Dua for Helping Others: Seeking Ability to Serve and Do Good

In Islam, serving humanity is a form of worship. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'The best of people are those who are most beneficial to people.' This dua is a request for Allah to grant us the sincerity and the physical means to be of service to others and to spend our lives doing good.

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ فِعْلَ الْخَيْرَاتِ وَتَرْكَ الْمُنْكَرَاتِ

Transliteration

Allahumma inni as’aluka fi’lal-khayrat, wa tarkal-munkarat.

Translation

O Allah, I ask You [for the ability] to do good deeds and to avoid evil deeds.

Source

Hadith — Sahih Muslim — Hadith on relieving hardship

Authenticity: Sahih

Meaning and Explanation

The dua is a comprehensive request for Tawfiq (divine success) in performing all types of virtuous acts, which includes helping the poor, supporting the weak, and being a source of benefit to society.

When to Recite

During morning and evening supplications, before starting any charitable work, or when seeking a way to be more useful to the community.

How to Recite

Recite it with a heart that truly desires to be a 'key to goodness,' asking Allah to use you for the service of His Ummah.

Important Notes

Islam teaches that Allah's help is with the servant as long as the servant is helping their brother or sister. Action must accompany the dua.

Benefits

Reciting this dua refocuses the heart on the purpose of life—service to the Creator through service to His creation. It helps overcome selfishness and laziness in doing good.

Additional Duas

اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْنِي مِفْتَاحًا لِلْخَيْرِ

Allahummaj-'alni miftahan lil-khayr

O Allah, make me a key to goodness.

Source

Hadith — Jami' at-Tirmidhi — Tirmidhi 3233

Authenticity: Sahih (Authentic)

Part of a longer Hadith where the Prophet ﷺ was taught this dua in a vision.

Hadith — Sahih Muslim — Sahih Muslim 2699

Authenticity: Sahih (Authentic)

Hadith regarding Allah helping the one who helps their brother.

Content type: Hadith

Tags: helping others charity good deeds service community