اللَّهُمَّ أَحْيِنِي مِسْكِينًا وَأَمِتْنِي مِسْكِينًا وَاحْشُرْنِي فِي زُمْرَةِ الْمَسَاكِينِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ
O Allah, let me live as a poor person, let me die as a poor person, and resurrect me among the poor on the Day of Resurrection.
Allahumma ahyini miskinan wa ammitni miskinan wahshurni fi zumratil masakin yawmal qiyamah
When to Read
This dua is particularly poignant during Ramadan, a month that calls us to reflect on our blessings and be mindful of those who have less. Recite it during your supplications, especially after prayers or during the blessed hours of the night, to cultivate a deeper sense of humility and empathy. It's a reminder to always keep our connection to Allah strong, regardless of our worldly circumstances, and to remember our brothers and sisters facing hardship.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere intention and a humble heart. Focus on the meaning of the words, truly internalizing the desire to remain connected to Allah in all states, and to be among those who understand the realities of hardship. It's best recited in Arabic, but if you are learning, understanding the translation and making the supplication in your own language with clarity is also beneficial. Focus on the feeling of closeness to Allah and the desire to serve Him, which is the true wealth.
Virtues & Benefits
While on the surface this dua might seem counterintuitive, its benefits are profound. It fosters immense humility, a crucial trait in Islam. By asking to live and die poor in worldly terms, the suppliant is actually seeking protection from arrogance and attachment to dunya. It is a supplication for spiritual richness and closeness to Allah, recognizing that true status is with Him. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself used to supplicate in ways that reflected his humility and reliance on Allah. This dua helps us remain grounded, remember Allah's favors, and be more inclined towards charity and helping the less fortunate, aligning our hearts with the spirit of Ramadan and the teachings of our faith.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Hurairah: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'O Allah, let me live as a poor person, let me die as a poor person, and resurrect me among the poor on the Day of Resurrection.' [He was asked why, and he replied:] 'For indeed the poor will enter Paradise before the wealthy, by one half of a day, and that half a day is five hundred years.' (Sunan At-Tirmidhi 2352)