Du'a - Al Baqara verse 286

“Rabbana la tu’akhidhna in nasina aw akhta’na. Rabbana wa la tahmil alayna isran kama hamaltahu alal-ladhina min qablina. Rabbana wa la tuhammilna ma la taqata lana bih, wa’fu anna wagh-fir lana war-hamna. Anta mawlana fan-surna alal qawmil kafirin”

Translation: Our Lord, do not take us to task if we forget or make a mistake. Our Lord, do not place such a burden on us as You had placed on those before us. Our Lord, burden us not with that which we have not the strength to bear. Pardon us, grant us forgiveness, and have mercy on us. You’re our Protector so help us to victory over the disbelieving people.

There are several hadiths in Musnad Ahmad, Sunan Ad Darimi and Mustadrak Hakim that inform us about the extraordinary importance of the last two verses of this Surah, which contain this dua. They were given to Rasullullah (PBUH) out of His grace during Miraj out of the special treasure underneath the Arsh (Divine Throne) and they were not given to any previous Prophet.

We say this dua out of deep gratitude for this ummah was relieved of the stringent burdens placed on the Israelites, as is obvious to anyone who compares the Islamic Sharia with the Jewish Talmud.

man is responsible for what he does. If we make mistakes, by breaking laws of Allah, we must admit our mistakes and humbly and sincerely seek forgiveness of our merciful Lord, who not only forgives faults but helps us to overcome our enemies and the enemies of Allah; and in this way, keeps away from us hardships and sorrows that they (enemies) might bring if Allah does not stop them, in answer to our supplications.

Through this prayer we pray for the triumph of truth over falsehood and the suppression of satanic tendencies by godliness, and ask Allah not to inflict on us situations under which we may not be able to avoid wrongdoing. After acknowledging our limitations we undertake to work at our maximum capacity, hoping that through His mercy HE will wipe clean all traces of errors and mistakes.

Khalifah Umar and Ali, (peace be upon them) said a Muslim who had any sense would never go to bed without having recited these verses.

Al Baqarah verse 250

“Rabbana afrigh alayna sabran wa thabbit aqdamana wan-surna alal-qawmil-kafirin”

Translation: Our Lord! Bestow on us endurance, make our foothold firm and give us victory over the disbelieving people.

This was the du’a of the Children of Israel fighting under the leadership of King Talut against the Philistines who were fighting under Jalut. The Children of Israel were Muslims at the time. Allah accepted this dua and gave them victory over Jalut as Prophet Dawud, (peace be upon him), slew him.

The trials and tribulations of this life constantly require sabr (patience). It entails patience in the face of hardship, steadfastness to refrain from evil in the face of temptations, and determination in overcoming obstacles to doing good. Thus overcoming laziness in offering salah (prayer) is part of sabr, as is remaining firm in the face of peer pressure. Of course perseverance in the face of oppression is a big part of it.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "O people! Do not hope to face the enemy (in battle) and ask Allah to save you (from calamities), but if you should face the enemy, then be patient and let it be known to you that Paradise is under the shades of swords.” [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (2819) and Sahîh Muslim (1742)]

So, when affliction befalls a Muslim, he must be patient and reconciled to Allah’s decree. He must not regret or become anxious.

This dua reminds us that patience is the key to victory. Patience that emanates from a strong heart and trust in Allah leads to firmness of the feet which in turn leads to victory. But for every step on this path to victory, we need Allah’s help, hence the dua.

Al Baqarah verse 201

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

Translation: Our Lord, give unto 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).

Its a unique feature of Islam that it strikes a perfect balance everywhere, including between this world and the Hereafter. This world is important as is the Hereafter; we will reap there what we sow here! We pray for both, and mention them in their natural chronological order. But what we are seeking – and here is a crucial difference – are not the goods of this world, but the good. Here and the Hereafter. ‘Hasanah’ denotes every conceivable form of good: health, livelihood, fulfillment of genuine needs (not wants), good morals, virtuous deeds, beneficial knowledge, honour and prestige, strength of faith, and sincerity in worship. Actually, everything in this world is good that will lead, directly or indirectly, to the good of the Hereafter. A Muslim informed by this dua will neither focus entirely on this world, seeking exclusively the comforts here, nor will he declare that he has nothing to do with it.

Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) once visited a man who had been debilitated by sickness and asked him whether he had been making supplication. He had. It was, “Oh Allah, whatever punishment you are going to give me in the Hereafter, give it to me here.” Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) asked him to make this du’a instead. He did and was cured.

Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) used to make this dua very often. (Imam Al Bukhari).

Imam Nawawi recommends this dua at the time of great difficulties or when facing major issues. It is also recommended after praying Salat Ul Hajah (prayer at the time of need).