Allāhumma urzuqnā al-‘afāfa wa at-tuqa. Meaning
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Word Meaning:
Meaning of the Dua:
This supplication asks Allah for two noble qualities:
1. العفاف (Al-‘Affaf) – Chastity and Self-Restraint:
– It refers to purity in thoughts, actions, and desires, especially in matters of physical and emotional impulses.
– It includes modesty, avoiding unlawful relationships, and controlling one’s gaze and speech.
– It also means contentment with what Allah has provided, reducing greed and unnecessary desires.
2. التقى (At-Taqwa) – Piety and God-Consciousness:
– Taqwa is the awareness of Allah in all actions, leading to obedience and avoidance of sins.
– It involves fearing Allah’s displeasure, adhering to His commands, and staying away from prohibitions.
– It strengthens faith, improves character, and protects a person from spiritual and moral corruption.
Why This Dua is Important:
– It seeks protection from sins related to desires (lust, greed, envy) and strengthens one’s spiritual state.
– It promotes a balanced life—free from excessiveness in worldly pleasures while maintaining strong faith.
– The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) frequently made similar supplications, emphasizing the need for self-purification and righteousness.
When to Recite It:
– During personal supplications, especially after prayers.
– When struggling with temptations or seeking strength in faith.
– As a daily reminder to uphold moral and spiritual integrity.
Conclusion:
This dua is a powerful request for inner purity and divine guidance, helping believers maintain dignity, self-control, and a strong connection with Allah.
When to Use:
1. **Daily Supplication (Dua):**
Muslims may recite this phrase during personal prayers, seeking Allah’s help in maintaining purity, modesty, and God-consciousness in their actions and lifestyle.
2. **During Fasting or Ramadan:**
Often used when seeking spiritual refinement, especially in Ramadan, to strengthen self-restraint and devotion.
3. **Protection from Temptation:**
Recited when facing moral challenges or desires that conflict with Islamic teachings, asking for divine assistance in staying upright.
4. **Marriage and Relationships:**
Couples or individuals may pray this to seek halal sustenance, a righteous spouse, or protection from illicit relationships.
5. **Repentance (Tawbah):**
Said after seeking forgiveness, asking Allah to replace past sins with chastity and piety in the future.
6. **Parental Prayers:**
Parents may invoke this for their children’s moral upbringing, praying they grow with integrity and faith.
7. **Moments of Weakness:**
Used when feeling spiritually vulnerable, to reaffirm commitment to Islamic values.
8. **After Salah or in Sujood:**
Added in prostration or post-prayer supplications for continuous self-improvement.
9. **Community Duas:**
Imams or groups may include it in collective prayers, asking for societal righteousness.
10. **Preventing Poverty and Dependency:**
Linked to a Hadith (Ibn Majah) where the Prophet (PBUH) taught that this dua also seeks refuge from destitution and reliance on others.
*Note:* The phrase reflects a holistic request for spiritual and material well-being, aligning one’s desires with divine obedience.