When you say the dua “Allahumma la tusallit alaina,” you’re asking Allah to protect you from being controlled or ruled by people who wouldn’t show mercy. Here’s the full supplication in Arabic, English, and the reference from Hadith.
Allahumma La Tusallit Alaina Full Dua in Arabic
The dua is written in Arabic as:
اللهم لَا تُسَلِّطْ عَلَيْنَا مَنْ لَا يَرْحَمُنَا
Transliteration: [Allahumma] la tusallit ‘alayna mal la yarhamuna.
Allahumma La Tusallit Alaina Meaning in English
Allaahumma la tusallit alaina means O Allah, do not give power over us to those who will not have mercy on us.
The words of this supplication come from a Hadith. The Prophet (peace be upon him) would frequently say these words [as part of a longer supplication] when he was with the Sahabah (may Allah be pleased with them).
However, it’s important to note that this supplication isn’t specifically recommended to recite during elections according to Sunnah.
Even though its meaning is closely related to elections and leadership, you can still recite this supplication without considering it a Sunnah supplication specifically for elections.
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Hadith Text
Ibn Umar said: “Rarely would the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) stand from a sitting until he supplicated with these words for his Companions:
(Allāhumma-qsim lanā min khashyatika mā yaḥūlu, bainanā wa baina maāṣīka wa min ṭāatika mā tuballighuna bihī jannatak, wa minal-yaqīni mā tuhawwinu bihīalainā muṣībatid-dunyā, wa mattina bi-asmāinā wa abṣārina wa quwwatina mā aḥyaytanā, wajalhul-wāritha minnā, wajal tha’ranā alā man ẓalamanā, wanṣurnaalā man ādānā, wa lā tajal muṣībatanā fī dīninā, wa lā tajalid-dunyā akbara hamminā wa lā mablaghailminā, wa lā tusalliṭ `alainā man lā yarḥamunā).’”
‘O Allah, apportion for us, fear of You, that shall come between us and disobedience of You, and of obedience to You, which shall cause us to obtain Your Paradise, and of certainty, which shall make the afflictions of the world easy for us, and enjoyment of our hearing, and our seeing, and our strength as long as You keep us alive, and make it the inheritor of us. And let our vengeance be upon those who have wronged us, and aid us against those who show enmity towards us, and do not make our affliction in our religion, and do not make this world our greatest concern, nor the limit of our knowledge, and do not give power over us to those who will not have mercy on us.
(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 3502)
This supplication is a heartfelt plea to Allah for protection from being governed or dominated by individuals who lack compassion and kindness.
By reciting this dua, you are expressing your desire to be shielded from the influence of leaders or rulers who may use their authority in a harsh or oppressive manner.
It reflects a deep longing for mercy and benevolence in those who hold positions of power, emphasizing the importance of compassionate and just leadership in society.
Dua Benefits
Here are some potential benefits of reciting this dua:
- Protection from Oppression: By asking Allah to prevent oppressive or harsh individuals from having authority over you, you seek protection from tyranny and injustice.
- Seeking Mercy in Leadership: This dua highlights the importance of mercy and compassion in leadership. By reciting it, you express a desire for leaders who govern with kindness and empathy towards their subjects.
- Empowerment: Reciting this supplication can instill a sense of empowerment by reminding you that Allah has the ultimate control over who holds power and authority.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have prayed to Allah for protection from unkind rulers can bring a sense of peace and reassurance, especially during times of political uncertainty or instability.