Praise is something we often experience from others. It can feel good when people speak highly of us, but it’s important to stay humble and recognize our true position in front of Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught us a beautiful dua to recite whenever someone praises us, reminding us to ask Allah for forgiveness for our shortcomings and to be better than what people think.
The Dua
Arabic
اللَّهُمّ لاَ تُؤاَخِذْنِي ِبَما يَقُولُونُ ، وَاغْفِرْ لِي مَالا يَعْلَمُونَ وَاجْعَلْنِي خَيْراً مِمَّا َيظُنُّونَ
Translation (English)
“O Allah, do not call me to account for what they say and forgive me for what they do not know of, and make me better than they imagine.”
Translation (Urdu)
“اے اللہ! جو کچھ یہ کہتے ہیں اس پر مجھے نہ پکڑ، اور مجھے ان باتوں کے لیے بخش دے جو یہ نہیں جانتے، اور مجھے اس سے بہتر بنا دے جو وہ سمجھتے ہیں۔”
(Shu’ab Al-Iman 4:228)
Why Recite This Dua?
This dua is essential because it helps keep us grounded. When people praise us, there is a danger of feeling pride or arrogance. By reciting this dua, we remind ourselves that only Allah knows our true worth. It is a moment to ask for Allah’s forgiveness for things people don’t know about us. Sometimes, others only see the good side of us, but Allah knows everything — both good and bad. This dua helps balance praise with humility.
You can recite this dua whenever someone compliments or praises you. It could be after they speak highly of your character, skills, or achievements. The moment you hear words of praise, silently or aloud, turn to Allah with this dua. This helps you shift your focus from the praise of people to seeking Allah’s forgiveness and asking Him to make you better than what people think.
The Story Behind the Dua
This dua has been passed down from our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who was known for his humility. He always encouraged believers to seek Allah’s forgiveness and avoid being swayed by people’s opinions. People might praise us for what they see, but only Allah knows who we truly are. The Prophet (PBUH) would remind his companions that praising someone excessively can sometimes mislead them, making them feel overly proud.
How This Dua Brings Humility
When we say this dua, we admit that we are not perfect. We ask Allah to forgive us for the things people don’t know about — our hidden mistakes and weaknesses. By doing so, we acknowledge that we need Allah’s mercy, and we hope that He makes us better than what others think of us.
Benefits of Reciting This Dua
- Keeps Us Humble
It helps us stay modest and not become proud or arrogant when others praise us. - Seeks Forgiveness
We ask Allah to forgive us for our shortcomings, which people may not be aware of. - Asks for Improvement
The dua includes a request for Allah to make us better than what others believe us to be. - Protects from Pride
Reciting this dua guards us against feeling overly proud of ourselves, which can lead to negative traits.
FAQs About This Dua
Q: Can I recite this dua even if someone praises me for a small thing?
Yes, you can recite this dua for any kind of praise, whether big or small. It helps maintain humility in all situations.
Q: Should I say this dua aloud or silently?
You can say it either way. Some people prefer to say it silently in their hearts, while others may say it aloud, depending on the situation.
Q: What if I forget to recite the dua after someone praises me?
You can recite it anytime after the praise. The main thing is to turn to Allah and seek His forgiveness and guidance, even if you remember it later.
Q: Can I recite this dua if I feel proud after praise?
Yes, especially if you feel pride creeping in, this dua helps keep you grounded and reminds you that all good comes from Allah.