Dua for Zakat, Wealth and Property (Rabbana Atina)

Explanation

This dua, one of the verses of the Quran about supplication (Al-Baqarah 2:201), comes first among the duas related to zakat, wealth and property. It is also recited in every final sitting of the prayer.

The word “hasanah” in the verse means goodness and beauty; Quran commentators have explained the hasanah of this world as halal provision, health, a righteous spouse and beneficial knowledge, and the hasanah of the Hereafter as Paradise and Allah’s good pleasure. The source, by presenting this dua in the section on zakat and property, interprets the hasanah of this world as halal wealth. With the third request of the dua, “wa qina ‘adhaba n-nar” (protect us from the punishment of the Fire), a plea for protection is added after the requests for this world and the Hereafter.

When and How to Recite

It is recited in every final sitting of the prayer. It is also recommended to recite it when giving zakat, when earning an income and when asking for wealth. There is no set number.

The source book states that when giving zakat and earning wealth, one should earn with dua and give with dua; otherwise the blessing (barakah) of the wealth will not remain.

In the prayer, it is recited after the Allahumma salli and Allahumma barik salawat, before the salam. Because it appears among the verses of the Quran describing the Hajj, it also comes first among the duas of Arafat and tawaf. Because it is short, it is one of the first duas taught to children.

Virtue

The source book states that very great glad tidings are promised regarding this dua. When giving zakat and earning wealth, one should earn and give with dua; otherwise wealth does not come to anyone on its own.