Trials and difficulties are part of life. When you see someone going through a hardship, it’s important to be grateful for the blessings you have and also to show compassion. This special dua reminds us to thank Allah for His mercy while being mindful of others’ struggles.
The Dua
Arabic
أَعوذُ بِاللّهِ العَظِيـمِ، وَبِوَجْهِـهِ الكَرِيـمِ وَسُلْطـَانِه القَدِيـمِ، مِنَ الشَّيْـطَانِ الْحَمْـدُ للهِ الّذي عافاني مِمّا ابْتَـلاكَ بِهِ، وَفَضَّلَـني عَلى كَثيـرٍ مِمَّنْ خَلَـقَ تَفْضـيلا
Translation (English)
“Praise is to Allah Who has spared me what He has afflicted you with, and preferred me greatly above much of what He has created.”
Translation (Urdu)
“تمام تعریفیں اللہ کے لیے ہیں جس نے مجھے اُس آزمائش سے بچا لیا جس سے اُس نے تمہیں آزمایا، اور مجھے اپنی مخلوق میں سے بہت سے لوگوں پر فضیلت عطا کی۔”
(Ibn Majah: 3892, At-Tirmidhi: 3431, 3432)
When to Recite This Dua
You should recite this dua whenever you see someone going through a difficult time, such as illness, loss, or any other hardship. By doing so, you not only express gratitude to Allah but also acknowledge that life’s blessings and trials come from Him. This dua helps remind you to stay humble and empathetic towards others, while also appreciating your own well-being.
Importance of Gratitude
This dua emphasizes being grateful for what Allah has given you. It is easy to overlook the blessings in your life when you are not facing hardships. By reciting this dua, you pause to reflect on your own life and realize that Allah has protected you from trials that others may be enduring.
Being grateful to Allah keeps you connected to Him and allows you to see the blessings you might take for granted, such as health, safety, and family. This dua is a way to acknowledge those blessings while showing concern for others.
How This Dua Helps in Showing Compassion
While the dua is about gratitude, it also encourages compassion for those who are facing difficulties. You are reminded that anyone could go through trials at any time, and it is only by Allah’s mercy that you are not facing the same challenge. This creates a sense of empathy and makes you more likely to help those in need, whether through prayers, support, or simply being there for them.
Reflecting on Allah’s Mercy
Allah’s mercy is endless, and He blesses us in many ways. Sometimes, we are not aware of the hardships we have been spared from. This dua is a way to reflect on the mercy of Allah, recognizing that every ease in our life is a blessing from Him. It also teaches us to trust in His plan, even when we see others going through trials.
FAQs About This Dua
Q: Is it okay to recite this dua silently when I see someone in distress?
Yes, you can recite this dua silently. It is a personal prayer of gratitude to Allah and does not need to be said out loud.
Q: Should I only say this dua when I see someone with a physical illness?
No, this dua can be recited for anyone going through any type of trial, whether it’s physical, emotional, or financial. The purpose is to be grateful for the blessings in your own life while showing empathy for others.
Q: Can I say this dua for myself if I am going through a hard time?
This particular dua is meant to be recited when you see someone else in difficulty. However, if you are going through a trial, you can make other duas asking Allah for patience, strength, and ease in your situation.
Q: Does this dua mean I think I’m better than someone facing hardship?
Not at all. This dua is about acknowledging Allah’s mercy and blessings in your life, not about feeling superior. It reminds you to be humble and to understand that trials are a test from Allah, and anyone can face them at any time.