اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْنِي صَبُورًا، وَاجْعَلْنِي شَكُورًا، وَاجْعَلْنِي فِي عَيْنِي صَغِيرًا، وَفِي أَعْيُنِ النَّاسِ كَبِيرًا.
O Allah, make me patient, and make me grateful, and make me small in my own eyes, and great in the eyes of people.
Allahumma'jalni sabooran, waj'alni shakooran, waj'alni fi 'ayni sagheeran, wa fi a'yunin-nasi kabeeran.
When to Read
This dua is particularly poignant for our elders, or for anyone approaching or experiencing the challenges of aging. It’s a supplication to recite regularly, especially during moments of physical discomfort, reliance on others, or feelings of diminished capacity. It can be made during prayer (salat) or at any other suitable time, aiming to foster a deep-seated state of patience and gratitude.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and humility. Visualize seeking Allah's help to cultivate these noble qualities. It is beneficial to pause and reflect on the meaning of each phrase as you say it. Making this part of your daily supplications (adhkar) can help in internalizing its message.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encompasses profound requests for spiritual and social well-being. Asking for patience (sabr) is crucial when facing the physical limitations or increased dependency that can come with age. Seeking gratitude (shukr) helps one appreciate the blessings that remain, rather than focusing on what is lost. The latter part, asking to be small in one's own eyes and great in the eyes of people, reflects a desire for true humility and genuine respect earned through character and faith, a beautiful aspiration for any stage of life, especially one where wisdom is often gained.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated that Ibn Mas'ud said: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to say: 'Allahumma'jalni sabooran, waj'alni shakooran, waj'alni fi 'ayni sagheeran, wa fi a'yunin-nasi kabeeran.' (O Allah, make me patient, and make me grateful, and make me small in my own eyes, and great in the eyes of people.) (Narrated by Al-Bayhaqi in Shu'ab al-Iman. Al-Albani graded it Hasan in Al-Silsilah Al-Sahihah, 3240)