اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ فِعْلَ الْخَيْرَاتِ، وَتَرَكَ الْمُنْكَرَاتِ، وَحُبَّ الْمَسَاكِينِ، وَأَنْ تَغْفِرَ لِي وَتَرْحَمَنِي، وَإِذَا أَرَدْتَ بِعِبَادِكَ فِتْنَةً فَتَوَفَّنِي إِلَيْهَا غَيْرَ مُفْتُونٍ.
O Allah, I ask You to enable me to do good deeds, abandon evil deeds, and to love the poor and needy. I ask You to forgive me and have mercy on me. And when You intend to try Your servants, take me to Yourself without putting me to trial.
Allahumma inni as'aluka fi'l al-khayrat, wa tark al-munkarat, wa hubb al-masakin, wa an taghfira li wa tarhamani, wa idha aradta bi 'ibadika fitnatan fa tawaffani ilayha ghayra maftun.
When to Read
This is a comprehensive dua that encapsulates a believer's aspiration for good. It's particularly poignant to recite during Ramadan, especially in the latter part of the night or after Iftar, when one's heart is more receptive and reflective. Fasting itself is meant to foster empathy for those less fortunate, making this dua a perfect reflection of that spirit.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a yearning for Allah's pleasure. Raise your hands in supplication, as is the Sunnah. Reflect on the meaning of each phrase, especially the part about loving the poor and needy, and try to internalize it. It's best recited when you feel a connection to Allah, such as during the pre-dawn hours (Suhur) or after performing prayers.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua covers several vital aspects of a believer's life: actively seeking good deeds ('fi'l al-khayrat'), abstaining from wrongdoing ('tark al-munkarat'), developing compassion for the less fortunate ('hubb al-masakin'), seeking forgiveness and mercy, and asking for a righteous end away from trials. Loving the poor and needy is a sign of a pure heart and is greatly beloved by Allah.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to teach them this supplication in the last ten days of Ramadan: 'O Allah, help me to remember You, to give thanks to You, and to worship You in the best manner. O Allah, I ask You for all the good that You know, and I seek refuge in You from all the evil that You know. I seek Your forgiveness for all that You know. O Allah, You know the best [of what is in] my heart, so accept my supplication. O Allah, grant me what You have asked for, and bestow upon me blessings in what You have destined for me. Indeed, You decree and nothing is decreed upon You, and indeed, You are the Most Exalted and Most Generous.' Another narration: 'Allahumma inni as'aluka fi'l al-khayrat, wa tark al-munkarat, wa hubb al-masakin, wa an taghfira li wa tarhamani, wa idha aradta bi 'ibadika fitnatan fa tawaffani ilayha ghayra maftun.' (O Allah, I ask You to enable me to do good deeds, abandon evil deeds, and to love the poor and needy. I ask You to forgive me and have mercy on me. And when You intend to try Your servants, take me to Yourself without putting me to trial.)