Allāhumma aj‘alnā mina alladhīna yas‘awna lil-ākhirah wa lā yaghtarrūna bid-dunyā. Meaning
Arabic Text:
Transliteration:
Translation:
Word Meaning:
Explanation:
1. Striving for the Hereafter (يسعون للآخرة):
– This part of the dua asks Allah to include us among those who prioritize the eternal life of the Hereafter over temporary worldly gains.
– It signifies working for deeds that benefit us after death—such as faith, worship, charity, and good character—rather than chasing material success alone.
– The “striving” implies consistent effort in obeying Allah, seeking His pleasure, and preparing for the Day of Judgment.
2. Not Being Deceived by the World (ولا يغترون بالدنيا):
– The world (الدُّنْيَا) is fleeting and full of temptations that can distract from the ultimate purpose of life (worshiping Allah).
– This part asks Allah to protect us from being misled by worldly attractions—wealth, status, or desires—that make us forget our true goal (the Hereafter).
– It reflects the Quranic warning:
“The life of this world is nothing but the enjoyment of delusion.” (Quran 3:185)
3. Balance Between Dunya & Akhirah:
– Islam does not reject worldly life but teaches moderation. This dua seeks a heart that enjoys blessings without becoming attached to them.
– A believer should use worldly means (wealth, time, health) as tools for earning Allah’s reward, not as an end in themselves.
4. Connection to Prophetic Teachings:
– The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveler.” (Bukhari)
– This dua aligns with that mindset—living with awareness that the Hereafter is the true, everlasting abode.
Why We Should Repeat This Dua:
– It reminds us to check our intentions and priorities daily.
– It protects against greed, heedlessness, and excessive love for worldly life.
– It helps cultivate contentment (قناعة) and reliance on Allah rather than material possessions.
Practical Steps to Live by This Dua:
– Increase remembrance of death & the Hereafter (e.g., visiting graves, reading about Paradise/Hell).
– Spend in charity—wealth is a test; giving breaks attachment to it.
– Seek knowledge & do good deeds that outlast our lives (e.g., teaching, ongoing charity).
– Avoid extravagance & waste while enjoying halal blessings gratefully.
Conclusion:
This powerful dua summarizes a believer’s ideal mindset: working for eternal success while using the world as a bridge, not a destination. By sincerely asking Allah for this, we seek His help in staying focused on what truly matters.
May Allah make us among those who strive for the Hereafter and are not deluded by the world. آمين.
When to Use:
The supplication *”اللهم اجعلنا من الذين يسعون للآخرة ولا يغترون بالدنيا”* (“O Allah, make us among those who strive for the Hereafter and are not deceived by this world”) is commonly used in Islamic worship and personal reflection. Below are detailed contexts where this dua may be recited:
1. **After Salah (Prayer):**
Muslims often recite this dua after completing their obligatory or voluntary prayers, seeking Allah’s help in prioritizing the eternal life over worldly distractions.
2. **During Tahajjud or Night Prayers:**
It is particularly relevant in late-night worship, when believers seek sincerity and detachment from worldly temptations.
3. **In Times of Material Temptation:**
When facing greed, excessive attachment to wealth, or worldly desires, a Muslim may recite this to seek protection from being misled by temporary pleasures.
4. **During Ramadan and Spiritual Retreats:**
This supplication is emphasized in periods of heightened devotion, such as Ramadan or Itikaf, to reinforce focus on the afterlife.
5. **When Making Life Decisions:**
Before career choices, financial investments, or major commitments, a believer may recite this to ensure their actions align with eternal success.
6. **In Daily Morning/Evening Adhkar:**
Some include it in their routine remembrance (dhikr) to cultivate consistent awareness of the Hereafter.
7. **During Funeral Prayers or Remembrance of Death:**
Reflecting on mortality, Muslims may recite this to reaffirm their commitment to the afterlife.
8. **For Repentance (Tawbah):**
After recognizing indulgence in worldly distractions, this dua serves as a plea for realignment with spiritual goals.
9. **In Teaching and Dawah:**
Scholars and educators may teach this supplication to remind others of the transient nature of the world and the importance of the Hereafter.
10. **Personal Reflection and Journaling:**
Individuals may write or recite it during self-assessment to renew their intentions and seek Allah’s guidance.
This dua encapsulates the core Islamic principle of balancing worldly responsibilities while keeping the afterlife as the ultimate priority. It is a reminder to seek Allah’s help in maintaining sincerity and avoiding the deception of material pursuits.