رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.
Rabbana atina fid dunya hasanah, wa fil akhirati hasanah, wa qina 'adhaban nar.
When to Read
This is one of the most profound and widely-recited duas in the Quran. It's perfect to say anytime, but especially after prayers (Salah), during times of supplication, when seeking balance in life, or when feeling overwhelmed by worldly concerns or the prospect of the Hereafter. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself would often recite this dua, indicating its immense importance for our daily spiritual life.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and heartfelt conviction. Raise your hands (if appropriate for the situation, like after Salah) as you supplicate. Believe that Allah (SWT) hears your plea and has the power to grant it. Focus on the meaning: seeking excellence and well-being in both realms of your existence and protection from the Hellfire. Understanding the depth of this dua enhances its impact.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates a complete request for well-being, encompassing both the tangible blessings of this life and the ultimate salvation in the next. It's a testament to the Islamic principle of seeking a balanced life, not solely focused on worldly gains or spiritual pursuits in isolation. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ famously stated that this dua is one of the most frequent supplications made by him and his Ummah, as it covers all aspects of a believer's needs. Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Allah does not reject the supplication of a servant, or the slave girl, or the person who is of poor understanding, and the best of the supplications is "'Allaahumma aati Nafsee taqwahaa, wa tawaffaa-haa wa anta raadiyun 'anhaa, Allaahumma innee a'oodhu bika min 'ilmin laa yanfa'u, wa min qalbin laa yash-sha'u, wa min nafsin laa tashba'u, wa min da'watin laa yustajaabu lahaa" (O Allah, grant my soul its piety and cause it to die when You are pleased with it. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that is of no benefit, from a heart that does not fear You, from a soul that is never satisfied, and from a supplication that is not answered). The narrator then added that this dua was also recited by the Prophet (ﷺ): "O Allah, grant us goodness in this world and goodness in the Hereafter and save us from the punishment of the Fire." (Sahih Muslim 2692). This connection highlights how comprehensive supplication for both worlds is a favored and effective form of dua.