Ya Muqallib al-Qulub Dua — The Dua of the One Who Turns Hearts

Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) relates: "The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) made this dua more than any other: 'Ya Muqalliba'l-qulub thabbit qalbi ala dinik'" (Jami' at-Tirmidhi, Qadar 7/2140). When our mother Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) asked, "O Messenger of Allah, which dua do you recite most?", the Prophet mentioned this dua (Jami' at-Tirmidhi, Da'awat 89).

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The heart of the believer is between two of the fingers of Allah. He turns it as He wills" (Sahih Muslim, Qadar 17/2654; Jami' at-Tirmidhi, Qadar 7/2140). Hearts are in Allah's hand, and He turns them when He wills. For this reason the Prophet made this dua constantly, asking Allah that his heart remain firm upon faith.

"Muqallib al-qulub" (the One who turns hearts about) is one of the names of Allah. Hearts are under His control. A person cannot control his own heart, but Allah has full command over it. Therefore the believer should entrust his heart to Allah and ask Him for steadfastness upon faith.

This short but profoundly meaningful dua is one of the most important duas, one that should be recited every day, especially morning and evening and after every prayer. Our heart may go astray at any moment, and for this reason we must continually ask Allah to make it firm.