Prophet Sulaiman (AS), known for his wisdom and wealth, is said to have made the following supplication for a unique dominion, as mentioned in the Quran in Surah Sad (38:35):
“رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَهَبْ لِي مُلْكًا لَا يَنْبَغِي لِأَحَدٍ مِنْ بَعْدِي ۖ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْوَهَّابُ”
In English Transliteration:
“Rabbi ighfir li wahab li mulkan la yanbaghi li-ahadin min ba’di innaka anta al-wahhab”
In English Translation:
“My Lord, forgive me and grant me a kingdom such as will not belong to anyone after me. Indeed, You are the Bestower.”
This Dua embodies the wisdom behind the Prophet’s wealth and power. It should be emphasized that his supplication begins with seeking forgiveness from Allah, illustrating the importance of humility in the face of blessings. His request for a kingdom like none other signifies his purpose of utilizing wealth and power for the cause of spreading goodness and the message of Islam, rather than personal gains[ref2].
Even so, it is important to clarify that this Dua should not be misconstrued as a ‘short-cut’ to worldly wealth. The Prophets were granted their blessings due to their exemplary devotion and servitude to Allah. Their wealth was not a goal in and of itself but a means to perform good deeds and serve humanity.
In addition to the Dua made by Prophet Sulaiman (AS), there are several other supplications taught by our Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), that you can make to ask Allah for His blessings and sustenance. Here is one of them mentioned in Sunan Abi Dawud:
“اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ”
“Allahumma inni as’aluka min fadlika”
“O Allah, I ask for Your favor.”
Allah knows best and may He grant us His favor and increase us in beneficial knowledge and righteous actions. Ameen.