اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِهِ، وَسَدِّدْهُ، وَاذْكُرْهُ بِذِكْرِكَ، وَاحْفَظْهُ بِحِفْظِكَ، وَاجْعَلْهُ مِنْ أَوْلِيَائِكَ وَأَصْفِيَائِكَ، وَأَنْصَارِ دِينِكَ، وَأَتْبَاعِ سُنَّةِ نَبِيِّكَ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ.
O Allah, guide him, direct him, cause him to remember You, protect him with Your protection, and make him from Your allies and Your chosen servants, and the supporters of Your religion, and the followers of the Sunnah of Your Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Allahumma ihdihi, wa saddidhu, wadhkurhu bi dhikrik, wakhfazhu bi hifzik, waj'alhu min awliya'ika wa asfiya'ika, wa ansari deenik, wa atba'i sunnati nabiyyika sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam.
When to Read
This beautiful dua is highly recommended when a newborn is first able to speak, especially if their first utterance is a declaration of Tawhid (the oneness of Allah) or any form of dhikr. It's also suitable to recite upon seeing a child show signs of understanding and remembrance of Allah. It embodies the parental wish for their child to be guided and firm in faith from the very beginning of their conscious life.
How to Read
This dua is best recited by the parents or a pious elder. With sincere intention, face the child, place your hand gently on their head or shoulder (if appropriate), and recite this supplication with a soft, hopeful voice. You can repeat it multiple times, infusing it with love and heartfelt prayers for the child's spiritual well-being.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates the deepest aspirations for a child: divine guidance, righteous conduct, constant remembrance of Allah, His protection, and to be among those who are close to Him, support His cause, and follow the footsteps of our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Reciting this at the dawn of a child's speech is a profound way to dedicate their first conscious expressions to Allah, seeking a blessed start to their life's journey.
Source & Authentication
The hadith that describes this dua is narrated by Abdullah ibn Busr (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: 'A delegation from the tribe of Hawaazin came to the Prophet ﷺ. They said: 'O Messenger of Allah, we are your people who have come to you with our families and our servants.' He said: 'O Allah, guide Hawaazin and bring them to me.' Then a young boy from among them came forward, and the Prophet ﷺ said: 'If this boy lives, he will not come to old age until he brings a large group of them to their Prophet (meaning himself).' Then he said to the people: 'O Allah, guide him, and direct him, and cause him to remember You, and protect him with Your protection, and make him from Your allies and Your chosen servants, and the supporters of Your religion, and the followers of the Sunnah of Your Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.' (This prayer was for the boy who was named Yakhmur and who later became Muslim and brought his people to Islam).