For a few years now, a Friday reminder has been shared with the hope that it has been beneficial. For this week’s reminder, we turn to a truly beautiful supplication that was encouraged by someone dear to me. It’s a prayer so profound that it’s now read at least five times a day, and I’m forever grateful for it. Just read the meaning; it perfectly captures the ultimate goal for a Muslim in this life: to attain the love of Allah.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “It used to be from the supplication of Dawud that he would say:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ حُبَّكَ وَحُبَّ مَنْ يُحِبُّكَ وَالْعَمَلَ الَّذِي يُبَلِّغُنِي حُبَّكَ اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ حُبَّكَ أَحَبَّ إِلَىَّ مِنْ نَفْسِي وَأَهْلِي وَمِنَ الْمَاءِ الْبَارِدِ

The meaning of this powerful prayer is:

“O Allah, indeed, I ask You for Your love and the love of those who love You, and for the action that will cause me to attain Your love, O Allah, make Your love more beloved to me than myself, my family and cold water.”

The Prophet ﷺ would also add that Dawud was “the best in worship out of all men.” This beautiful du’a highlights a core principle of faith: our deepest desire should be to draw closer to the Creator. It asks for three things: Allah’s direct love, the love of those who love Him, and the actions that will lead us to His love.

By placing His love above ourselves, our families, and even something as essential as cold water on a scorching day, we affirm the true purpose of our existence. This prayer is a beautiful way to redirect our focus from the transient things of this world to what is eternal. It is a powerful reminder that the love of Allah is the most valuable of all treasures and the true source of all peace.