Allahumma aj’alna min alladheena yatasabaqoona ila al-jannah Meaning
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Meaning of the Du’a:
This prayer asks Allah to include the supplicant among those who protect their tongues from two major sins: backbiting (ghibah) and slander (namimah).
1. Backbiting (Ghibah)
Definition: Speaking about someone in their absence in a way they would dislike, whether the statement is true or false.
Quranic Warning:
“And do not backbite one another. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would detest it!” (Quran 49:12)
Harm: Destroys relationships, spreads hatred, and incurs sin.
2. Slander (Namimah)
Definition: Spreading malicious gossip or rumors to cause discord between people.
Hadith Warning:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “The slanderer will not enter Paradise.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
Harm: Breaks trust, fuels conflict, and corrupts society.
Why This Du’a is Important:
The tongue can lead to major sins if not controlled.
Guarding speech is a sign of strong faith (iman).
It promotes unity, trust, and purity of heart in the Muslim community.
How to Implement This Prayer:
Think before speaking: Ask, “Is this beneficial? Is it true? Is it kind?”
Seek forgiveness if you slip into backbiting.
Replace negative speech with remembrance of Allah (dhikr) or positive words.
Conclusion:
This du’a is a protection from sin and a means to purify one’s character. By sincerely asking Allah to safeguard our speech, we strive to embody the manners of the righteous and avoid the spiritual and social harms of backbiting and slander.
When to Use:
The phrase *”اللهم اجعلنا من الذين يحفظون ألسنتهم عن الغيبة والنميمة”* (translation: *”O Allah, make us among those who guard their tongues from backbiting and gossip”*) is a supplication (dua) commonly recited by Muslims seeking protection from sinful speech.
Situations Where This Dua May Be Used:
1. After Prayer – Muslims may recite it following salah (prayer) as a reminder to avoid harmful speech.
2. During Self-Reflection – When recognizing one’s own tendency to gossip or backbite, this dua serves as repentance and a plea for restraint.
3. Social Gatherings – Before or after conversations, to prevent engaging in or spreading rumors, slander, or unnecessary criticism.
4. After Committing a Verbal Sin – As a form of seeking forgiveness (istighfar) and resolving to improve.
5. Teaching Children & New Muslims – Used to instill the importance of controlling one’s tongue in Islamic ethics.
6. During Ramadan or Spiritual Retreats – Emphasized more in sacred times when self-purification is a focus.
Purpose & Benefits:
– Spiritual Protection – Guards against sins of the tongue, which are severely warned against in Islam.
– Moral Discipline – Encourages mindfulness in speech, promoting kindness and unity.
– Divine Assistance – Acknowledges reliance on Allah to help avoid verbal sins.
This dua aligns with Quranic teachings (e.g., Surah Al-Hujurat 49:12) and Hadiths warning against backbiting (ghibah) and gossip (namimah). It is a proactive and corrective prayer for ethical communication.