What is the dua for 'afiyah (well-being)?
The main dua for 'afiyah is "Allahumma inni as'aluka al-'afiyah fid-dunya wal-akhirah" (O Allah, I ask You for well-being in this world and the Hereafter). The Prophet ﷺ never left it in the morning or evening, and he called 'afiyah one of the best things a person can be given.
What 'afiyah means
'Afiyah is a rich Arabic word. It means being kept safe and sound: health in your body, peace in your mind, safety for your family and your faith, and protection from trials and punishment in the next life. It is much wider than "health" in English, which is why many Muslims simply say "'afiyah" untranslated.
The duas to learn
- Morning and evening: "Allahumma inni as'aluka al-'afwa wal-'afiyah fid-dunya wal-akhirah" (O Allah, I ask You for pardon and well-being in this world and the next). The Prophet ﷺ said it every morning and evening, along with asking for protection from all sides (Sunan Abi Dawud 5074).
- For your body: "Allahumma 'afini fi badani, Allahumma 'afini fi sam'i, Allahumma 'afini fi basari" (O Allah, grant me well-being in my body, my hearing and my sight), said three times morning and evening (Sunan Abi Dawud 5090).
- The short version: "Allahumma 'afini" (O Allah, grant me well-being). It fits any moment.
Why it is so valued
Abu Bakr once stood on the pulpit, wept, and passed on that the Prophet ﷺ said: "Ask Allah for pardon and well-being, for no one has been given anything better after certainty of faith than well-being" (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 3558). The Prophet ﷺ also told his uncle al-'Abbas, who asked what to pray for, to ask Allah for 'afiyah in this world and the next.
He also warned that health and free time are two blessings many people waste (Sahih al-Bukhari 6412). Asking for 'afiyah is a way of noticing what you already have.
When you are already unwell
'Afiyah isn't only for healthy people. If you are sick, ask Allah for healing with full confidence, like Ibrahim did:
Keep seeing your doctor and follow medical advice; dua and treatment go together. See What dua can I say when I'm sick? You can also make this dua for a friend who is ill. See What dua do I say when visiting someone who is sick?
- 'Afiyah means all-round safety: body, mind, family, faith and the Hereafter.
- The Prophet ﷺ asked for it every morning and evening.
- Nothing after faith is better than 'afiyah, so ask for it often.
- If you're sick, make dua and follow your doctor's advice.
People also ask
What is the dua for a good ending?
The dua for a good ending is "Ya Muqallib al-qulub, thabbit qalbi 'ala dinik", plus Yusuf's prayer to die as a Muslim (Quran 12:101).
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 →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.
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Nasheeds are not dhikr in the proper sense, though good ones can remind you of Allah. What counts as dhikr, and where nasheeds and instruments fit.
Read the full answer →What is a wird in Islam?
A wird in Islam is a fixed daily routine of dhikr, Quran or dua that you keep up. What it means, its sunnah basis, and how to build one.
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