Allahumma arzuqna al-ikhlasa fi as-sirri wal-'alani. Meaning

Arabic Text:

اللهم ارزقنا الإخلاص في السر والعلن

Transliteration:

Allahumma arzuqna al-ikhlasa fi as-sirri wal-‘alani.

Translation:

O Allah, grant us sincerity in private and in public

Word Meaning:

Meaning of the Dua

This supplication asks Allah to bless the believer with *ikhlas* (sincerity) in all actions, whether done privately (*as-sirr* – in secret) or openly (*al-‘alan* – in public).

Explanation of Key Terms

1. **Ikhlas (Sincerity)** – Purifying one’s intentions solely for Allah’s sake, free from hypocrisy, showing off (*riya*), or worldly motives.
2. **As-Sirr (In Secret)** – Actions done privately where no one sees except Allah, such as night prayers, secret charity, or personal worship.
3. **Al-‘Alan (In Public)** – Actions done openly, where sincerity is harder to maintain due to the risk of seeking praise or recognition from people.

Why This Dua is Important

– **Sincerity is the foundation of worship** – Without *ikhlas*, deeds may be rejected (Quran 98:5, Hadith Qudsi: *”I am so self-sufficient that I am in no need of partners…”*).
– **Protection from hypocrisy** – It guards against performing good deeds merely to impress others.
– **Consistency in faith** – A believer strives to maintain purity of intention in all circumstances.

When to Recite This Dua

– Before performing acts of worship (prayer, charity, etc.).
– When struggling with pride or the desire for praise.
– As a daily reminder to renew one’s intentions.

Virtues of Sincerity

– The Prophet (ﷺ) said: *”Allah does not look at your appearance or wealth, but at your hearts and deeds.”* (Muslim)
– Sincere deeds, even if small, are magnified in reward.

Conclusion

This dua is a powerful request for Allah’s help in achieving true sincerity, ensuring that one’s worship is accepted and free from corruption. It reflects a believer’s desire to please Allah alone, whether seen or unseen.

When to Use:

The phrase *”اللهم ارزقنا الإخلاص في السر والعلن”* (translated as *”O Allah, grant us sincerity in secret and in public”*) is a supplication (dua) commonly recited by Muslims seeking sincerity in their worship, actions, and intentions.

1. **Personal Worship:**

Used during private prayers (e.g., Tahajjud, Duha) to ask Allah for pure intentions in acts of devotion.

2. **Public Deeds:**

Recited before performing visible good deeds (charity, leading prayers) to ensure they are done for Allah alone, not for praise.

3. **Daily Routine:**

Said in morning/evening adhkar (remembrances) to cultivate sincerity throughout the day.

4. **Repentance:**

Uttered when seeking forgiveness, asking Allah to purify past insincere actions.

5. **Teaching & Reminder:**

Used in sermons or Islamic lectures to emphasize sincerity (ikhlas) as a core Islamic value.

6. **Community Settings:**

Recited in group gatherings (halaqas, Islamic classes) to collectively seek sincerity.

7. **Parental Duas:**

Parents may say it for their children’s righteous upbringing with pure intentions.

**Key Themes:** Seeking Allah’s help to maintain sincerity in both hidden and visible deeds, avoiding hypocrisy (riya), and aligning actions with divine pleasure alone.