Question

What is the explanation of du’a “Allahumma ahyini miskina wa amitni miskina wahsurni fi zumratil masakin”?

Does this mean that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) is asking for poverty and bad conditions?

 

Answer

Reference and Authenticity

Imam Tirmidhi and Imam Ibn Majah (rahimahumallah) have recorded this du’a in question with weak chains.

(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 2352 and Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith: 4126)

Some Muhaddithun have declared the Hadith a fabrication. However Hafiz Ibn Hajar Al ‘Asqalani (rahimahullah) states that this is “an exaggeration”. ‘Allamah Sakhawi (rahimahullah) further states  “Since there is sufficient support from other narrations, it is not correct to label this Hadith a fabrication”

(Talkhisul Habir, vol. 3, pg. 244. Also see Al Bidayah Wan Nihayah, vol. 6, pg. 78/79 and Al Maqasidul Hasanah, Hadith: 166)

Preferred Meaning

The word ‘miskin’ in this du’a does not refer to a pauper. Rather, Imam Bayhaqi and ‘Allamah Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahumallah) have stated that ‘miskin’ in this du’a means ‘humble/humility and one who is subservient to Allah.

(Majmu’ul Fatawa, vol. 18, pg. 326 and Talkhisul Habir, vol. 3, pg. 244. Also see: Tabaqatush Shafi’iyyah Al Kubra, vol. 3, pg. 134)

The famous Linguist, Ibn Manzur (rahimahullah) states, The original Linguistic meaning of ‘miskin’ is ‘A humble person’. He then cites the narration in question and says that ‘miskin’ refers to ‘humility/submissiveness’ as opposed to haughty and proud.

(Lisanul ‘Arab, vol. 9, pg. 79. Also see Faydul Qadir, Hadith: 1454)

Therefore, the preferred translation of the du’a will be as follows:

“O Allah! Cause me to live and die humble/submissive to your commands and raise me [on the Day of Qiyamah] among the humble ones.”

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar