اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْجَنَّةَ وَمَا قَرَّبَ إِلَيْهَا مِنْ قَوْلٍ أَوْ عَمَلٍ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ النَّارِ وَمَا قَرَّبَ إِلَيْهَا مِنْ قَوْلٍ أَوْ عَمَلٍ
O Allah, I ask You for Paradise and whatever brings one closer to it in speech or action, and I seek refuge in You from the Hellfire and whatever brings one closer to it in speech or action.
Allahumma inni as'alukal-jannah wa ma qarraba ilayha min qawlin aw 'amal, wa a'udhu bika minan-nari wa ma qarraba ilayha min qawlin aw 'amal
When to Read
This is a comprehensive dua that can be recited at any time, but it is particularly potent when made after salah (obligatory prayers) or during times of earnest supplication like the last third of the night. It's a constant reminder to align our actions and words with seeking Paradise and avoiding what leads to the Fire.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and conviction. Raise your hands in supplication as is the Sunnah, facing the Qiblah if possible. Speak with a hopeful yet fearful heart, remembering Allah's immense power and mercy. Believe that Allah hears your plea and will respond.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua directly asks Allah for the ultimate desires: entering Paradise and being saved from the Hellfire. It's a proactive supplication that encompasses seeking both the positive (good deeds and words leading to Jannah) and the negative (protection from sins and misguidance leading to Nar). The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us such encompassing duas, showing us how to ask Allah for the best in this life and the next. By asking for 'whatever brings one closer' to either, we are asking for guidance in our actions, our speech, and our overall way of life to be aligned with Allah's pleasure.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Abdullah bin Mas'ud that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to supplicate: 'Allahumma inni as'alukal-jannah wa ma qarraba ilayha min qawlin aw 'amal, wa a'udhu bika minan-nari wa ma qarraba ilayha min qawlin aw 'amal.' (O Allah, I ask You for Paradise and whatever brings one closer to it in speech or action, and I seek refuge in You from the Hellfire and whatever brings one closer to it in speech or action.)