Many of us turn to Allah when we are in need. We ask for wealth, success, good health, and happiness. But have you ever thought about asking Allah to bless you so you can be a blessing to others?
One of the most beautiful aspects of Islam is the emphasis on giving, sharing, and being of service to others. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
خَيْرُ النَّاسِ أَنْفَعُهُمْ لِلنَّاسِ
"The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others." (Reported by al-Tabarani)
This hadith is a powerful reminder that our existence is not just about fulfilling our own needs but about making a positive impact on others. However, to truly benefit others, we must first equip ourselves with what we need.
A person who wishes to be charitable must first establish a means of sustenance. A businessperson who manages their wealth wisely can support the less fortunate, whereas one who mismanages resources may struggle to help even themselves. And the best way to prepare ourselves for this role is by seeking Allah’s guidance and assistance in every step of our journey.
1. Ask for Knowledge to Share It
Knowledge is one of the greatest blessings a person can have, and when used correctly, it benefits not just the individual but entire communities. Imagine how many people’s lives have been changed by just one inspiring lecture, a powerful book, or even a simple piece of advice.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to ask Allah:
When you ask Allah for knowledge, don’t just ask for the sake of yourself, ask so you can teach, inspire, and uplift others. Your knowledge might be the reason someone finds guidance, hope, or a new opportunity in life.
Consider a teacher who learns not just to pass exams but to equip students with skills that change their futures. A single lesson they share might spark a student's passion and lead to a lifetime of success.
2. Ask for Wealth to Help Others
Many people pray for financial stability, but what if you added another intention to your request? Instead of just asking for wealth to live comfortably, ask Allah to bless you with wealth so you can support the needy, fund charities, and help build communities. Allah says in the Qur’an:
وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ ۚ وَمَا تُقَدِّمُوا لِأَنْفُسِكُمْ مِنْ خَيْرٍ تَجِدُوهُ عِندَ اللَّهِ
"And establish prayer and give zakah, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves—you will find it with Allah." (Qur’an 2:110)
When wealth is used for the benefit of others, it becomes a source of ongoing reward (sadaqah jariyah). Whether it’s sponsoring an orphan, helping a struggling student, or providing for someone in need, your wealth can be a means of immense goodness.
Even small acts of generosity, like providing food for a hungry person or helping a family in distress, can have a ripple effect. What may seem like a simple gesture to you could be life-changing for someone else.
3. Ask for Strength to Uplift Others
Life can be challenging, and at times, we feel weak, tired, or overwhelmed. But what if you asked Allah for strength, not just to endure your own struggles but to be a source of strength for others?
Perhaps there’s someone in your life who needs emotional support, encouragement, or a shoulder to lean on. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
Your kindness, patience, and willingness to help others could be the reason they don’t give up. So, ask Allah for strength, not just for yourself, but so you can be a pillar of support for those around you.
4. Ask for Guidance to Lead Others to Goodness
We all seek Allah’s guidance in our personal lives, but imagine if you became a source of guidance for others. When you ask Allah to keep you on the right path, ask Him to make you a means for others to find that path too. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
لَأَنْ يَهْدِيَ اللَّهُ بِكَ رَجُلًا وَاحِدًا خَيْرٌ لَكَ مِنْ حُمُرِ النَّعَمِ
"If Allah guides a person through you, it is better for you than the most valuable wealth." (Bukhari & Muslim)
You never know your words, your actions, or even your silent prayers for someone could be the reason they find their way to Allah.
Sometimes, it’s not about preaching but about embodying the beauty of Islam in your character. A person watching your patience in hardship, your integrity in business, or your gentleness in speech may be inspired to seek the faith more deeply.
5. Ask for Righteous Friends to Build a Stronger Community
A good friend can change your life, and a good community can uplift an entire generation. Instead of only asking Allah to bless you with righteous friends, ask Him to make you one. Ask Him to allow you to be a friend who reminds others of Allah, who encourages good, and who helps others become the best version of themselves.
مَثَلُ الجَلِيسِ الصَّالِحِ وَالجَلِيسِ السُّوءِ، كَحَامِلِ المِسْكِ وَنَافِخِ الكِيرِ، فَحَامِلُ المِسْكِ إِمَّا أَنْ يُحْذِيَكَ، وَإِمَّا أَنْ تَبْتَاعَ مِنْهُ، وَإِمَّا أَنْ تَجِدَ مِنْهُ رِيحًا طَيِّبَةً، وَنَافِخُ الكِيرِ إِمَّا أَنْ يُحْرِقَ ثِيَابَكَ، وَإِمَّا أَنْ تَجِدَ مِنْهُ رِيحًا خَبِيثَةً
The Prophet (peace be upon him) compared good companionship to being in the company of a perfume seller, the fragrance will rub off on you. (Bukhari & Muslim)
Be the kind of person whose presence brings others closer to Allah.
When someone sees your patience in trials, they may learn to rely on Allah. When they witness your generosity, they may be inspired to give. When they feel comforted by your kindness, they may recognize the mercy of Allah through you. Even your silent prayers for them may be the unseen force that guides them toward Him.
Strive to be a source of light in the lives of others, so that long after you are gone, the goodness you shared continues to bring people closer to their Creator.
In conclusion, next time you make dua, try shifting your mindset. Instead of asking for things solely for personal benefit, ask Allah to bless you in ways that allow you to benefit others.
Instead of just asking for knowledge, ask for the ability to teach it.
Instead of just asking for money, ask for the chance to give it.
Instead of just asking for strength, ask to be a source of strength.
Instead of just asking for guidance, ask to guide others.
When you make your duas selfless, you align yourself with the very purpose of existence to worship Allah and serve His creation. And the best part? The more you give, the more Allah gives back to you.
May Allah grant us all the ability to seek His blessings not just for ourselves but for the benefit of those around us. Ameen.