اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ فِعْلَ الْخَيْرَاتِ وَتَرْكَ الْمُنْكَرَاتِ وَحُبَّ الْمَسَاكِينِ وَأَنْ تَغْفِرَ لِي وَتَرْحَمَنِي وَإِذَا أَرَدْتَ بِقَوْمٍ فِتْنَةً فَتَوَفَّنِي غَيْرَ مَفْتُونٍ
O Allah, I ask You for the performance of good deeds, the avoidance of evil deeds, and the love of the poor and needy. And I ask You to forgive me and have mercy upon me. And when You intend a trial for a people, take my soul without me being put to trial.
Allahumma inni as'aluka fi'lal-khayrat wa tarkal-munkarat wa hubbal-masakin, wa an taghfira li wa tarhamani wa idha aradta biqawmin fitnatan fatawaffani ghayra maftun.
When to Read
This profound dua, directly taught to our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, is a powerful supplication for anyone yearning to make a tangible, positive difference in the world around them. Recite it when you are seeking guidance to serve your community, when embarking on new projects for the betterment of others, or simply as a daily plea to align your actions with goodness. It’s particularly suitable after your daily prayers, or during times of personal reflection when you feel a strong desire to embody the Prophetic example of benefiting humanity.
How to Read
As with all duas, approach this with a sincere heart, firm belief in Allah's power, and clear intention. You can recite it silently or audibly, at any time. Raising your hands during dua is a beautiful sunnah, signifying humility and earnest pleading. Reflect on each phrase as you utter it, internalizing the profound requests you are making to your Lord. Remember that Allah responds to the sincere call of His servants, especially when they seek to serve His creation.
Virtues & Benefits
When you turn to Allah with this comprehensive supplication, you are asking for His direct assistance in becoming a force for good in the world, embodying the very essence of what it means to be a conscious Muslim: * **Empowers Good Deeds:** You are asking Allah to *enable* you to perform good deeds (`fi'lal-khayrat`). This isn't just wishing for good; it's seeking divine help to actively implement kindness, justice, and positive change in every facet of your life and community. * **Guards Against Evil:** Simultaneously, you seek Allah's aid in *avoiding evil deeds* (`tarkal-munkarat`). This protects your integrity and ensures your efforts towards positive impact are pure and untainted by wrongdoing. * **Cultivates Social Compassion:** The request for `hubbal-masakin` (love of the poor and needy) highlights a foundational Islamic value: active empathy and care for the vulnerable. This love naturally translates into tangible efforts to uplift and support society's less fortunate, making a real difference in people's lives. * **Spiritual Purification and Mercy:** Asking for *forgiveness* and *mercy* (`an taghfira li wa tarhamani`) is crucial. It purifies your intentions and actions, ensuring your good deeds are accepted and blessed by Allah, while also cleansing you of shortcomings. * **Protection from Trials:** The prayer to be taken without being put to trial (`idha aradta biqawmin fitnatan fatawaffani ghayra maftun`) is a profound plea for a steadfast end, ensuring that your life's positive trajectory culminates in a righteous death, free from misguidance. This dua helps shape us into compassionate, effective, and impactful members of the Ummah, striving to be among those 'best of people who benefit people.'
Source & Authentication
Abdullah ibn Abbas reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "My Lord came to me in the best of forms..." then he mentioned the narration, similar to the Hadith of Mu'adh ibn Jabal. He said: "So I sought forgiveness from my Lord." He said: "He put His hand between my shoulder blades, so I found its coolness between my breasts. Then I knew everything in the heavens and the earth." He said: "O Muhammad, do you know what the High Council disputes about?" I said: "Yes, about the expiations." He said: "What are the expiations?" I said: "Walking to the congregational prayers, sitting in the Masajid after the prayers, and performing Wudu' thoroughly when it is disliked." He said: "What are the degrees?" I said: "Feeding others, spreading Salam, and praying at night while people are sleeping." He said: "Ask for something!" So I said: "O Allah, I ask You for the performance of good deeds, the avoidance of evil deeds, and the love of the poor and needy, and to forgive me and have mercy upon me. And when You intend a trial for a people, take my soul without me being put to trial. I ask You for Your love, and the love of those who love You, and the love of deeds that bring me closer to Your love." The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "It is true, so study it and teach it."