Allahumma ij'alna min alladhina yusari'oona ila al-khayrat. Meaning

Meaning of the Supplication:

This du’a is a humble request to Allah to include the supplicant among those who are quick and eager to perform righteous deeds. It reflects a desire to embody the qualities of believers who actively seek opportunities to do good, motivated by faith and sincerity.

Breakdown of Key Phrases:

1. “اللهم” (O Allah):
– An invocation addressing Allah directly, showing reliance on Him alone to grant this request.

2. “اجعلنا” (Make us):
– A plea for transformation, asking Allah to instill this quality within the supplicant and those associated with them (e.g., family, community).

3. “من الذين” (Among those who):
– Expresses the aspiration to be counted within a specific group—the righteous who actively pursue goodness.

4. “يسارعون” (Hasten):
– Implies urgency, enthusiasm, and a proactive attitude in performing good deeds, not delaying or hesitating.

5. “إلى الخيرات” (To good deeds):
– “Khayrat” refers to all forms of righteousness—acts of worship (prayer, charity), moral conduct (kindness, honesty), and efforts that benefit others.

Quranic and Theological Context:

– The phrase echoes Quranic descriptions of the righteous, such as in Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:61):
“They race toward good deeds, and they are the first to attain them.”
This verse highlights the virtue of competing in goodness, a trait of the successful believers.

– Hastening to good deeds is also tied to taqwa (God-consciousness), as it reflects fear of missing opportunities to earn Allah’s pleasure (Surah Al-Hashr 59:18).

Practical Implications:

1. Proactive Faith:
– Encourages immediate action upon recognizing good (e.g., giving charity when the need arises, praying on time, reconciling conflicts).

2. Overcoming Procrastination:
– A reminder to resist laziness or excuses in worship or helping others.

3. Community Impact:
– Collective hastening to goodness fosters a supportive, virtuous society.

4. Spiritual Growth:
– Builds a habit of seeking Allah’s pleasure in every action, big or small.

How to Implement This Du’a:

– Self-Reflection: Regularly assess one’s willingness to act righteously.
– Daily Goals: Set intentions to perform specific good deeds promptly (e.g., morning charity, quick forgiveness).
– Avoiding Sin: Hastening to repent when mistakes occur.

Conclusion:

This supplication is both a prayer and a commitment to embody the Quranic ideal of competing in goodness. By sincerely asking Allah to place us among those who race toward virtue, we acknowledge our dependence on His help to cultivate this noble characteristic.