اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَافِيَةَ فِي دُنْيَاىَ وَأُخْرَاىَ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ فِي دِينِي وَدُنْيَاىَ وَأَهْلِي وَمَالِي، اللَّهُمَّ اسْتُرْ عَوْرَاتِي وَآمِنْ رَوْعَاتِي، اللَّهُمَّ احْفَظْنِي مِنْ بَيْنِ يَدَىَّ وَمِنْ خَلْفِي وَعَنْ يَمِينِي وَعَنْ شِمَالِي وَمِنْ فَوْقِي، وَأَعُوذُ بِعَظَمَتِكَ أَنْ أُغْتَالَ مِنْ تَحْتِي
O Allah, I ask You for well-being in this world and the Hereafter. O Allah, I ask You for pardon and well-being in my religion, my worldly affairs, my family, and my wealth. O Allah, conceal my faults and calm my fears. O Allah, protect me from in front of me and from behind me, from my right and from my left, and from above me. I seek refuge in Your might lest I be consumed from beneath me.
Allahumma inni as'alukal 'afiyata fi dunyaya wa ukhra, Allahumma inni as'alukal 'afwa wal 'afiyata fi dini wa dunyaya wa ahli wa mali. Allahumma-stur 'awrati wa amin raw'ati. Allahumma-hfazni min bayni yadayya wa min khalfi wa 'an yamini wa 'an shimali wa min fawqi, wa a'udhu bi 'azamatika an ughtala min tahti.
When to Read
This comprehensive dua is perfect for recitation at any time, but particularly beneficial in the morning and evening, as it encapsulates a broad request for protection and well-being. For those in old age, it’s especially relevant as they may face increased physical and mental vulnerabilities. Reciting it after each obligatory prayer can also be a powerful habit, seeking Allah’s continuous care throughout the day.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and deep contemplation of its meaning. Ensure you are in a state of purity (wudu) if possible. Raise your hands slightly, palms facing upwards, as is customary when making dua. Focus on seeking Allah’s immense power and mercy to grant you peace and security in all aspects of your life. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us to be specific in our requests, and this dua covers a vast spectrum of well-being, making it a potent supplication.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to his uncle Al-Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him), is incredibly comprehensive. It asks for 'Afiyah,' which encompasses not just freedom from physical illness, but also protection from hardship, distress, and negative consequences in both this life and the next. For the elderly, seeking 'Afiyah' is paramount as they often deal with the physical challenges of aging. The dua also requests protection from all directions and even from being 'consumed from beneath,' signifying a complete and encompassing shield from harm, which is a profound comfort for anyone, especially those in their later years.
Source & Authentication
The narration states that Al-Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) asked the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to teach him something to ask Allah for. The Prophet ﷺ taught him this dua and told him to ask Allah for 'Al-Afiyah' (well-being) every day, three times in the morning and three times in the evening. (Sunan Abi Dawud 3584, Sahih)