اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَافِيَةَ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالآخِرَةِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ فِي دِينِي وَدُنْيَايَ وَأَهْلِي وَمَالِي، اللَّهُمَّ اسْتُرْ عَوْرَاتِي وَآمِنْ رَوْعَاتِي، اللَّهُمَّ احْفَظْنِي مِنْ بَيْنِ يَدَيَّ 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 flaws and calm my fears. O Allah, protect me from in front of me, from behind me, from my right, from my left, and from above me, and I seek refuge in Your magnificence from being struck from beneath me.
Allahumma inni as'alukal-'afiyata fid-dunya wal-akhirah. Allahumma inni as'alukal-'afwa wal-'afiyata fi dini wa dunyaya wa ahli wa mali. Allahumma-stur 'awrati wa amin raw'ati. Allahumma-hfadni min bayni yadayya wa min khalfi, wa 'an yameeni wa 'an shimali, wa min fawqi, wa a'udhu bi-'adhamatika an ughtala min tahti.
When to Read
This comprehensive dua for well-being, known as 'Afiyah', is perfect for anyone, especially as we age. It's recommended to recite it every morning and evening, as it encapsulates protection, health, and stability across all aspects of life. For the elderly, this dua is particularly poignant as it seeks Allah's protection against the physical and emotional challenges that can arise with age, while preserving their dignity and ability to manage their affairs.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and a heartfelt plea to Allah. Focus on the meaning of each phrase, understanding that you are seeking Allah's ultimate protection and care. It is best recited after the obligatory prayers (Salah) or at any time during the day or night when you feel the need for Allah's safeguarding. Remember the etiquette of dua: facing the Qiblah, raising your hands, starting with praise of Allah and sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and concluding by wiping your hands over your face.
Virtues & Benefits
The 'Afiyah' encompasses comprehensive well-being, which is the best thing one can ask for. It is the foundation for maintaining dignity and independence. By asking for 'Afiyah', we are asking Allah to protect us from all forms of harm, physical ailments, mental distress, and loss, allowing us to continue our lives with strength and self-reliance. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us that asking for 'Afiyah' is a fundamental part of seeking Allah's blessings. Ibn 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ never neglected these words when he asked Allah for well-being. (Sahih al-Bukhari 6306).
Source & Authentication
The narration of this dua is from Abdullah bin 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) who said: 'The Messenger of Allah ﷺ never neglected these words when he asked Allah for well-being: 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 flaws and calm my fears. O Allah, protect me from in front of me, and from behind me, and from my right, and from my left, and from my fear of being overthrown from beneath me.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6306). Another narration from Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) states that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 'No one is granted anything better than patience and 'Afiyah'. (Sahih al-Tirmidhi 3535 - Hasan)