Daily Dua’s

                   Daily essential Dua's from Qur'an and Sunnah for various occasion

Daily Dua's

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Dua 1

Upon Going to sleep

Arabic

Reference

Muslim 4/2083, Fateh-al-Bari 11/113

Pronunciation

Allah humma bis-mika aamu'tu wa aah'ya

Translation

O Allah ,In Your Name, I die and I live

Hadith/Benefit

Hudhaifa (r.a) narrated, when the Prophet (s.a.w) went to bed, he would say this Du’a….

[Bukhari v. 8, Book 75/326]

Dua 2

Wake up from sleep

Arabic

Reference

Muslim 4/2083, Fateh-al-Bari 11/113

Pronunciation

Alhamdu lillahil-lathee ahyana ba'da ma amatana wa-ilayhin-nushoor

Translation

All praise be to Allah, who gave us life after killing us (sleep is a form of death) and to Him will we be raised and returned

Hadith/Benefit

Hudhaifa (r.a) narrated – when the Prophet (s.a.w) when he got up, he would say this Du’a….
[Bukhari v. 8, Book 75/326]

Dua 3

Entering the Toilet

Arabic

Reference

Al Bhukari  1/45, Sahih Muslim 1/283

Pronunciation

Bismil-lah – allahumma innee aa'oozuu bika minal-khubthi wal-khaba-ith

Translation

In the name of Allah,O Allah. I seek refuge in You from the male female evil and Jinn's

Hadith/Benefit

Narrated Anas bin Malik (r.a) Whenever the Prophet (s.a.w) went to the lavatory, he used to say this Du’a….
[Enter the toilet with left foot first]
[Bukhari v. 8, Book 75/334]

Dua 4

Leaving the Toilet

Arabic

Option 1

Option 2

Reference

Abu Dawood, Ibn Majah, At Trimidi

Pronunciation

Ghufranak, alhamdu lillah-hil lazee-aaz haba annil-aaza wa'aafani

Translation

O Allah, I seek forgiveness and pardon from You, All Praise be to Allah, who removed the difficulty from me and gave me ease (relief)

Hadith/Benefit

[Leave the toilet with right foot first]

Dua 5

Start of Wudu

Arabic

Reference

Abu Dawood, Ibn Majah, Ahmed

Pronunciation

Bismilla hir-rahma nir-Raheem

Translation

I begin in the name of Allah, who is the Most Merciful, Most Gracious

Hadith/Benefit

Abu Hurairah (r.a) narrates, I heard Rasulullah (s.a.w) said, My Ummah will be called on the Day of Resurrection with their limbs and faces shining from the traces of Wudu. So whoever amongst you can increase the area of his radiance should do so. (i.e. by performing Wudu regularly)
[Sahih Bukhari]

Dua 6

Completion of Wudu

Arabic

Reference

Abu Dawood, Ibn Majah, Ahmed

Pronunciation

Ashhadu al la ilaha illal-lahu wahdahu la shareeka lah, wa-ashhadu anna Muhammadan aab-duhu warasooluh

Translation

I testify that there is no one worthy of worship besides Allah. He is all by Himself and has no partner and I testify that Muhammad is Allah's Rasul (Messenger

Hadith/Benefit

Uthman ibne Affan (r.a) narrates that Rasulullah (s.a.w) said, anyone who performs Wudu excellently, his sins will come out from his body, even coming out from under his nails.
[Muslim]

Dua 7

Entering the Mosque

Arabic

Reference

Abu Dawud, Ibn As-Sunan Hadith 888, Al-Albani

Pronunciation

Bismil-lah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasoolil-lah, allahummaf tah-lee aab-wa ba rahmatik

Translation

In the Name of Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah, O Allah, open the doors of mercy

Hadith/Benefit

Narrated Abu Qatada Al-Aslami (r.a) Allah's Apostle (s.a.w) said, "If anyone of you enters a mosque, he should pray two Rakah before sitting."
[Bukhari, vol. 1 Book 8/435]

Dua 8

Leaving the Mosque

Arabic

Reference

Abu dawood, Sahee Al-Jaami 4591

Pronunciation

Bismil-lah – wassalatu wassalamu ala rasoolil-lah, allahumma innee as-aluka min fadlik

Translation

In the Name of Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, I ask for Your favor, O Allah, protect me from Satan the outcas

Hadith/Benefit

Fatimah (r.a) reported that when Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w) entered the mosque, he invoked blessings and peace upon Muhammad (himself) and as he went out of the mosque, he would supplicate for blessings and peace upon Muhammad (himself)
[Mishkat]

Dua 9

Before the Meals

Arabic

Reference

Abu Dawud 3/437, At-Trimidi 4/288

Pronunciation

Bismil-lah

Translation

In the name of Allah

Hadith/Benefit

By not reciting Bismillah, Satan has an opportunity of take part in the food.
[Mishkat]

Dua 10

Forgetting to recite Bismillah

Arabic

Reference

Abu Dawud 3/437, At-Trimidi 4/288

Pronunciation

Bismil-lahi fee awwalihi wa-akhirih

Translation

In the name of Allah in the beginning and end

Hadith/Benefit

Aisha (r.a) reported, Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) said, “When any of you wants to eat, he should mention the Name of Allah in the beginning, (i.e., say Bismillah) If he forgets to do it in the beginning, he should say (this Du'a)

Dua 11

After meals

Arabic

Reference

Abu Dawud , At-Trimidi, An Nasai, Ibn Majah

Pronunciation

Alhamdu lillah hil lazi aat'aa mana wasakana wa-ja-aa lana Muslimin

Translation

All praise belongs to Allah, who fed us and quenched our thirst and made us Muslims

Hadith/Benefit

If the meals are commenced with this Dua, then there will be no accountability of the food eaten on the Day of Qiyamat.
[Hisnul Hasin from Haam]

Dua 12

After meals (Second Option)

Arabic

Reference

At Tirmidhi 5/506

Pronunciation

Allahumma barik lana feehi wa-aath-imna khayran minh

Translation

O Allah, You grant us blessings in it and grant us better than it

Hadith/Benefit

If the meals are commenced with this Dua, then there will be no accountability of the food eaten on the Day of Qiyamat.
[Hisnul Hasin from Haam]

Dua 13

Leaving Home

Arabic

Reference

Sahih Muslim 1/209

Pronunciation

Bismil-lah, tawakkaltu alal-lah, wala hawla wala quwwata illa billah

Translation

I depart with Allah's name, relying on Him. It is Allah who saves us from sins with His guidance (the ability to do so)

Hadith/Benefit

The messenger of Allah (s.a.w) said, “When any one of you enters his home and mentions the Name of Allah, when he enters and when he eats, the Shaytan says, 'You have no place to stay and nothing to eat here.'
If he enters and does not mention the name of Allah when he enters, [the Shaytan] says, ‘You have a place to stay.’ If he does not mention the name of Allah when he eats, [the Shaytan says], 'You have a place to stay and something to eat.'
[Ahmad]

Dua 14

Entering Home

Arabic

Reference

At Tirmidhi 5/490, Abu Dowud 4/325

Pronunciation

Bismil-lahi walajna, wabismil-lahi kharajna, wa'ala rabbina tawakkalna

Translation

In the Name of Allah we enter , in the Name of Allah we leave , & upon our Lord we depend [then say As-Salaamu ‘Alaykum to those present]

Hadith/Benefit

Prophet (s.a.w) also said, “If a man goes out of his house and says (This Du’a) it will be said to him, 'this will take care of you, you are guided, you have what you need and you are protected.' The Shaytan will stay away from him, and another Shaytan will say to him, 'what can you do with a man who is guided, provided for and protected’.
[Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi]

Dua 15

On Journey

Arabic

Reference

Abu Dawud 3/34 , At-Trimidi 5/501, 3/156

Pronunciation

Subha-nal-lazi sakh-kha ralana haza wama kunna lahu mukhri-nee-na wa-inna ila rabbina lamun-qaliboon

Translation

Allah is pure, He has given control and without His power we would not have any control Without doubt we are to return to him

Hadith/Benefit

The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) said, three supplications will not be rejected (by Allah SWT)
1. The supplication of the parent for his child
2. The supplication of the one who is fasting
3. The supplication of the traveller
[Al-Bayhaqi, At-Tirmidhi – Sahih]

Dua 16

Return From Journey

Arabic

Reference

Abu Dawud 3/34 , At-Trimidi 5/501, 3/156

Pronunciation

Subha-nal-lazi sakh-kha ralana haza wama kunna lahu mukhri-nee-n, wa-inna ila rabbina lamun-qaliboon, AAaiboona, ta-iboona, AAabidoona, lirabbina hamidoon

Translation

Allah is pure, He has given control and without His power we would not have any control Without doubt we are to return to him, We return, repent, worship and praise our Lord

Hadith/Benefit

# BENEFIT NOT AVAILABLE #
REQUEST:  Please send us the virtue/benefit of this Du'a and InshAllah we will publish on next update.

Dua 17

When Sneezing

Arabic

Reference

Al Bhukari  7/125

Pronunciation

Alhamdu lillah 

Translation

All praise is for Allah

Hadith/Benefit

Narrated Abu Hurairah (r.a) The Prophet said, "Allah loves sneezing but dislikes yawning, so if anyone of you sneezes and then praises Allah, every Muslim who hears him (praising Allah) has to say Tashmit to him. But as regards yawning, it is from Satan, so if one of you yawns, he should try his best to stop it, for when anyone of you yawns, Satan laughs at him."
[Bukhari Volume 8, Book 73, Number 245]

Dua 18

Hearing someone sneeze

Arabic

Reference

Al Bhukari  7/125

Pronunciation

Yaarha-muk-Allah

Translation

May Allah have mercy on you

Hadith/Benefit

Narrated Abu Hurairah (r.a) The Prophet said……. it is obligatory on every Muslim who heard him, to say this Du’a…..
[Bukhari Volume 8, Book 73, Number 242]Narrated Abu Hurairah (r.a) The Prophet said……. it is obligatory on every Muslim who heard him, to say this Du’a…..
[Bukhari Volume 8, Book 73, Number 242]

Dua 19

Sneezers replies back

Arabic

Reference

Al Bhukari  7/125

Pronunciation

Yahdeekumul-lahu wayuslihu balakum

Translation

May Allah guide you and rectify your condition

Hadith/Benefit

Narrated Abu Hurairah (r.a) The Prophet said……. it is obligatory on every Muslim who heard him, to say this Du’a…..
[Bukhari Volume 8, Book 73, Number 242]

Dua 20

Entering the Market 

Arabic

Reference

La ilaha illal-lah, wahdahu la shareeka lah, lahul-mulku walahul-hamd, yuhyee wa-yumeetu, wa'huwa hayyun la yamoot, biyadihil-khayru, wahuwa A'ala kulli shayin qadeer

Pronunciation

Allah humma bis-mika aamu'tu wa aah'ya

Translation

None has the right to be worshipped except Allaah, alone, without partner, to Him belongs all sovereignty and praise. He gives life and causes death, and He is living and does not die. In His hand is all good and He is over all things, omnipotent

Hadith/Benefit

Abu Hurairah (r.a) reported that the Messenger (s.a.w) said, the parts of land dearest to Allah are its mosques, and the parts most hateful to Allah are markets.
[Muslim, Book 4, Number 1416]

Dua 21

Having relation with wife

Arabic

Reference

Abu Dawud 2/248, Ibn Majah 1/617

Pronunciation

Bismillah, Allahumma Jannibna-sh-Shaitan, Wa Jannibi-sh-Shaitana ma Razaqtana

Translation

I am having relations in the name of Allah. O Allah save us from Satan and keep him away from the children You grant us. The child that is born after the recitation of this dua will never be harmed by Satan

Hadith/Benefit

Ibn Abbas (r.a) the Messenger (s.a.w) said, "If anyone of you, when having sexual intercourse with his wife, says (This Du'a) and if it is destined that they should have a child, then Satan will never be able to harm him."
[Bukhari – Volume 7, Book 62, Number 94]

Dua 22

After Adhaan

Arabic

Reference

Al-Bhukari 1/152

Pronunciation

For Adhaan

» Hayya 'alas-Salaah

» Hayya 'alal-Falaah

You should say:

Laa hawla wa laa quwwata 'illaa billaah

After Adhaan

Allahumma rabba hathihid-da'watit-tammah, wassalatil-qa-imah, ati Muhammadan alwaseelata wal-fadeelah, wab-aas-hu maqaman mahmoodan, al-la-zee wa'aad-tah, innaka la tukhliful-mee'ad"

Translation

For Adhaan

» Hasten to the prayer

» Hasten to salvation

You should say:

There is no might and no power except by Allah.

[ Al-Bukhari 1/152, Muslim 1/288]

After Adhaan

O Allah, the Lord of this total call (invitation, proclamation) and the Lord of the Salat to begin, grant Muhammad 'intercession' ( a status) and grant him superiority and let him reach Mooqame Mahmood which You have promised, for definitely You do not go back on Your promises"

Hadith/Benefit

It was narrated that Jabir (r.a) said: Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w) said, “Whoever says, when he hears the call to prayer (i.e. Adhan) will be granted my intercession on the Day of Resurrection.”
[Hadith No. 681, Book of Adhan, Sunan An-Nasa’i, Vol. 1]

Dua 23

Du'a for Janaza

Arabic

Reference

Ibn majah 1/480, Ahmed 2/268

Pronunciation

Allahummagh-fir lihayyina wamayyitina washahidina, wagha-ibina, wasagheerina wakabeerina, wathakarina wa-oong-saana. Allahumma man ahyaytahu minna fa-ahyihi alal-islam, waman tawaffaytahu minna fatawaffahu alal-eeman, allahumma la tahrimna ajrah, wala tudillana ba'dah

Translation

O Allah, forgive our living and our dead, those present and those absent, our young and our old, our males and our females. O Allah, whom amongst us You keep alive, then let such a life be upon Islam, and whom amongst us You take unto Yourself, then let such a death be upon faith. O Allah, do not deprive us of his reward and do not let us stray after him

Hadith/Benefit

Abu Hurairah (r.a) says that he heard the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) said, " He who goes out with the bier when taken out from its residence and offers prayer for it and he then follows it till it is buried, he would have two Qirats of reward, each Qirats being equivalent to Uhud, and he who after having offered prayer (directly) came back would have his reward (as great) as Uhud.
[Muslim]

Dua 24

Remembrance and glorification of Allah

Arabic

Reference

Al Bhukari 4/2071

Pronunciation

SubhanAllah wa Bihamdihi, SubhanAllah hil aahzim

Translation

How perfect Allah is and I praise Him. How perfect Allah is, The Supreme

Hadith/Benefit

Whoever says (this Du’a) a hundred times during the day, his sins are wiped away, even if they are like the foam of the sea. Also A palm tree is planted for the reciter of this Du’a in Paradise.
[Bukhari 7:168, Muslim 4:2071]
Abu Dharr reported that the Prophet (s.a.w) said, “Shall I tell you the words that Allah loves the most?” I said: “Yes, tell me, O Messenger of Allah.” He said, “The words dearest to Allah are, subhanAllah wa bihamdihi.
 [At-Tirmidhi; 5:511, al-Hakim]
Abu Hurairah (r.a) reported that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) said, “Two words (subhanAllah wa bihamdihi) are light on the tongue, weigh heavily in the balance, and are loved by the Most Merciful One.”

Dua 25

Remembrance and glorification of Allah

Arabic

Reference

At Tirmidhi 9/201, 1195

Pronunciation

Allahumma innaka 'affuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu anni

Translation

O Allah You are The One Who pardons greatly, and loves to pardon, so pardon me

Hadith/Benefit

Aisha (r.a) reported I asked, "O Messenger of Allah! If I realize Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree), what should I supplicate in it?" He (s.a.w) replied, "You should supplicate” Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun, tuhibbul-'afwa, fa'fu 'anni" .
[At-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah with a Sahih Isnad]

Dua 26

Remembrance and glorification of Allah

Arabic

Reference

Al Bhukari, Muslim 4/2076

Pronunciation

La hawla wa laqu-aata illah billah

Translation

There is no might nor power except with Allah

Hadith/Benefit

This Du’a is a treasure from the treasures of Paradise.
[Sahih al-Bukhari, al-Fath al-Bari 11:213, Sahih Muslim 4:2076]

Dua 27

Remembrance and glorification of Allah

Arabic

Reference

Sahih Muslim 3/1685,  4/2072

Pronunciation

SubhanAllah, walHamdulilah, wa La illaha ilAllahu, waAllahu Akbar 

Translation

Glory be to Allah, All Praise is for Allah, There is No God but Allah, Allah is the Greatest

Hadith/Benefit

This Dua…  are mentioned as the four most beloved words to Allah.
It does not matter with which one of them is begun.
[Sahih Muslim 3:1685]

Dua 28

One in Distress

Arabic

Reference

Sura An-Anbiyah 21:87

Pronunciation

La Illaha Illa Anta Subhanaka Inni Kuntu Minz zalmin

Translation

Non has the right to be worshipped except you. How perfect you are, verily I was among the wrong-doers

Hadith/Benefit

The Messenger (s.a.w) said, "Any Muslim who recites this Du’a, his request will be granted by Allah."
[At-Tirmidhi 3505]

Dua 29

Leaving all affair to Allah

Arabic

Reference

Qur'an 3:173 – Sahih al Bhukari 5:172

Pronunciation

HasbunAllahu wa ni`mal wakil

Translation

Allah is sufficient for us, and how fine a trustee (He is)

Hadith/Benefit

This Du’a is for ….
Leaving your affairs to Allah (s.a.w) by depending upon Him, by trusting in His promise, by being pleased with His decree, by thinking favourably of Him, and by waiting patiently for His help.

Dua 30

Protection from Hellfire

Arabic

Reference

Abu Dawood, 5079

Pronunciation

Allah humma aa jirnee minan naar

Translation

O Allah, save me from the fire

Hadith/Benefit

The Prophet (s.a.w) said, "Says (this Du'a) 7 times after Fajr before speaking to anyone and 7 times after Magrib. Then if you die on that day or night after reciting this Du'a Allah SWT will grant you protection from the hell Fire”.
[Al-Imam Ahmad in Al-Musnad, 17362, and by Abu Dawood, 507]
Narrated by Anas (r.a) the Prophet (s.a.w) said:, “Whoever asks Allah for Paradise three times, Paradise will say, ‘O Allah, admit him to Paradise.’ Whoever seeks protection from the Fire three times, Hell will say, ‘O Allah, protect him from the Fire.’”
[At-Tirmidhi, 2572; Ibn Majah, 4340]
Note: It is Mustahab for the believer to ask Allah for Paradise and to seek protection from Hell fire without any particular prayer, or at any particular time.

Dua 31

Fear of shirk

Arabic

Reference

Ahmed 4/403

Pronunciation

Allahumma innee a’oozu bika an ushrika bika shay-an a’alam, wa-astaghfiruka limaa laa a’alam

Translation

O Allah we seek refuge in You from associating anything with You knowingly, and we seek Your forgiveness for what we do unknowingly

Hadith/Benefit

The Messenger (s.a.w) warned us against shirk, fearing that his Ummah might fall into it, and said, “The thing I fear most for you is minor shirk.”
[Narrated by Ahmad, 23119]
Also he said, “Shirk among you is more subtle than the sound of the footsteps of an ant on a rock. Shall I not tell you of something which, if you do it, it will take that away from you both minor and major forms of it (Say this Du’a)
[Saheeh al-Jaami 2876]

Dua 32

Placing children's under Allah's protection

Arabic

Reference

Al-Bukhari 4/119

Pronunciation

Oee-zukuma bikalimatil-lahit-tammah, min kulli shaytanin wahammah, wamin kulli aay-nin lammah

Translation

I seek protection for you in the Perfect Words of Allah from every devil and every beast , and from every envious blameworthy eye

Hadith/Benefit

Ibn Abbas (r.a) related that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) used to seek Allah’s protection for Al-Hasan and Al-Husain.

Dua 33

Du'a for the Parents

Arabic

Reference

Sura Ibrahim 14:41, Sura Al-Isra 17:24

Pronunciation

Rabbighfir lii wali-waalidayya walilmum-iniina yauma yaquumul hisaab (Also recite) Rabbirhamhumaa kamaa rabbayaani sag-hiiraa

Translation

Our Lord! Forgive me and my parents, and (all) the believers on the Day when the reckoning will be established (Also recite) My Lord! Have mercy on them both as they did care for me when I was young

Hadith/Benefit

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (R.A) that the Prophet (s.a.w) said, “A man may be raised in status in Paradise and will say where this came from? And it will be said, from your son’s praying for forgiveness for you.”
[Narrated by Ibn Maajah, 3660]

Dua 34

When breaking fast

Arabic

Reference

Abu Dawud 2/306, Al- Albani, Sahihul-Jami' As-Saghir 4/209

Pronunciation

Zhahabadh-dhama'u, wabtallatil-'urooqu, wa thabatal-'ajru inshaa'Allaah

Translation

The thirst has quenched and left wetness and with the will of Allah, reward is proven (certain)

Hadith/Benefit

There is NO authentic intention for fast however you should have the intention in your heart.

Dua 35

When visiting sick

Arabic

Reference

Al-Bukhari, cf. Al-Asqalani Fathul-Bari 10/118

Pronunciation

Laa ba'sa, tahoorun 'inshaa'Allaah

Translation

Do not worry, it will be a purification (for you) Allah willing

Hadith/Benefit

Abu Hurairah (r.a) reported, The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) said, "Every Muslim has five rights over another Muslim
1. To return the greetings
2. To visit the sick
3. To accompany funeral processions
4. To accept an invitation
5. To respond to the sneeze.
[Bukhari and Muslim]

Dua 36

For good health [7 times]

Arabic

Reference

At-Tirmithi 2/210, Abu Dawud, Al-Albani, and Sahihul-Jami' As-Saghir 5/180

Pronunciation

As'alullaahal'Adheema, Rabbal-'Arshil-'Adheemi. an yashfiyaka [Recite 7 times]

Translation

I ask Almighty Allah , Lord of the Magnificent Throne, to make you well. (Recite seven times in Arabic)

Hadith/Benefit

Prophet Mohammad (s.a.w) said, “That by reciting (this Du’a) seven times, the ill person will regain his health and if death occurs then that (death) is a different issue (i.e. death is written it cannot be prevented).

Dua 37

Cure of any illness

Arabic

Reference

Bukhari, Muslim

Pronunciation

Azhibil-bah-saa rabban-naasi waasfi aan-tash-shafee la shifa-aah illah shifa-wooka shifa-woon laa  you-gaa dee-ru sha-qaa-maa

Translation

O Lord of the people, remove this pain and cure it, You are the one who cures and there is no one besides You who can cure, grant such a cure that no illness remains

Hadith/Benefit

Narrated from Aisha (r.a) that when any of us fell sick, the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) would wipe him with his right hand then say (this Du’a)
[Bukhari 5675, Muslim 2191]

Dua 38

Visiting the graves

Arabic

Reference

Muslim 2/671, Ibn Majah 1/494

Pronunciation

As-salaamu ‛alaykum ahl-ad-diyaari mi-nal-mu’mineena wal-muslimeena, wa in-naa in shaa’-allaahu la-laaḥiqoona, nas’al-ullaaha lanaa wa-lakumul-‛aafiyah

Translation

Peace be upon you, people of this abode, from among the believers and those who are Muslims , and we , by the Will of Allah, shall be joining you. I ask Allah to grant us and you strength

Hadith/Benefit

The purpose of visiting is to remembering death and the dead and remembering that our destiny will be either Paradise or Hell. The dead also benefits and is treated kindly by the visitor greeting him with salaams, making Du’a for him, praying for forgiveness.
Note: It is permissible to raise the hands when reciting this Du’a, because of the hadith of ‘Aisha (r.a)

Dua 39

Difficult affairs [ie. Exams, Test]

Arabic

Reference

Mishkat, Ibn Hibban 327, Ibn As-Sunni 351

Pronunciation

Allahumma la sahla illa ma ja’altahu sahla, wa ‘anta taj-alul hazna idha shi’ta sahla

Translation

O Allah! There is nothing easy except what You make easy, and You make the difficult easy if it be Your Will.

Hadith/Benefit

Remembering Allah SWT as Dhikr dispels anxiety and tension. If something is too difficult for you, then pray to Allah to make it easy for you.
Whenever Ibn Taymiyah (r.a) found something too difficult to understand, he would say, “O You Who taught Ibraaheem, teach me; O You Who caused Sulaymaan to understand, cause me to understand.”

Dua 40

Istikhara

Arabic

Reference

Al-Bhukari 7/162

Pronunciation

Allahumma innee astakheeruka bi ilmika wa-astaqdiruka biqudratika wa-as'aluka min fadhlika al-adheem. Fa innaka taqdiru walaa aqdiru. Wa ta'lamu walaa a'alamu wa anta allaamul ghuyoob. Allahumma in kunta ta'lamu anna haadhal-amr.

* Then the matter should be mentioned by name *

khayrun liy fiy deeniy wa-ma'aashiy wa-'aaqibat amriy, fa'qdruhliy wa-yassirh liy thumma baarik liy feehi. Wa in-kunta ta'lamu anna haadhal amr sharrun liy fiy deeniy wa-ma'aashiy wa-'aaqibat amriy. Fa asrifh annee wa-srif 'anhu. Wa aqdurh liyal khayr hayth kaana thumma a-rdhiniy bihee"

Translation

O Allah! Behold I ask You the good through Your Knowledge, and ability through Your Power, and beg (Your favour) out of Your infinite Bounty. For surely You have Power; I have none. You know all; I know not. You are the Great Knower of all things. O Allah! If in Your Knowledge this matter

* Then the matter should be mentioned by name *

be good for my faith (Deen), for my livelihood, and for the consequences of my affairs, then ordain it for me, and make it easy for me, and bless me therein. But if in Your Knowledge, this matter be bad for my faith (Deen), for my livelihood, and for the consequences of my affairs, then turn it away from me, and turn me away therefrom, and ordain for me the good wherever it be, and cause me to please with it

Hadith/Benefit

The Messenger of Allaah (S.A.W) used to teach his companions to make istikhaarah in all things, just as he used to teach them soorahs from the Qur’aan. He said: ‘If any one of you is concerned about a decision he has to make, then let him pray two rak’ahs of non-obligatory prayer, then say the above.

(Al-Bukhaari, 6841; similar reports are also recorded by al-Tirmidhi, al-Nisaa’i, Abu Dawood, Ibn Maajah and Ahmad)

When to pray:
‘Let him pray two rak’ahs of non-obligatory prayer.’ This is mentioned to make it clear that it does not mean fajr prayer, for example. Al-Nawawi said in al-Adhkaar: He can pray istikaarah after two rak’ahs of regular sunnah prayer done at zuhr for example, or after two rak’ahs of any naafil prayers whether they are regularly performed or not.

Wisdom:
The wisdom behind putting the salaat before the du’aa’ is that istikhaarah is intended to combine the goodness of this world with the goodness of the next. A person needs to knock at the door of the King (Allaah), and there is nothing more effective for this than prayer, because it contains glorification and praise of Allaah, and expresses one's need for Him at all times.

Answers:
The secret is that one’s heart should not be attached to the matter in question, because that will result in a person becoming restless. Being pleased with something means that one’s heart is content with the decree of Allah.