اللَّهُمَّ إنَّا نَسْأَلُكَ بِأَنَّ لَكَ الْحَمْدَ، لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ، يَا مَنَّانُ، يَا بَدِيعَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ، يَا ذَا الْجَلاَلِ وَالإِكْرَامِ، اَللَّهُمَّ اَلْهِمْنَا رُشْدَنَا، وَعَافِنَا مِنْ شَرِّ أَنْفُسِنَا، وَاجْعَلْ أَعْمَالَنَا خَالِصَةً لِوَجْهِكَ الْكَرِيمِ.
O Allah, indeed we ask You, for to You is all praise. There is no god but You, O Bestower, O Originator of the heavens and the earth, O Possessor of majesty and honor. O Allah, inspire us with guidance, and protect us from the evil of ourselves, and make our deeds purely for Your noble countenance.
Allahumma inna nas'aluka bi-annaka antal-hamdu, la ilaha illa anta, ya Mannanu, ya Badee'as-samawati wal-ard, ya Dhal-Jalali wal-Ikram. Allahumma alhimna rushdana, wa 'afina min sharri anfusina, waj'al a'malana khalisatan li-wajhikal-kareem.
When to Read
This dua is particularly relevant when we see the rise of differing interpretations and practices within the Ummah. It's a prayer to recite during times of uncertainty, when seeking clarity and steadfastness in faith. You can make it a part of your daily supplications, especially after obligatory prayers, or when you feel a need to seek Allah's protection for yourself and for the entire Muslim community against deviations from the true path.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and conviction, understanding its profound meaning. Face the Qiblah if possible, and raise your hands as you would in supplication. Focus your heart on seeking Allah's guidance and protection. It's beneficial to reflect on each phrase, internalizing the attributes of Allah mentioned and the requests being made. Repeating it can also strengthen its impact on your heart.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua asks Allah for guidance to do what is right ('rushdana') and for protection from the inherent shortcomings and temptations of our own souls ('sharri anfusina'). By asking that our deeds be 'purely for Your noble countenance,' we are seeking to avoid falling into innovation or deviation, which often stems from seeking praise or deviating from the Sunnah for personal gain or convenience. It helps purify our intentions and actions, keeping us aligned with the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah, thus safeguarding the Ummah from practices that might lead it astray.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abdullah ibn Mas'ud: The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to say: 'Allahumma inna nas'aluka bi-annaka antal-hamdu, la ilaha illa anta, ya Mannanu, ya Badee'as-samawati wal-ard, ya Dhal-Jalali wal-Ikram. Allahumma alhimna rushdana, wa 'afina min sharri anfusina, waj'al a'malana khalisatan li-wajhikal-kareem.' (O Allah, we ask You, for to You is all praise. There is no god but You, O Bestower, O Originator of the heavens and the earth, O Possessor of majesty and honor. O Allah, inspire us with guidance, and protect us from the evil of ourselves, and make our deeds purely for Your noble countenance.)