اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ فِعْلَ خَيْرَاتِك، وَتَرْكَ مُنْكَرَاتِك، وَحُبَّ الْمَسَاكِين، وَأَنْ تَغْفِرَ لِي وَتَرْحَمَنِي، وَإِذَا أَرَدْتَ فِي خَلْقِكَ فِتْنَةً فَتَوَفَّنِي إِلَيْك غَيْرَ مُفْتُونٍ، أَسْأَلُكَ حُبَّك وَحُبَّ مَنْ يُحِبُّك، وَحُبَّ عَمَلٍ يُقَرِّبُنِي إِلَى حُبِّك.
O Allah, I ask You to enable me to do good deeds, and to abandon evil deeds, and to love the poor, and that You forgive me and have mercy on me. And if You intend to try Your creation, then take me to Yourself without putting me to trial. I ask You for Your love, and the love of those who love You, and the love of deeds which bring me closer to Your love.
Allahumma inni as'aluka fi'la khayratik, wa tark munakaratik, wa hubb al-masakin, wa an taghfira li wa tarhamani, wa idha aradta fi khalqika fitnatan fa tawaffani ilayka ghayra maftun. As'aluka hubbak, wa hubba man yuhbbuk, wa hubba 'amalin yuqarribuni ila hubbik.
When to Read
This comprehensive dua is perfect for reciting before embarking on any endeavor where success is sought, be it a sports competition, an academic exam, a job interview, or any challenge. It encompasses asking Allah for the ability to do good, refrain from evil, develop compassion, seek forgiveness, and crucially, to remain steadfast in faith amidst trials. The final part, asking for His love and the love of those who love Him, and the love of deeds that draw one closer to Him, is a powerful way to align one's intentions with seeking Allah's pleasure above all else. It's best recited with sincerity and focus shortly before the event or task begins.
How to Read
Begin with sincere intention (niyyah), understanding that ultimate success comes from Allah. Make this dua after performing Wudu if possible, facing the Qiblah, and raising your hands. Recite it with a humble and hopeful heart. Reflect on each part of the dua: asking for the ability to do good, to stay away from what displeases Allah, showing kindness to the less fortunate, seeking His forgiveness and mercy, and praying for protection from trials and for His love. Conclude by truly internalizing the request for the love of beneficial deeds.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates a holistic approach to seeking success. It asks Allah not just for the outcome, but for the ability to perform righteous actions ('fi'la khayratik') and avoid wrongdoing ('tarka munakaratik'), which are the true foundations of success in this life and the next. It fosters compassion ('hubb al-masakin') and acknowledges our need for Allah's forgiveness and mercy. The prayer for protection from trials ('fitnah') and for His love and the love of good deeds ensures that one's efforts are aligned with seeking Allah's pleasure, making any success gained a means of drawing closer to Him.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abdullah ibn Mas'ud: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to supplicate: 'Allahumma inni as'aluka al-huda wat-tuqa wal-'afafa wal-ghina.' (O Allah, I ask You for guidance, piety, chastity, and richness.) [Sunan At-Tirmidhi 3548]. Another narration from Abdullah ibn Mas'ud states: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to supplicate: 'Allahumma inni as'aluka fahman-nabiyyin, wa hifdh al-mursalin, wal-mala'ikah al-muqarrabin. Allahumma aj'al lisani 'amiran bi dhikrik, wa qalbi khashi'an li 'adhmati-k. Subhanaka la 'ilma lana illa ma 'allamtana, innaka antal-'alimul-hakim.' (O Allah, I ask You for the understanding of the Prophets and the memory of the Messengers and the near angels. O Allah, make my tongue busy with Your remembrance, and my heart fearful of Your greatness. Glory be to You, we have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Indeed, You are the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.) [Sunan At-Tirmidhi 3234]. The dua provided in the main entry is also attributed to the Prophet (ﷺ) and is particularly relevant for seeking success in various endeavors by asking for the means to do good and stay away from evil.