اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ الْغَيْبِ، وَقُدْرَتِكَ عَلَى الْخَلْقِ، أَحْيِنِي مَا عَلِمْتَ الْحَيَاةَ خَيْرًا لِي، وَتَوَفَّنِي إِذَا عَلِمْتَ الْوَفَاةَ خَيْرًا لِي، وَأَسْأَلُكَ خَشْيَتَكَ فِي الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ كَلِمَةَ الْحَقِّ فِي الرِّضَا وَالْغَضَبِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ الْقَصْدَ فِي الْفَقْرِ وَالْغِنَى، وَأَسْأَلُكَ نَعِيمًا لَا يَنْفَدُ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ قُرَّةَ عَيْنٍ لَا تَنْقَطِعُ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ الرِّضَا بَعْدَ الْقَضَاءِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ بَرْدَ الْعَيْشِ بَعْدَ الْمَوْتِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ لَذَّةَ النَّظَرِ إِلَى وَجْهِكَ، وَالشَّوْقَ إِلَى لِقَائِكَ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ ضَرَّاءٍ مُضِرَّةٍ، وَمِنْ فِتْنَةٍ مُضِلَّةٍ، اللَّهُمَّ زَيِّنَّا بِزِينَةِ الْإِيمَانِ، وَاجْعَلْنَا هُدَاةً مُهْتَدِينَ
O Allah, I ask You by Your knowledge of the unseen and by Your power over creation, keep me alive so long as You know that life is better for me, and take me away when You know that death is better for me. I ask You to make me fear You in secret and in public, and to make me utter the word of truth in times of contentment and anger. I ask You for moderation in poverty and wealth, and for a bliss that never ends, and for a comfort for my eyes that never ceases. I ask You for contentment after [Your] decree, and for a pleasant life after death, and for the sweetness of looking at Your Face, and for the eagerness to meet You. I seek refuge in You from distressing hardship and from misleading trials. O Allah, adorn us with the adornment of faith, and make us guides who are guided.
Allahumma inni as'aluka bi'ilmik al-ghayb, wa qudratika 'ala al-khalq, ahyini ma 'alimta al-hayata khayran li, wa tawaffani idha 'alimta al-wafata khayran li, wa as'aluka khashyatak fi al-ghaybi wa ash-shahadati, wa as'aluka kalimat al-haqq fi ar-rida wa al-ghadabi, wa as'aluka al-qasda fi al-faqr wa al-ghina, wa as'aluka na'iman la yanfadu, wa as'aluka qurrata 'aynin la tanqati', wa as'aluka ar-rida ba'da al-qada'i, wa as'aluka barda al-'ayshi ba'da al-mawti, wa as'aluka ladhdhata an-nazari ila wajhik, wa ash-shawqa ila liqa'ik, wa a'udhu bika min dharra'in mudirratin, wa min fitnatin mudillatin, Allahumma zayyinna bizinatul imani, waj'alna hudatan muhtadeen.
When to Read
This comprehensive dua is excellent to recite before embarking on a journey, especially when facing the challenges of old age. It's also fitting for times of significant physical exertion or when seeking strength and resilience in facing life's trials. Reciting it upon waking can set a positive intention for the day, seeking Allah's blessings for all endeavors.
How to Read
Recite with sincerity and a humble heart. Focus on the meaning of each phrase, understanding that you are asking the Creator of all things for assistance and guidance. It is recommended to face the Qiblah and raise your hands slightly while making this supplication, though this is not a strict condition. Begin with praising Allah and sending Salawat upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates a deep reliance on Allah, asking for His sustenance, protection, and contentment. For the elderly, it specifically addresses the concerns of continuing life, facing death, and seeking a blessed existence both in this world and the hereafter. It seeks refuge from hardship and trials, and asks for the inner beauty and guidance of faith, making it particularly relevant for those who may experience reduced physical capacity and greater reliance on Allah's mercy during their travels and daily life.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abdullah bin Busr Al-Mazini: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of supplications is the supplication of Daawood (peace be upon him). He used to supplicate: Allahumma inni as'aluka bi'ilmik al-ghayb, wa qudratika 'ala al-khalq, ahyini ma 'alimta al-hayata khayran li, wa tawaffani idha 'alimta al-wafata khayran li, wa as'aluka khashyatak fi al-ghaybi wa ash-shahadati, wa as'aluka kalimat al-haqq fi ar-rida wa al-ghadabi, wa as'aluka al-qasda fi al-faqr wa al-ghina, wa as'aluka na'iman la yanfadu, wa as'aluka qurrata 'aynin la tanqati', wa as'aluka ar-rida ba'da al-qada'i, wa as'aluka barda al-'ayshi ba'da al-mawti, wa as'aluka ladhdhata an-nazari ila wajhik, wa ash-shawqa ila liqa'ik, wa a'udhu bika min dharra'in mudirratin, wa min fitnatin mudillatin, Allahumma zayyinna bizinatul imani, waj'alna hudatan muhtadeen.' (Sunan An-Nasa'i 1305).