The Importance of Adding “With ‘Āfiyah” to Every Du’ā
Often, when we make du’ā, we ask for specific things—good health, wealth, success, love, ease in our affairs. But sometimes, we don’t realise that what we are asking for might come with difficulties or tests that we are unprepared for. This is why it is so important to always include the phrase “with ‘Āfiyah” when making du’ā.
What is ‘Āfiyah?
The Arabic word ‘Āfiyah (عافية) is often translated as “well-being” or “good health,” but its meaning is much deeper. It encompasses protection from hardship, pain, suffering, and any harm—both in this world and the next. When we ask Allah for something with ‘Āfiyah, we are asking Him to grant it in the best way, without trials, without suffering, and in a way that brings us peace and ease.
The Powerful Du’ā of the Prophet ﷺ
The Prophet ﷺ once said to his uncle Al-‘Abbās (RA):
“O ‘Abbās, O uncle of the Messenger of Allah, ask Allah for ‘Āfiyah in this world and the Hereafter.” (Tirmidhi)
He ﷺ also taught us a beautiful du’ā:
اللهم إني أسألك العفو والعافية في الدنيا والآخرة
“O Allah, I ask You for pardon and well-being in this world and the Hereafter.” (Abu Dawood, Ibn Majah)
If the Prophet ﷺ himself emphasised the importance of asking for ‘Āfiyah, then we should make it a habit in our own du’ās.
Why ‘Āfiyah Matters in Every Du’ā
1. Not Everything That Seems Good is Truly Good for Us
Sometimes, we may ask for something that seems beneficial—such as wealth, marriage, or a new job—but we don’t know what comes with it. A new job might bring stress and exhaustion. Wealth might bring arrogance or envy. A relationship might bring heartbreak. By adding “with ‘Āfiyah,” we ask Allah to give us only what is truly good for us, in a way that brings peace and ease.
2. It Protects Us From Tests We Cannot Handle
Allah tests those He loves, but we are also allowed to ask Him for ease. The Prophet ﷺ himself would seek refuge from severe trials. Adding ‘Āfiyah to our du’ās is a way of saying:
“O Allah, if what I am asking for is good for me, then grant it to me in the best way—with peace, ease, and without hardship. And if it is not good for me, then protect me from it.”
3. It Covers Everything—Even the Things We Forget to Ask For
We often focus on specific requests in our du’ā, but ‘Āfiyah includes every kind of goodness:
• Physical health (protection from sickness, pain, and weakness)
• Emotional well-being (peace of mind, protection from heartbreak and anxiety)
• Spiritual safety (protection from doubts, misguidance, and sins)
• Protection in the Hereafter (from punishment, the grave, and Hellfire)
When we say “with ‘Āfiyah,” we are covering everything—our seen and unseen needs, our present and future, and even what we don’t realise we need.
A Simple Habit That Brings Immense Blessings
From now on, let’s make it a habit to always say “with ‘Āfiyah” in our du’ās.
Instead of just saying:
“O Allah, grant me success.”
Say:
“O Allah, grant me success with ‘Āfiyah.”
Instead of:
“O Allah, bless me with wealth.”
Say:
“O Allah, bless me with wealth with ‘Āfiyah.”
Instead of:
“O Allah, grant me a righteous spouse.”
Say:
“O Allah, grant me a righteous spouse with ‘Āfiyah.”
This small addition can transform the way we make du’ā, ensuring that what we receive is truly a blessing and not a test.
Allah knows what is best for us, even when we do not. By asking Him for ‘Āfiyah, we are surrendering to His wisdom, trusting that He will grant us what we need in the best way possible—one that brings peace, joy, and ease.
So the next time you raise your hands in du’ā, remember to say “with ‘Āfiyah”—because sometimes, what we don’t ask for is just as important as what we do.