The Scope of Prayer: The Prophet’s (PBUH) ‘All-Encompassing’ Du’a
Our Prophet (PBUH) taught us the importance and diversity of supplications, and also revealed a du’a that encompasses all prayers. This prayer seeks intercession and requests protection from evil.
Ebû Ümâme -May Allah be pleased with him-
Ebû Ümâme -May Allah be pleased with him- narrates:
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to recite many prayers, but we could not fully memorize them. When we mentioned this to the Prophet (PBUH), he gave us the following good news:
The Content of the Du’a: A Hidden Treasure Encompassing All Prayers
The Noble Messenger (PBUH) said:
“Should I not teach you a du’a that encompasses all prayers?” Simply say the following:
Allâhümme innî es’elüke min hayri mâ seeleke minhü nebiyyüke Muhammedün sallallahu aleyhi ve sellem. Wa neûzü bike min şerri mesteâzeke minhü nebiyyüke Muhammedün sallallahu aleyhi ve sellem. Wa ente’l-müsteân, wa aleyke’l-belâğ, wa lâ havle velâ kuvvete illâ billâh:
“O Allah! We ask you for the good things that Your Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) asked of You. And we seek refuge in You from the evils that Your Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) sought refuge in You from. Help comes only from You. You are the one to be relied upon, and to You is the fulfillment of purpose. Strength to avoid sin and the ability to worship can only be attained with Allah’s help.” (Tirmidhi, Du’aât, 88/3521)
The virtue of this du’a is great; for it contains the essence and meaning of the prayers that the Prophet (PBUH) recited specifically. With this prayer, we seek his intercession and supplicate for protection from evil.