Allahumma aj’alna min al-hamidine ash-shakireen Meaning
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Word Meaning:
Explanation of “اللهم اجعلنا من أهل الفضل والعفو” (O Allah, Make Us Among the People of Excellence and Pardon):
1. اللهم (O Allah):
A direct invocation to Allah, expressing humility and devotion while seeking His attention and mercy.
2. اجعلنا (Make Us):
A plea for Allah to grant and transform, acknowledging that divine grace is necessary to attain noble qualities.
3. من أهل الفضل (Among the People of Excellence):
الفضل (Excellence/Grace): Refers to Allah’s boundless generosity, blessings, and moral superiority.
أهل الفضل (People of Excellence): Those distinguished by Allah’s grace, who embody kindness, generosity, and righteousness in their actions and character.
4. والعفو (And Pardon):
العفو (Pardon/Forgiveness): Signifies Allah’s attribute of overlooking sins and erasing faults.
أهل العفو (People of Pardon): Those who receive Allah’s forgiveness and, in turn, forgive others, displaying mercy and patience.
Key Themes:
– A dua for spiritual and moral elevation, asking Allah to include the supplicant among those blessed with His grace and mercy.
– Combines two lofty aspirations: excelling in good deeds (فضل) and being forgiven (عفو), balancing active virtue with divine clemency.
– Implies a desire to emulate Allah’s attributes (e.g., generosity, forgiveness) in human conduct.
Practical Implications:
– Encourages believers to pursue excellence (e.g., charity, kindness) while seeking and offering forgiveness.
– Reminds that true success lies in Allah’s grace, not just human effort.
This supplication reflects a holistic approach to faith: striving for goodness while relying on Allah’s mercy to perfect and pardon shortcomings.
When to Use:
1. Seeking Allah’s Mercy and Forgiveness: This supplication is recited by Muslims asking Allah to include them among those granted His favor, kindness, and pardon, especially in times of repentance or after committing mistakes.
2. During Personal Duas:
Used in private prayers, particularly after Salah or during late-night supplications (Tahajjud), to seek Allah’s benevolence and forgiveness.
3. In Times of Difficulty or Hardship:
Muslims may recite it when facing trials, seeking Allah’s grace to overcome challenges with dignity and divine support.
4. After Wrongdoing or Sin:
Uttered as a plea for Allah’s clemency and inclusion among those He forgives, emphasizing humility and reliance on His mercy.
5. General Spiritual Growth:
Regularly recited to cultivate a heart inclined toward virtue, patience, and divine acceptance, aligning actions with righteousness.
6. During Ramadan and Sacred Nights:
Especially emphasized on Laylat al-Qadr, Eid, or other blessed occasions when supplications are highly encouraged.
7. For Others’ Well-Being:
Sometimes included in prayers for family, friends, or the Ummah, asking Allah to extend His favor and forgiveness to them as well.
8. As a Daily Reminder:
Incorporated into morning/evening adhkar (remembrances) to maintain consciousness of Allah’s generosity and the need for His pardon.
Note: The phrase reflects humility, dependence on Allah, and the desire to be among those He elevates through His mercy rather than personal merit.