Allahumma inni as aluka al afiyah – We pray for health. Because health is one of the best blessings given by Allah Ta’ala. Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam used to pray to Allah for health. From those hadiths we know how important it is to stay healthy and pray for it. For example, in a hadith, he said, ‘You ask Allah for forgiveness and healing. Because no one has been given a better blessing than health after faith.’ (Tirimizi: 3558)
Allahumma inni as aluka al afiyah | Meaning and Explanation
The original Arabic wording of this supplication is:
اللهم إني أسألك العافية
Pronunciation: Allahumma inni as aluka al afiyah.
Translation: O Allah, I seek health from you.
Explanation: This is a famous dua for good health. These words are repeated in the hadith. However, we did not find this prayer in the hadith. It has other words and meanings attached to it. However, the wording and structure of this prayer is considered ideal for wishing well-being alone. There is no objection to doing this prayer for the purpose of discussion.
Hadith related to Afia or the supplication for well-being
Allahumma inni as aluka al afiyah, this phrase is a prayer of well-being made up of words recited. And it is encouraged to pray by looking at the hadith. We are presenting some interesting hadiths below.
عن العباس بن عبد المطلب قال: قلت: يا رسول الله؛ علمني شيئاً أسأله الله عز وجل، قال: سل الله العافية، فمكثت أياماً ثم جئت فقلت: يا رسول الله علمني شيئاً أسأله الله، فقال لي: يا عباس يا عم رسول الله: سل الله العافية في الدنيا والآخرة
Translation: Abdul Muttalib Ibn Abbas said, I said, O Messenger of God, teach me something by which I will pray to God. He (Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “You seek health from Allah.” Then I went again after some time and said, O Messenger of Allah, teach me something by which I may pray to Allah. Then he said to me, O Abbas, O uncle of Rasoolullah, ask Allah for health in this world and in the Hereafter.
Explanation: Shaykh Mubarakpuri said in Tuhfatul Ahwazi, Tirimizi’s commentary, that Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam gave him the same answer, i.e. wish for well-being, in response to Ibn Abbas’s repeated questions, which proves that there is no other supplication equal to Salat supplication. None of the words by which supplications are made to Allah Ta’ala is elevated to its seat.
Rasulullah and prayers for health
Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam used to pray for health in the morning and in the afternoon with this sentence Allahumma inni asaluka afia. Also, there are several authentic hadiths that he prayed by adding other words before or after this sentence. As Ibn Umar Radiyallahu Anhu said,
لم يكن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يدع هؤلاء الدعوات حين يمسي وحين يصبح: اللهم إني أسألك العافية في الدنيا والآخرة، اللهم إني أسألك العفو والعافية في ديني ودنياي وأهلي ومالي، اللهم استر عورتي، اللهم احفظني من بين يدي ومن خلفي وعن يميني وعن شمالي ومن فوقي، رواه أحمد وأبوداود وغيرهما، وصححه الألباني.
Translation: Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam never used to omit these duas in the morning and in the afternoon. O Allah, I wish you health in this world and in the hereafter. and O Allah, I seek forgiveness and health from you regarding my religion and world, family and wealth. O Allah cover my secret. and O Allah, protect me in front, behind, right, left and above. (Narrated by Imam Ahmad, Abu Dawud and others. And Shaykh Albani opined that it is Sahih.
Other Phrases for Blessings of Health
Allahumma inni as aluka al afiyah can be prayed for well-being with this sentence as well as other sentences. Below are some such sentences.
اللهم إني أسألك العفو والعافية في ديني ودنياي وأهلي ومالي
Pronunciation: Allahumma Inni As aluka Al-Afwa Wal afiyah, Fi Dini Wa Dunayya, Wa Ahli, Wa Mali.
Translation: O Allah, I seek your forgiveness and well-being regarding my religion and world, family and property.
اللهم إني أعوذ بك من جهد البلاء، ودرك الشقاء، وسوء القضاء، وشماتة الأعداء
Pronunciation: Allahumma inni aujubika min jahdil bala, wa darakish shaka, wa su-il qada, wa shamatatil a’da.
Translation: O Allah, I seek refuge in You from all kinds of dangers, from falling into misfortune, from the ill effects of fate and from the delight of the enemy.
The significance of the prayer
Health is an invaluable resource in human life. Only one who is sick can realize the value of well-being. A sick person wants well-being at the cost of the whole world. To a sick man the whole world is worth very little in exchange for his health. On the other hand, the sick person is regarded as an unnecessary burden to his loved ones and family over time. He cannot pray properly. Can’t eat properly, can’t sleep. His own life becomes miserable to himself.
Also a sick person has to suffer numerous unbearable pains and humiliations. Considering all these things, it is easy to understand why Allahumma inni asaluka afia or dua for well-being is special and important than all other duas.
Blessings and benefits of health
Allahumma Inni Asaluka Afiya This Dua has many physical, mental and spiritual benefits, those who recite it with sincerity will get those benefits:
- Physical Health: This dua is a means of seeking Allah’s protection for physical health and immunity. If you sincerely pray to Allah, Allah can protect you from various diseases without your knowledge. It acts as a shield against calamities, accidents and adversities, instilling a sense of trust in Allah’s plan.
Mental Well-Being: Apart from physical health, dua encompasses mental and emotional well-being. It is Allah’s way of removing one’s worries, leading a joyful life, peace of mind and freedom from anxiety or stress.
Spiritual Enhancement: This dua fosters a strong connection with Allah and enhances spirituality. It serves as a path to turn to Allah in times of need and seek His guidance and protection. - Gratitude and Contentment: Gratitude is implied in prayer. Du’a expresses one’s incapacity and dependence on Allah Ta’ala, as well as a means of expressing gratitude. Because it creates a sense of satisfaction with what one has.
