Allahumma la takilna ila anfusina tarfata ‘ayn Meaning
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**Explanation of “اللهم لا تجعل الدنيا أكبر همنا” (O Allah, do not make this world our greatest concern):**
This supplication is a profound request to Allah, asking Him to prevent worldly matters from becoming the primary focus of our lives. It reflects the Islamic teaching that the pursuit of material gains, wealth, and temporary pleasures should not overshadow higher spiritual and eternal goals.
**Key Points of the Du’a:**
1. **Rejection of Materialism:** The du’a acknowledges the danger of becoming overly attached to worldly possessions, which can distract from worship, good deeds, and preparation for the Hereafter.
2. **Priority of the Hereafter:** Islam teaches that life in this world is temporary, while the afterlife is eternal. A believer should strive for Paradise and Allah’s pleasure rather than excessive worldly gains.
3. **Protection from Greed & Anxiety:** When worldly matters dominate a person’s mind, it leads to greed, stress, and dissatisfaction. This prayer seeks protection from such a state.
4. **Alignment with Prophetic Teachings:** The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) warned against making the world one’s ultimate goal, saying, *”Whoever makes the Hereafter his priority, Allah will place contentment in his heart and gather his affairs, and the world will come to him subserviently.”* (Ibn Majah)
5. **Balanced Living:** Islam does not forbid enjoying lawful worldly pleasures but emphasizes moderation. This du’a helps maintain a balance between worldly responsibilities and spiritual growth.
**When to Recite This Du’a:**
- During morning/evening supplications.
- When feeling excessive attachment to wealth or status.
- As a reminder to focus on deeds that benefit one in the Hereafter.
By sincerely praying this, a Muslim seeks Allah’s help in keeping their heart focused on eternal success rather than temporary distractions.
**Ameen.**
When to Use:
The phrase *”اللهم لا تجعل الدنيا أكبر همنا”* (translated as *”O Allah, do not make this world our greatest concern”*) is a supplication from Islamic tradition, often recited by Muslims seeking to prioritize the hereafter over worldly distractions.
**Situations Where It Is Used:**
1. **Daily Prayers (Duas)** – Muslims may recite it during personal supplications, especially after Salah, to seek Allah’s help in focusing on eternal success rather than temporary worldly gains.
2. **Moments of Material Temptation** – When facing greed, excessive ambition, or attachment to wealth, this dua serves as a reminder to avoid making dunya (worldly life) the ultimate goal.
3. **Times of Hardship or Loss** – If someone faces financial struggles, job loss, or unfulfilled desires, this prayer helps realign priorities toward spiritual growth.
4. **Islamic Lectures & Reminders** – Scholars and preachers reference this dua when discussing detachment from materialism and the importance of akhirah (the hereafter).
5. **Personal Reflection & Self-Improvement** – Used in self-assessment to avoid becoming overly consumed by career, money, or social status.
6. **Funerals & Condolences** – Recited to remind mourners of life’s temporary nature and the need to prepare for the afterlife.
**Purpose:**
– Encourages humility and detachment from materialism.
– Reinforces reliance on Allah rather than worldly means.
– Aligns actions with long-term spiritual success over short-term worldly gains.
This dua is rooted in Quranic teachings (e.g., Surah Al-Hadid 57:20) and Hadith, emphasizing the fleeting nature of worldly life.