Dua (supplication) is the weapon of the believer, the essence of worship, and a direct means of communication with Allah (SWT) to seek His help and guidance in all life’s affairs. The success that every individual strives for, whether in their studies, work, or personal life, is only achieved first through the will of Allah, and then by taking the necessary steps and making an effort. The Holy Quran and the noble Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) are treasures trove of supplications that illuminate the path and open the doors to goodness and success. This article reviews some of these blessed supplications, explaining their virtues and how to benefit from them.

1. Dua of Prophet Musa (Moses) (PBUH) for Ease and Opening of the Chest

This great supplication was made by Prophet Musa (PBUH) when Allah commanded him to go to Pharaoh. It is a comprehensive dua for seeking ease in difficult matters and the expansion of one’s chest (heart/mind) to face challenges.

This dua is recommended when embarking on a significant matter, when feeling the difficulty of a task, or when in need of eloquence and strong argumentation.

Dua in Arabic:

رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِي صَدْرِي وَيَسِّرْ لِي أَمْرِي وَاحْلُلْ عُقْدَةً مِنْ لِسَانِي يَفْقَهُوا قَوْلِي

English Transliteration:

Rabbi-shrah li sadri, wa yassir li amri, wah-lul ‘uqdatam-mil-lisani, yafqahu qawli.

English Translation:

“O my Lord! Expand for me my breast [with assurance], and ease for me my task, and untie the knot from my tongue, that they may understand my speech.”

Surah Taha (20), Verses 25-28.

This dua highlights the importance of seeking Allah’s help in making tasks easier. “Expanding the chest” means removing distress and anxiety, and instilling tranquility and reassurance, which enables a person to think clearly and make sound decisions. 

“Easing the task” is a plea for Allah’s help to overcome obstacles. “Untying the knot from the tongue” so that they may understand speech is a request for eloquence and the ability to express oneself clearly, which is essential for success in communication, da’wah (calling to Islam), and leadership. 

Turning to this dua reflects the servant’s reliance on their Lord and their faith that all success is in His hands.

2. Dua of Prophet Yunus (Jonah) (PBUH) for Relief from Distress and Achieving Success

This dua, known as the dua of Dhun-Nun (Prophet Yunus), was uttered by Prophet Yunus (PBUH) while he was in the belly of the whale. It is one of the greatest supplications for relieving distress and overcoming tribulations, which are obstacles to success.

This dua is a treasure for anyone burdened by worries or facing hardship. As stated in a Hadith, no Muslim supplicates with it for anything except that Allah responds to him. It is a great means of seeking divine help to overcome difficulties.

Dua in Arabic:

لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنْتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ

English Transliteration:

La ilaha illa anta subhanaka inni kuntu minaz-zalimin.

English Translation:

“There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers.”

Reference: Surah Al-Anbiya (21), Verse 87.

This dua begins with the pure monotheistic declaration (“There is no deity except You”), then glorifies Allah, exalting Him above any imperfection (“exalted are You”), and finally, an admission of one’s own shortcomings and sins (“Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers”). 

This acknowledgment of servitude and confession of error is a key to acceptance. Success requires overcoming obstacles, and this supplication helps in removing the distress that can hinder a person’s progress towards their goal. 

The Prophet (PBUH) said: “The supplication of Dhun-Nun (Jonah) when he supplicated, while in the belly of the whale: ‘There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers.’ No Muslim man supplicates with it for anything whatsoever, but Allah will respond to him.”

3. Dua for a Truthful Entry and Exit, and Seeking Support from Allah

This dua teaches us to ask Allah (SWT) that our every undertaking and every departure from it be based on truthfulness and sincerity, and that He grants us strength and support.

This dua is recited when starting any new work or project, or when transitioning from one state to another, seeking guidance and success from Allah.

Dua in Arabic:

رَبِّ أَدْخِلْنِي مُدْخَلَ صِدْقٍ وَأَخْرِجْنِي مُخْرَجَ صِدْقٍ وَاجْعَلْ لِي مِنْ لَدُنْكَ سُلْطَانًا نَصِيرًا

English Transliteration:

Rabbi adkhilni mudkhala sidqin wa akhrijni mukhraja sidqin waj’al li min ladunka sultanan nasira.

English Translation:

“My Lord, cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority.”

Surah Al-Isra (17), Verse 80.

Truthfulness is the foundation of success and divine assistance. Asking for a “sound entrance and a sound exit” means that our beginnings and endings in all matters should be based on truth and sincerity to Allah, free from deceit and trickery. 

Requesting “a supporting authority” is seeking Allah’s help to grant us proof, strength, and support to overcome difficulties and achieve noble goals. This dua strengthens trust in Allah and reliance on Him in every step.

4. The Prophetic Dua for Making Difficulties Easy and Alleviating Sorrow

This is one of the great Prophetic supplications that a Muslim turns to when matters become difficult or when feeling the burden of worries.

This dua is recited when facing difficulties in studies, work, or any aspect of life. It instills optimism and certainty that Allah is capable of changing one’s situation for the better.

Dua in Arabic:

اللَّهُمَّ لَا سَهْلَ إِلَّا مَا جَعَلْتَهُ سَهْلًا، وَأَنْتَ تَجْعَلُ الْحَزَنَ إِذَا شِئْتَ سَهْلًا

English Transliteration:

Allahumma la sahla illa ma ja’altahu sahla, wa anta taj’alul-hazana idha shi’ta sahla.

English Translation:

“O Allah, there is no ease except in that which You have made easy, and You make the difficulty, if You wish, easy.”

Narrated by Ibn Hibban in his Sahih, and authenticated by Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar.

This dua teaches us that the facilitation of all matters is in Allah’s hands. No matter how difficult or complicated something may seem, Allah is capable of making it easy. Acknowledging this fact gives the believer inner strength and trust in Allah. 

The word “al-hazan” (difficulty/sorrow) here can encompass anything that causes worry, distress, and hardship. By resorting to this dua, the servant asks their Lord to turn the difficult into easy, and to remove their burdens, thereby opening up avenues for success.

5. Dua for an Increase in Knowledge and Understanding

Seeking knowledge is one of the most important keys to success in this world and the Hereafter. This is a direct Quranic supplication to ask for an increase in knowledge.

This dua should be on the tongue of every student of knowledge and every seeker of understanding, for knowledge is light and success in it comes from Allah.

Dua in Arabic:

رَبِّ زِدْنِي عِلْمًا

English Transliteration:

Rabbi zidni ‘ilma.

English Translation:

“My Lord, increase me in knowledge.”

Surah Taha (20), Verse 114.

Knowledge is the foundation of progress and success. This dua, concise in its wording but profound in its meaning, expresses the believer’s continuous aspiration for an increase in beneficial knowledge. Success in any field requires understanding and knowledge, and Allah (SWT) is the One who bestows knowledge and facilitates its means. 

Persistently making this dua demonstrates a sincere desire to learn, which is a key to Allah’s guidance in acquiring and benefiting from it.

6. The Verse of Reliance (Tawakkul) and Seeking Success from Allah

This noble verse is a declaration of complete reliance on Allah and that true success comes only from Him.

This verse is recited to renew the intention of relying solely on Allah in every endeavor towards success, while also taking the necessary means.

Verse in Arabic:

وَمَا تَوْفِيقِي إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَإِلَيْهِ أُنِيبُ

English Transliteration:

Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah, ‘alayhi tawakkaltu wa ilayhi unib.

English Translation:

“And my success is not but through Allah. Upon Him I have relied, and to Him I return.”

The Holy Quran, Surah Hud (11), Verse 88.

“Tawfiq” (success/guidance) means that Allah prepares and facilitates the means to achieve the desired goal. This verse deepens in the believer’s heart the reality that all success and all guidance are due to Allah’s grace and favor. “Upon Him I have relied” signifies complete dependence on Allah and entrusting one’s affairs to Him after exerting effort. 

“And to Him I return” means turning to Allah in all circumstances. This principle is the basis for psychological stability and strength in facing life’s challenges, and it is a fundamental pillar for any lasting success.

7. The Comprehensive Dua for the Good of This World and the Hereafter

This is one of the most comprehensive supplications taught to us by the Holy Quran, wherein the servant asks their Lord for the good of this world, the good of the Hereafter, and protection from the Hellfire.

This dua is considered one of the treasures of the Quran. The Prophet (PBUH) frequently recited it, and it encompasses all the good that a Muslim could wish for.

Dua in Arabic:

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

English Transliteration:

Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan waqina ‘adhaban-nar.

English Translation:

“Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”

Reference:

The Holy Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah (2), Verse 201.

The “good in this world” includes all the good things a person desires in life, such as health, sustenance, beneficial knowledge, righteous deeds, a pious spouse, good offspring, security, safety, and other components of success and happiness. 

The “good in the Hereafter” is Paradise and its bliss, and the pleasure of Allah. This dua links worldly success with success in the Hereafter, making the Muslim strive for good in both. It is a supplication that balances the requirements of life with the aspirations for the Hereafter.

8. A Comprehensive Dua for Guidance and Success in Endeavors (Adapted)

Although this dua, in its complete specific formulation, is not directly narrated from the purified Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) or from the early generations (Salaf), its meanings are sound, and many of its phrases are derived from authentic supplications. 

There is no harm in supplicating with it for the general purpose of seeking goodness and success from Allah (SWT), as Allah has commanded us to supplicate and has promised to respond.

A Muslim can make this dua or similar supplications that Allah inspires them with, asking Allah for success in their endeavors, whether it be studies, work, or any matter in which they seek success.

Dua in Arabic (Selected Parts):

اللهم اشرح لي صدري ويسر لي أمري… اللهم افتح عليّ فتوح العارفين بفضلك. اللهم لا سهل إلا ما جعلته سهلا وأنت تجعل الحزن إن شئت سهلا. اللهم إني أستودعتك ما علمتني إياه فرده إليّ حين حاجتي إليه ولا تنسيني إياه بفضلك وكرمك يا أرحم الراحمين. اللهم انفعني بما علمتني وعلمني ما ينفعني… اللهم أعني على السعي ولا تجعل قلبي يمل منه، وكن معي في كل لحظة ووفقني لما تحب وترضى. اللهم سهل عليّ ما صعب، ويسر لي ما استغلق فهمه، واجعل هذا السعي حجة لي لا عليّ.

English Transliteration (Selected Parts):

Allahumma-shrah li sadri wa yassir li amri… Allahumma-ftah ‘alayya futuhal-‘arifin bi-fadlik. Allahumma la sahla illa ma ja’altahu sahlan wa anta taj’alul-hazana idha shi’ta sahla. Allahumma inni astawdi’uka ma ‘allamtanihi fa-rdudhu ilayya hina hajati ilayhi wa la tunsinihi bi-fadlika wa karamika ya Arhamar-rahimin. Allahumma-nfa’ni bima ‘allamtani wa ‘allimni ma yanfa’uni… Allahumma a’inni ‘alas-sa’yi wa la taj’al qalbi yamallu minhu, wa kun ma’i fi kulli lahzah wa waffiqni lima tuhibbu wa tarda. Allahumma sahhil ‘alayya ma sa’uba, wa yassir li ma-staghlaqa fahmuhu, waj’al hadhas-sa’ya hujjatan li la ‘alayya.

English Translation (Selected Parts):

“O Allah, expand my chest for me and ease my affair for me… O Allah, open for me the openings of those who know You, by Your grace. O Allah, nothing is easy except what You make easy, and You make grief easy if You wish.
O Allah, I entrust to You what You have taught me, so return it to me when I need it, and do not make me forget it, by Your grace and generosity, O Most Merciful of the merciful.
O Allah, benefit me with what You have taught me, and teach me what benefits me… O Allah, help me in my endeavors and do not let my heart tire of it, and be with me at every moment and guide me to what You love and are pleased with.
O Allah, make easy for me what is difficult, and facilitate for me what is hard to understand, and make this endeavor an argument for me, not against me.”

Reference:This dua in its compiled form is not a specific Prophetic supplication, but parts of it and its meanings are consistent with the spirit of authentic supplications. Supplicating with words that do not involve sin or severing ties of kinship is permissible and recommended, and Allah (SWT) says: “Call upon Me; I will respond to you.” (Quran, Ghafir: 60).

This dua combines multiple aspects of seeking success, from the opening of the chest, the easing of affairs, seeking understanding, entrusting knowledge, and asking for divine help at every step. 

Turning to Allah with such comprehensive supplications reflects the servant’s need for their Lord in every small and large matter, strengthens their connection with their Creator, and is one of the greatest means of achieving success.

Read more about: Quranic Duas and Supplications for Marriage

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Conclusion

True success is that which pleases Allah (SWT) and leads to the good of this world and the Hereafter. Quranic and Prophetic supplications are the provisions of a Muslim on their journey towards achieving their goals. Let each of us be diligent in supplicating with certainty and sincerity, while also taking the necessary means and exerting effort, for Allah does not allow the reward of those who do good to be lost.