstone of protection in Islam, as mentioned in the Quran (e.g., Surah Al-Mu'minun 23:97-98).
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from 'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Al-'As: that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "When one of you marries a woman, let him take her by the forelock and supplicate for blessing for 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 naturally created her with, and I seek refuge in You from its evil and the evil of what You have naturally created her with)." It was narrated from Jabir bin 'Abdullah: that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "When one of you buys a riding animal, let him take hold of its forelock and say: Allahumma inni as'aluka khayraha wa khayra ahliha, wa a'udhu bika min sharriha wa sharri ahliha. (O Allah, I ask You for its goodness and the goodness of its people, and I seek refuge in You from its evil and the evil of its people). And when one of you buys anything, let him take hold of its forelock and say the same." (Sahih Muslim 1418)