What is the dua for a good ending?
The best-known dua for a good ending is "Ya Muqallib al-qulub, thabbit qalbi 'ala dinik" (O Turner of hearts, keep my heart firm on Your religion). The Quran also teaches the prayer of Prophet Yusuf: "Let me die as a Muslim and join me with the righteous." Say these often, and pair them with steady good deeds.
Why Muslims ask for a good ending
In Islam, a good ending (husn al-khatimah) means leaving this world while you believe in Allah and are doing good. The Prophet ﷺ said that deeds are judged by their endings (Sahih al-Bukhari 6607). That isn't meant to scare you. It means your past does not lock you in, and every new day is a fresh chance to finish well. For a convert, that is very good news.
The duas to memorise
- "Ya Muqallib al-qulub, thabbit qalbi 'ala dinik." The Prophet ﷺ said this dua often. When asked why, he explained that every heart is between the fingers of the Most Merciful, and He turns it as He wills (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 2140).
- The dua of Yusuf (peace be upon him). After a life full of trials, he asked Allah for one thing above all: to die in submission to Him.
- The dua of the people of understanding. They ask Allah not to let their hearts go astray after He has guided them.
The last words that count
The Prophet ﷺ said that whoever's last words are "La ilaha illallah" will enter Paradise (Sunan Abi Dawud 3116). You can't plan the exact moment, but you can make this phrase so familiar that it comes to your tongue naturally. Many Muslims say it many times a day for this reason. See How do I deal with fear of death as a Muslim?
Living towards a good ending
Dua works best together with action. Scholars mention a few habits that help a person end well:
- Keeping the five daily prayers, even on hard days.
- Repenting quickly instead of putting it off.
- Thinking well of Allah and hoping for His mercy.
- Staying close to good friends and good gatherings.
Don't let worry about your ending turn into anxiety. Allah is more merciful than you can imagine, and asking Him sincerely is itself a sign of a living heart. See What do Muslims believe happens after death?
- "Ya Muqallib al-qulub, thabbit qalbi 'ala dinik" was a frequent dua of the Prophet ﷺ.
- Quran 12:101 and 3:8 are powerful duas for staying firm until the end.
- Whoever's last words are "La ilaha illallah" will enter Paradise.
- Pair the dua with prayer, repentance and good company.
People also ask
What dua do I say for my host after a meal?
For your host after a meal, say "Allahumma barik lahum fima razaqtahum, waghfir lahum warhamhum", the dua the Prophet made for his hosts.
Read the full answer →Can I make dua for the whole Ummah?
Yes, you can make dua for the whole Ummah. The Quran teaches it (59:10), and an angel prays the same good for you. Simple duas you can use.
Read the full answer →Does Allah answer the dua of non-Muslims?
Yes, Allah can answer the dua of non-Muslims, especially the desperate and the oppressed. What the Quran says and what's different for Muslims.
Read the full answer →What is the dua for 'afiyah (well-being)?
The dua for 'afiyah is "Allahumma inni as'aluka al-'afiyah fid-dunya wal-akhirah", which the Prophet said every morning and evening.
Read the full answer →Can I make dua for something haram?
No, you shouldn't make dua for something haram; it isn't answered (Sahih Muslim 2735). Ask for the halal alternative or for something better.
Read the full answer →