Do Not Rely on Yourself: The Meaning of ‘Rahmataka Arju’ (Abu Bakrah’s Prayer

Have you ever felt very confident in your ability to solve a problem on your own, but in the end it just gets more complicated? We often think that with intelligence, money, or a network of friends, everything can be resolved. However, there are moments when all doors are closed, logic fails, and the heart feels constricted.

That was a “yellow light” moment from Allah. We are reminded that humans are weak.

In Islam, the feeling of “I can do it alone” is a subtle and dangerous trap. The Messenger of Allah shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam taught a beautiful supplication through his companion Abu Bakrah radhiyallahu ‘anhu. This supplication is not merely asking for provision, but a sincere acknowledgment that we need Allah every second.

Let us thoroughly dissect this prayer often referred to as Da’watul Makrub (The Prayer of the Distressed). Our source of discussion refers to the book Al-Adzkar by Imam An-Nawawi.

Original Text and Translation of Abu Bakrah’s Prayer

Imam An-Nawawi included this hadith as number 349 in the chapter The Prayer of Distress. Here is the complete wording:

We narrate in “Sunan Abu Daud” from Abu Bakrah radhiyallahu ‘anhu, that the Messenger of Allah shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: “The supplications of one in hardship are:

اللَّهُمَّ رَحْمَتَكَ أَرْجُو فَلاَ تَكِلْنِي إِلَى نَفْسِي طَرْفَةَ عَيْنٍ, وَأَصْلِحْ لِي شَأْنِي كُلَّهُ, لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ

Latin Transliteration: Allaahumma rahmataka arjuu falaa takilnii ilaa nafsii tharfata ‘ain, wa aslih lii sya’nii kullah, laa ilaaha illaa ant.

Meaning: “O Allah, only Your mercy do I hope for, so do not abandon me to myself even for a blink of an eye, and set my affairs in order. There is no god but You.”

This prayer is one of the many spiritual weapons taught by the Prophet. To see a complete collection, you can read the guide “collection of prayers to remove sadness and life’s difficulties” which we have summarized.

Dissecting the Meaning: Why is This Prayer So Powerful?

The sentences in this prayer are short, but the meaning is very profound if we reflect on each word. There are three main points that form the foundation of the strength of this prayer.

1. “Only Your Mercy Do I Hope For”

The opening phrase Allaahumma rahmataka arjuu places us in a position as a servant who is “poor” before Allah. We do not come bringing our righteous deeds. We do not come bringing our worldly status. We come bringing only hope for the mercy (rahmah) of Allah.

This teaches the etiquette of supplication: first humble the heart, then ask. When we acknowledge that only His grace can save us, the ego within the heart slowly melts away.

2. “Do Not Abandon Me to Myself”

This is the core of Abu Bakrah’s prayer. The phrase falaa takilnii ilaa nafsii is an anti-arrogance statement.

Many modern motivators tell us to “believe in yourself” excessively. Islam teaches the opposite: believe in Allah, not your (limited) self. Why? Because our “self” (nafs) is weak, full of desires, easily tired, and our vision is limited.

If Allah allowed us to manage our own lives without His intervention, we would surely be ruined. We would make wrong decisions, choose the wrong partners, or mismanage our wealth. Asking not to be left to our own devices is a form of high-level tawakkul.

3. “Even for the Blink of an Eye”

Note the detail of the phrase tharfata ‘ain. The Messenger of Allah shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam did not say “do not leave me alone for one day” or “one hour.” He used the fastest measure of time: a blink of an eye.

This means we need guidance from Allah every millisecond. Our hearts beat, our breaths exhale, our blood cells flow, all of that requires Allah’s permission. If Allah were to withdraw His hand for even one second, we would be finished. This awareness will make us constantly feel in need (iftiqar) of Him.

The Dangers of Relying on Logic Alone

Why was the Messenger of Allah peace and blessings be upon him so worried if we rely on ourselves?

When a person feels capable of overcoming their own problems, the trait of Ujub (self-admiration) usually emerges. This trait hardens the heart. When problems are not resolved, those who rely on themselves will easily become stressed, depressed, and blame their circumstances.

Conversely, someone who recites this prayer with full devotion will have a steel mentality. They know they are weak, but they have a Most Powerful support. When their efforts fail, they do not fall apart because they know Allah is arranging the best scenario (blessing) for them.

Comparison Table: Independent Mindset vs. Servant Mindset

To facilitate understanding, let’s look at the difference in mindset between those who rely on themselves and those who practice this supplication.

Aspect	Self-Reliance	Practicing the Prayer “Rahmataka Arju”
When Problems Arise	Panic, busy seeking logical solutions.	Calm, pray first then strive.
Source of Strength	Brain, money, connections.	Allah’s grace and help.
Response to Failure	Stress, severe disappointment, self-blame.	Patience, believing this is part of His plan.
Ultimate Goal	Satisfying ego and desires.	Obtaining improvement of affairs from Allah.
Condition of the Heart	Restless, chasing targets.	Tranquil, surrender (tawakkal).

How to Practice This Prayer in Daily Life

This prayer narrated by Abu Bakrah is not a charm to be recited only in times of desperation. We can make it a daily remembrance (wirid) so that the heart is always connected to the heavens.

1. To Be Read in the Morning and Evening: Make this supplication a part of your morning and evening remembrance (dhikr). These are the times of transition between days when we need extra protection.
2. When Making Important Decisions: Before signing a contract, before applying for a job, or before deciding on a major matter, recite this prayer. We ask that the decision be guided by Allah, not merely the result of our own thinking.
3. When Feeling “Stuck”: When you feel you’ve done everything but the results are nil, read this prayer repeatedly. Feel its meaning: “O Allah, my mind has reached its limit, I entrust this matter to You.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Life in this world is indeed full of surprises that are often unpleasant. However, as a believer (mukmin), we have the privilege to “vent” and lean on the Owner of the Universe.

Do not let ego take over by feeling “I can do it.” Starting today, memorize and practice this prayer narrated by Abu Bakrah radhiyallahu ‘anhu. Say it softly: “O Allah, do not leave me to myself, even for the blink of an eye.”

Feel the difference. The burden on your shoulders will feel lighter because you are no longer bearing it alone. If you want to vary your prayers by mentioning the Great Asmaul Husna, practice Dzikir Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum Birahmatika Astaghitsu which is also very effective, and close your prayers by asking for goodness in this world and the hereafter using Doa Sapu Jagat Complete so that your request package is perfect.

And Allah knows best.