اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ خَيْرِهَا وَخَيْرِ مَا جَبَلْتَهَا عَلَيْهِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّهَا وَشَرِّ مَا جَبَلْتَهَا عَلَيْهِ
O Allah, I ask You for its [the baby's] goodness and the goodness of what You have created it with, and I seek refuge in You from its evil and the evil of what You have created it with.
Allahumma inni as'aluka min khairiha wa khairi ma jabaltaha 'alayhi, wa a'udhu bika min sharriha wa sharri ma jabaltaha 'alayhi
When to Read
This dua is particularly relevant when the baby is born and the decision of naming is at hand. It can be recited by the parents, especially the father, when making the intention to name the child, or even at the time of the Aqiqah (the sacrifice performed on the seventh day after birth, often accompanied by naming). It's a beautiful way to entrust the child and their future to Allah, asking for His blessings on the name chosen.
How to Read
Make this dua with sincerity and a clear intention. Raise your hands as you would for other supplications. Focus on the meaning of the words, asking Allah to bestow goodness upon your child through their name and the nature You have gifted them. It is also recommended to give a good name, as the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the importance of names.
Virtues & Benefits
Choosing a good name is a right of the child upon the parent in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 'The children of Muslims are among the servants of paradise, and their fathers, if they are righteous, will be able to intercede for them. And if Allah admits them to paradise, they will be admitted to it.' (Al-Silsilah al-Sahihah 1654). This dua directly invokes Allah's protection and blessings for the child, seeking the best for them, both in this life and the hereafter. A good name can be a source of encouragement for the child to live up to its meaning, and it reflects well on the parents' awareness of Islamic teachings.
Source & Authentication
The narration concerning this dua is generally recited when a new garment is worn, or when approaching something new. However, its application to a child, a new creation of Allah, is profoundly fitting. The essence is seeking the good and seeking refuge from the evil in something new that Allah has bestowed. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this dua when he wore a new shirt: 'The Prophet ﷺ used to say, when he wore a new shirt: "O Allah, to You belongs all praise, for You have clothed me. I ask You for its good and the good of what it is made for, and I seek refuge in You from its evil and the evil of what it is made for." ' (Sahih Abu Dawud 4023, Sahih Tirmidhi 3515). While the direct context is clothing, the principle of seeking good and refuge from evil applies to any new blessing or creation, including a child.