Introduction of the prayer:
This prayer is from Jami’ At-Tirmidhi, Chapter on Supplication, Hadith: 3516. This is the blessed practice of Prophet (PBUH) to recite this prayer to make when we are in need of guidance in making decision.
Virtues and benefits of this prayer:
Decision making is our daily routine action. We make a lot of decisions to make our life easy and disciplined. It helps us in setting our goals and priorities. But some times we are get confused and double minded to choose between two options or alternatives. Islam did not neglected this human weakness and advised for counselling, discussion and prayers to make the mind clear to make right decision at right time. Allah Kareem guided his Prophet (PBUH) in this regard and commanded as below;
وَشَاوِرْهُمْ فِى ٱلْأَمْرِ ۖ فَإِذَا عَزَمْتَ فَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُتَوَكِّلِينَ
and consult with them in ˹conducting˺ matters. Once you make a decision, put your trust in Allah. Surely Allah loves those who trust in Him. (Surah Ali ‘Imran: 159)
The Prophet (PBUH) also guided the Believers by teaching some prayers to get the Divine Help. Because some times matters are so confused and disturbing that one can get frustrated. The above mentioned Du’a is beneficial for this purpose. This Du’a reminds us that asking other people, or being dependant on our own, we always need help and guidance from our Creator. Imam Tirmidhi reported in his Jami’ the blessed Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that when he (PBUH) decided to do something he used to recited this prayer.
عَنْ أَبِي بَكْرٍ الصِّدِّيقِ، أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم كَانَ إِذَا أَرَادَ أَمْرًا قَالَ “ اللَّهُمَّ خِرْ لِي وَاخْتَرْ لِي ” .
Aishah narrated from Abu Bakr As-Siddiq,:
that whenever the Prophet (ﷺ) wanted to do a matter, he would say: “O Allah, make it good for me and choose for me. (Allāhumma khir lī wakhtar lī)”(Tirmidhi: 3516).
This is a humble supplication of a Believer to get the guidance in making right and beneficial choice. It reflects the humility of the believer, acknowledging that while we may have preferences, we ultimately trust Allah’s divine wisdom.
This du’a maybe helpful in various aspects of life like marriage, business, career and any situation where one needs to make good decision. This prayer brings clarity in mind, fills heart with content, satisfaction and peace. As a result it becomes easy to get rid of being stuck between two choices.
