Dua & Sunnah

Dua for the Weight of Leadership and its Solitude

Sadness
Hasan HadithSunan At-Tirmidhi 3233

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ فِعْلَ خَيْرَاتِ، وَتَرْكَ الْمُنْكَرَاتِ، وَحُبَّ الْمَسَاكِينِ، وَإِذَا أَرَدْتَ فِي النَّاسِ فِتْنَةً فَتَوَفَّنِي إِلَيْهَا غَيْرَ مَفْتُونٍ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ حُبَّكَ، وَحُبَّ مَنْ يُحِبُّكَ، وَحُبَّ عَمَلٍ يُقَرِّبُ إِلَى حُبِّكَ. ‏

O Allah, I ask You to enable me to do good deeds, to shun evil deeds, and to love the poor. And when You intend to test people with a trial, take me to Yourself without causing me to fall into it. I ask You for Your love, and the love of those who love You, and the love of deeds which draw me closer to Your love.

Allahumma inni as'aluka fi'la khayrat, wa tarkal munkarat, wa hubbal masakin, wa idha aradta fin-nasi fitnah, fa tawaffani ilayha ghayra maftun. Wa as'aluka hubbak, wa hubba man yuhibbuk, wa hubba 'amalin yuqarribu ila hubbik.

When to Read

This dua is deeply relevant for anyone in a position of responsibility, whether it's leading a family, a community, or an organization. Leaders often bear a heavy burden, facing difficult decisions and feeling isolated in their struggles. Recite this when you feel the weight of these responsibilities pressing down, when the loneliness of command feels overwhelming, or when you're navigating challenging times that test your resolve and faith. It's a prayer for strength, purity of intention, and a reminder of what truly matters amidst the pressures of leadership.

How to Read

Recite this dua with sincerity and a heartfelt plea to Allah. Imagine yourself presenting these requests directly to Him. Focus on the meaning of each phrase, internalizing the desire to do good, avoid wrong, and connect with the humble and with Allah's love. It's best recited in a state of mindfulness, perhaps after your obligatory prayers or during times of quiet reflection. Remember that a sincere dua is a conversation with your Creator, a seeking of His help and guidance in all matters.

Virtues & Benefits

This powerful dua, recommended by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, offers immense spiritual benefits for those carrying leadership roles. It seeks Allah's help in performing good deeds and avoiding what is forbidden, ensuring one's actions are aligned with divine pleasure. The plea to love the poor cultivates humility and empathy, vital traits for effective and just leadership. Perhaps most importantly, it asks for protection from trials and tribulations that can afflict leaders, praying for a righteous end even amidst societal turmoil. The final part of the dua focuses on attaining Allah's love through loving Him, loving those who love Him, and pursuing deeds that bring one closer to Him, providing a constant anchor and purpose amidst the demands of leadership.

Source & Authentication

Narrated 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him): The Messenger of Allah ﷺ taught us the Tashahhud and taught us to supplicate during the Tashahhud, saying: 'Allahumma inni as'aluka f'ilal khairat, wa tark al-munkarat, wa hubbal masakin, wa idha aradta fin-nasi fitnah, fa tawaffani ilayha ghayra maftun. Wa as'aluka hubbak, wa hubba man yuhibbuk, wa hubba 'amalin yuqarribu ila hubbik.' ('O Allah, I ask You to enable me to do good deeds, to shun evil deeds, and to love the poor. And when You intend to test people with a trial, take me to Yourself without causing me to fall into it. I ask You for Your love, and the love of those who love You, and the love of deeds which draw me closer to Your love.') He said: 'And this is a good supplication.'
Hasan HadithSunan At-Tirmidhi 3233
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