The All-Encompassing Prayer (Dua Sapu Jagat): Meaning, Benefits, and Evidence

Have you ever felt confused about what to ask Allah for because of so many desires? Want a stable livelihood, a harmonious family, good health, and safety in the hereafter. Sometimes, we worry about missing an important request when praying.

This is where the beauty of Islamic Sharia lies. The Messenger of Allah shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam taught us a short, concise prayer, yet encompassing all human needs. This prayer is popular in Indonesian society and is known as the universal prayer.

The Sapu Jagat prayer is the ultimate prayer for all conditions. However, if you are facing a specific problem such as deep sadness or a dead end, you can combine it with A Collection of Prayers to Overcome Sadness and Life’s Difficulties which is more specific.

Almost every Muslim memorizes this prayer. But do you know why it is known as ‘The All-Encompassing Prayer’? And what is the secret behind its simple sentences?

Let’s thoroughly dissect the meaning, evidence, and virtues of this supplication based on the book Al-Adhkar by Imam An-Nawawi.

What is the Sapu Jagat (Universal) Prayer?

Literally, “sapu jagat” means something that sweeps or encompasses the entire universe (jagat). In the context of worship, the “sapu jagat” prayer is a prayer whose content “sweeps clean” all goodness. Not a single good deed in this world and the hereafter is left out, but is already included in this prayer. Similarly, this prayer asks for protection from all forms of evil.

This prayer is actually a quote from the Quran. Although sometimes people mistakenly search for it using the keywords universal prayer Al-Baqarah verse 210, this beautiful prayer is actually “contained” in Surah Al-Baqarah verse 201.

Complete Sapu Jagat Prayer Text (Arabic, Latin, and Meaning)

For those of you looking for the Arabic and Latin transliteration of the Sapu Jagat prayer to make it easy to read and memorize, here is the complete wording as contained in the book Al-Adzkar (Hadith No. 347) and the Quran.

The Universal Prayer in Arabic

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

The Universal Prayer in Latin

Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.

The Meaning of Doa Sapu Jagat

“Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Hellfire.”

The Virtues of the Sapu Jagat Prayer According to Hadith

Imam An-Nawawi in his book Al-Adzkar places this discussion in the chapter of Doa Al-Karb (Supplication for Difficulty), however, the narrations presented indicate that this supplication is a daily supplication of the Prophet.

In hadith number 347, it is mentioned:

We narrate in “Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim” from Anas radhiyallahu ‘anhu, he said: “The most frequent supplication of the Prophet shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam was: ‘O Allah, grant us goodness in this world and goodness in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'”

There is an interesting point in the narration of Imam Muslim added by Imam An-Nawawi:

” زاد مسلم في روايته قال: ” وكان أنس إذا أراد أن يدعو بدعوة دعا بها, فإذا أراد أن يدعو بدعاء دعا بها فيه

“And Anas, if he wanted to supplicate with a single supplication, he would supplicate with this supplication. And if he wanted to supplicate with many (lengthy) supplications, he would include this supplication within them.”

This shows the great benefit of the doa sapu jagat (universal prayer). The Prophet’s companion Anas bin Malik radhiyallahu ‘anhu, who served the Prophet for ten years, deeply understood that this prayer is a “master key” for all matters. If time is short, simply recite this prayer. If you have ample time, this prayer is obligatory to include as a completion.

Dissecting the Meaning: Why is it Called the “World Sweeper”?

To understand why this prayer is so special, we need to look at the interpretation of the word “Hasanah” (Goodness) which is mentioned twice within it.

1. Goodness in this World (Fid dunya hasanah)

When we ask for a universal prayer for sustenance (rizq), it is actually already included here. However, “Hasanah” (goodness) in this world has a very broad meaning. Scholars of Tafsir explain that worldly goodness encompasses:

• Abundant and lawful sustenance.
• Physical and mental health.
• A righteous spouse (husband/wife).
• Obedient children.
• Beneficial knowledge.
• Peace of heart.

So, when you recite Rabbana atina fid dunya hasanah, you are asking for a complete package of worldly happiness.

2. Goodness in the Hereafter (Wafil akhirati hasanah)

The world is not the ultimate goal. This section demands foregoing all comfort in the eternal future, encompassing:

• Ease during hisab (accountability of deeds).
• Receiving the record of deeds with the right hand.
• Shade in the Field of Resurrection (Mahsyar).
• And the peak: Entering Paradise.

3. Protection from the Fire of Hell (Wa qina ‘adzaban naar)

This is a perfect conclusion. One might enter paradise but must first “stop by” hell to cleanse their sins. With this statement, we pray to be able to enter paradise directly without being touched by the fires of hell even a little.

This is the reason why it is called the universal prayer. It sweeps clean all our needs: success in this world, salvation in the hereafter, and freedom from hell.

When is the Best Time to Recite This Prayer?

Because this prayer is short but comprehensive, it is very flexible to recite at any time. However, there are several moments that are highly recommended:

1. The Sapu Jagat Prayer After Prayer It is highly recommended to recite this prayer as a closing to a series of dhikr and prayers after obligatory (fardhu) and sunnah prayers. This is like a “stamp” that validates all our previous requests.
2. Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone For those who are performing Umrah or Hajj, while performing Tawaf around the Ka’bah, the Messenger of Allah peace and blessings be upon him strongly recommends reciting this prayer specifically when walking between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone.
3. At the End of Long Prayers Following the example of Anas bin Malik radhiyallahu ‘anhu, if you recite a comprehensive supplication (or other combined supplications) at length, conclude with this prayer to complete anything you may have forgotten to ask for.

Besides being recited during tawaf, this prayer is very powerful if combined with the dhikr Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum Birahmatika Astaghitsu during the last prostration.

Variations of the Long Latin Sapu Jagat Prayer

Often in society, we hear a slightly longer version. It is usually added with a request to enter paradise together with the righteous people. Here is a popular variation of the long Latin universal prayer:

Rabbanaa aatinaa fid dunyaa hasanah, wa fil aakhirati hasanah, wa qinaa ‘adzaaban naar. Wa adkhilnal jannata ma’al abraar, yaa ‘aziizu yaa ghaffaar, yaa rabbal ‘aalamiin.

Meaning: “…And admit us into Paradise with the righteous, O the Almighty, O the Most Forgiving, O Lord of the worlds.”

Summary Table of the Meaning of “Hasanah” (Goodness)

To make it easier to understand, here’s a breakdown of what you request when reciting this supplication:

Prayer Recitation	Scope of Request (Meaning)
Fid Dunya Hasanah	Smooth sustenance, beneficial knowledge, a loyal spouse, a peaceful household, health, and a good reputation.
Wafil Akhirati Hasanah	Security during the Day of Judgement, a light reckoning, a radiant face, and entry into Paradise.
Waqina ‘Adzaban Naar	Being protected from trials that lead to sin, having sins forgiven so as not to be punished, and safety while crossing the bridge of Siratal Mustaqim.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

The universal prayer (Doa sapu jagat) and its meaning teach us balance. Islam does not tell us to only think about the afterlife and forget about the world, or vice versa. We are taught to achieve success in both realms.

The Rabbana Atina prayer is a beautiful gift from Allah to the ummah of Prophet Muhammad shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam. It is short, easy to memorize, but its impact is extraordinarily powerful.

Starting today, never abandon this prayer. Whether as a universal prayer after prayer or a daily remembrance while driving. Let this prayer “sweep” away all your problems and replace them with abundant goodness.

May Allah grant all our wishes. And Allah knows best.