Islamic Short Prayers Used in Daily Life (English and Arabic)

Islam encourages Muslims to stay connected with Allah (SWT) through various daily prayers, called duas. These short prayers, or supplications, are easy to remember and can be used in daily life to bring blessings, seek protection, and express gratitude. Whether you’re at work, school, or home, these prayers help maintain a spiritual bond with Allah, infusing each day with purpose and peace. Here are some essential Islamic short prayers with their English and Arabic translations that can help you stay mindful of Allah in your daily routine.

1. Morning Prayer: Seeking Blessings for the Day

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught us to start the day by seeking blessings. Saying this prayer upon waking can set a positive intention for the day.

• Arabic: اللهم إني أسألك خير هذا اليوم، فتحه، ونصره، ونوره، وبركته، وهداه

• Transliteration: Allahumma inni as’aluka khaira haadha al-yawm, fathu-hu, wa nasra-hu, wa noora-hu, wa barakata-hu, wa huda-hu.

• English Translation: “O Allah, I ask You for the good of this day, its success, its guidance, its light, and its blessings.”

2. Before Eating: Thanking Allah for Sustenance

A short prayer before eating is a great way to express gratitude for the food Allah has provided.

• Arabic: بِسْمِ اللهِ وَبَرَكَتِهِ

• Transliteration: Bismillah wa barakatihi.

• English Translation: “In the name of Allah and with His blessings.”

For after eating:

• Arabic: الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي أَطْعَمَنَا وَسَقَانَا وَجَعَلَنَا مُسْلِمِينَ

• Transliteration: Alhamdulillahi allathee at’amana wa saqana wa ja’alna muslimeen.

• English Translation: “Praise be to Allah, who has fed us, provided drink for us, and made us Muslims.”

3. Leaving the House: Asking for Guidance and Protection

When stepping out, a short prayer can invoke Allah’s protection from harm and guidance on the right path.

• Arabic: بِسْمِ اللهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى اللَّهِ وَلا حَوْلَ وَلا قُوَّةَ إِلا بِاللَّهِ

• Transliteration: Bismillah, tawakkaltu ‘ala Allah, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah.

• English Translation: “In the name of Allah, I place my trust in Allah, and there is no power nor might except with Allah.”

4. Before Sleeping: Entrusting Oneself to Allah

A short prayer before bed entrusts oneself to Allah for the night, seeking peace and protection.

• Arabic: بِاسْمِكَ اللهمَّ أَمُوتُ وَأَحْيَا

• Transliteration: Bismika Allahumma amootu wa ahya.

• English Translation: “In Your name, O Allah, I live and die.”

5. Prayer for Seeking Forgiveness: Astaghfirullah

Seeking forgiveness frequently is encouraged in Islam. Saying Astaghfirullah is a short prayer for seeking pardon for sins and mistakes.

• Arabic: أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ

• Transliteration: Astaghfirullah.

• English Translation: “I seek forgiveness from Allah.”

6. Entering and Leaving the Bathroom: Seeking Purity

Islam emphasizes cleanliness, and there are short prayers for entering and leaving the bathroom to seek Allah’s protection and thank Him for purity.

• Before entering:

  • Arabic: اللهم إني أعوذ بك من الخبث والخبائث

  • Transliteration: Allahumma inni a’udhu bika min al-khubthi wal-khaba’ith.

  • English Translation: “O Allah, I seek refuge with You from impure and evil things.”

• After leaving:

  • Arabic: غُفْرَانَكَ

  • Transliteration: Ghufranaka.

  • English Translation: “I ask for Your forgiveness.”

7. Dua for Traveling: Seeking Protection on Journeys

When traveling, Muslims recite this dua for safety and blessings throughout the journey.

• Arabic: سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ وَإِنَّا إِلَىٰ رَبِّنَا لَمُنقَلِبُونَ

• Transliteration: Subhan-alladhi sakh-khara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrineen, wa inna ila rabbina lamunqaliboon.

• English Translation: “Glory to Him who has brought this (vehicle) under our control, though we were unable to control it. Indeed, we are returning to our Lord.”

8. Dua When in Distress: Strengthening Trust in Allah

This short prayer seeks Allah’s help and reassurance during difficult times.

• Arabic: حَسْبُنَا اللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيلُ

• Transliteration: Hasbunallahu wa ni’mal wakeel.

• English Translation: “Allah is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs.”

10. Dua for Gratitude: Alhamdulillah

Saying Alhamdulillah is a short prayer of gratitude. It can be recited anytime to thank Allah for His countless blessings.

• Arabic: الحمد لله

• Transliteration: Alhamdulillah.

• English Translation: “All praise is due to Allah.”

The Importance of Using Rosaries in Prayers

In Islamic tradition, using a misbaha or tasbih (prayer beads, similar to a rosary) can be a helpful tool in daily worship. These beads are often used to count the repetitions of specific duas or phrases like Subhanallah (Glory be to Allah), Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah), and Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest), which are often repeated 33 times each as part of the daily Tasbih prayer. This practice aids in maintaining focus and helps individuals stay mindful of Allah’s presence. Additionally, the tactile nature of the beads offers a calming rhythm that brings peace and concentration during supplications. While not obligatory, prayer beads have been used by Muslims for centuries as a way to deepen their connection to Allah and remain consistent in their remembrance, ultimately enhancing the impact of these short daily prayers on their spiritual well-being.

Incorporating these short prayers into your daily life can foster a sense of peace, gratitude, and connection with Allah. These duas are simple yet powerful, and their regular recitation can enrich daily activities, turning each moment into an act of worship. Start by memorizing a few of these prayers, and gradually make them part of your routine to bring barakah (blessings) into every aspect of your life.

Embracing these short supplications helps Muslims maintain a constant spiritual presence, grounding them in faith no matter where they are or what they face.