اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَهَا وَخَيْرَ مَا جَبَلْتَهَا عَلَيْهِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّهَا وَشَرِّ مَا جَبَلْتَهَا عَلَيْهِ.
O Allah, I ask You for its (the matter's) goodness and the goodness of what You have destined it for, and I seek refuge in You from its evil and the evil of what You have destined it for.
Allahumma inni as'aluka khayraha wa khayra ma jabaltaha 'alayhi, wa a'udhu bika min sharriha wa sharri ma jabaltaha 'alayhi.
When to Read
This dua is recited when faced with a decision, big or small, where you need to choose the best path. It's particularly relevant when contemplating significant life choices like marriage, career moves, or important investments, but it applies to any situation where seeking divine direction is beneficial. Recite it before making the choice, perhaps after performing Salatul Istikhara (Prayer of Seeking Guidance).
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and focus on the matter at hand. It's best recited after performing two rak'ahs of voluntary prayer (Salatul Istikhara). Raise your hands if you are able, supplicating to Allah with humility and conviction that He alone possesses the knowledge of what is best. Trust that Allah will guide you through signs, dreams, or an inclination in your heart.
Virtues & Benefits
This supplication, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, is a powerful tool for seeking Allah's wisdom when we are unsure of the right course of action. It acknowledges our limitations and places our trust in Allah's perfect knowledge and plan. By seeking refuge in Allah from the potential evil of a choice, we are asking Him to protect us from negative outcomes and guide us towards what will ultimately be beneficial for our worldly and hereafter lives.
Source & Authentication
Jabir bin 'Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: 'The Prophet (ﷺ) used to teach us the Istikhara (praying for guidance) in all matters as he taught us the Surah from the Qur'an. He used to say: "If anyone of you is concerned about a matter, he should pray two rak'ahs of non-obligatory prayer, and then say: Allahumma inni as'aluka khayraha wa khayra ma jabaltaha 'alayhi, wa a'udhu bika min sharriha wa sharri ma jabaltaha 'alayhi (O Allah, I ask You for its goodness and the goodness of what You have destined it for, and I seek refuge in You from its evil and the evil of what You have destined it for)."'