Allāhumma aj‘alnā mina alladhīna yusābiqūna fī ‘amali aṣ-ṣāliḥāt. Meaning
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Meaning of the Phrase
The phrase is a heartfelt prayer asking Allah to include the supplicant among those who actively and eagerly perform good deeds, striving to excel in righteousness.
Breakdown of Key Components
“اللهم” (O Allah) – A direct invocation to Allah, expressing humility and devotion.
“اجعلنا” (Make us) – A plea for transformation, asking Allah to place the supplicant in a specific group.
“من الذين” (Among those who) – Desiring inclusion within a distinguished category of people.
“يسابقون” (Race/Compete) – Implies urgency, enthusiasm, and a proactive attitude in doing good.
“في عمل الصالحات” (In righteous deeds) – Refers to all acts of worship, kindness, charity, and obedience to Allah.
Significance of the Dua
Spiritual Competition: Encourages believers to strive in goodness, not lazily or reluctantly, but with zeal—like competitors in a race.
Divine Assistance: Acknowledges that true success in righteousness comes only with Allah’s help.
Imitating the Pious: Aspires to join the ranks of the righteous, such as the Prophet’s (ﷺ) companions, who were known for their hastening toward good.
Quranic & Prophetic Connection
Quranic Verse: “So race toward forgiveness from your Lord and a Paradise as vast as the heavens and earth…” (Quran 57:21).
Hadith: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Take up good deeds only as much as you are able, for the best deeds are those done consistently even if they are few.” (Bukhari). This dua aligns with that spirit of consistency and eagerness.
Practical Application
Prioritizing Good Deeds: Encourages Muslims to act swiftly in obedience (e.g., praying on time, giving charity, helping others).
Avoiding Procrastination: Reminds believers that delaying good deeds can lead to missed opportunities.
Self-Improvement: Motivates one to constantly seek Allah’s help in becoming better.
Conclusion
This supplication is a powerful reminder to actively pursue righteousness with sincerity and urgency, while relying entirely on Allah’s grace to enable and accept our efforts.
When to Use:
The phrase *”اللهم اجعلنا من الذين يسابقون في عمل الصالحات”* (translation: *”O Allah, make us among those who race toward righteous deeds”*) is a supplication (dua) commonly used by Muslims seeking Allah’s help in becoming diligent in performing good actions.
**Situations for Use:**
1. **Daily Prayers (Duas):** Recited after obligatory prayers or during personal supplications to seek Allah’s assistance in staying steadfast in good deeds.
2. **Encouraging Righteousness:** Used in sermons (khutbahs), Islamic lectures, or reminders to motivate believers toward virtuous actions.
3. **Self-Improvement:** Spoken when seeking spiritual growth, repentance, or renewed commitment to Islam.
4. **Group Settings:** Shared in gatherings, study circles, or family discussions to inspire collective piety.
5. **Moments of Weakness:** Invoked when struggling with laziness in worship or needing motivation to increase good deeds.
6. **Special Occasions:** Said during Ramadan, Laylat al-Qadr, or other blessed times to maximize rewards.
**Meaning & Intent:**
The dua reflects humility, acknowledging human shortcomings while asking Allah to include the supplicant among those who actively compete in righteousness—a concept praised in the Quran (e.g., Surah Al-Baqarah 2:148, Surah Al-Mu’minun 23:61). It emphasizes urgency in doing good, avoiding procrastination, and seeking divine help in maintaining piety.
**Related Practices:**
– Often paired with other duas for guidance (e.g., *”رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً”*).
– May be written in Islamic journals or displayed as a reminder in homes/mosques.
This supplication encapsulates a Muslim’s desire for spiritual excellence and reliance on Allah’s grace to achieve it.