"Rabbi inni lima anzalta ilayya min khayrin faqir" (My Lord, indeed I am, for whatever good You would send down to me, in need) — Prophet Musa made this supplication while seeking refuge in God, alone and in need, during his time in Madyan; it appears in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 24. It's become known in recent times as a supplication frequently shared on social media and recited in times of need and for provision. Below: the verse's context, meaning, and why this supplication is so beloved.
The Arabic Text and Translation of Surah Al-Qasas, Verse 24
The verse's Arabic text is as follows: فَسَقَىٰ لَهُمَا ثُمَّ تَوَلَّىٰٓ إِلَى ٱلظِّلِّ فَقَالَ رَبِّ إِنِّى لِمَآ أَنزَلْتَ إِلَىَّ مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَقِيرٌ Translation: "So he watered [their flocks] for them; then he went back to the shade and said, 'My Lord, indeed I am, for whatever good You would send down to me, in need.'" You can listen to the verse's full text with audio on our Surah Al-Qasas verse 24 page.
The Verse's Context: The Story of Prophet Musa
This verse belongs to the period when Prophet Musa left Egypt and took refuge in Madyan. As recounted in the preceding verses of Surah Al-Qasas, Prophet Musa helps two women waiting their turn to water their flocks at the well of Madyan, then withdraws to a shaded spot and, tired, hungry, and alone, makes this supplication. This scene shows that even a prophet takes refuge directly in God at his most difficult moment and openly voices his need.
Why Is This Verse Known as a Supplication for Provision?
The word "khayr" (good, goodness) in the verse is treated broadly by commentators; some commentaries note that the word concretely points to a need for food, since Prophet Musa was genuinely hungry and in need at that moment. This context has contributed to the verse gradually being adopted as a general supplication for provision and need. The verse's brevity and sincerity have made it a supplication that is easily remembered and repeated in times of need.
The Attitude the Supplication Teaches: Bringing One's Need to God
One of this verse's standout aspects is that even a prophet asks for his need directly from God, not from other people. Although Prophet Musa was in need of help at that moment, he asks nothing of anyone; he turns only to God and presents his situation to Him. This attitude is seen as an example of turning to God with patience and trust in a time of need.
When Is It Recited?
No hadith or definite practice has been reported requiring this verse to be recited at a particular time; a person can recite this supplication whenever they feel a need in their daily life regarding provision, work, or livelihood. It is recommended as a sincere supplication of refuge, without promising a guaranteed outcome. You can find other verses on the theme of provision and blessing in our Provision and Blessing collection.
General Information About Surah Al-Qasas
Surah Al-Qasas is an 88-verse surah revealed during the Meccan period, largely recounting the life of Prophet Musa (his birth, growing up in Pharaoh's palace, his refuge in Madyan, and his prophethood). You can read and listen to the surah's full Arabic text, translation, and audio recording on our Surah Al-Qasas page.
What Happens After This Supplication?
As recounted in the continuation of Surah Al-Qasas, one of the two women Prophet Musa helped while watering the flocks returns and invites him to their father (usually interpreted in the story as Prophet Shu'ayb). Prophet Musa accepts this invitation, and shortly afterward begins working for this family and, some time later, marries. This sequence presents a narrative pattern showing an unexpected door opening for the person who prayed, immediately following the sincere supplication of need in verse 24 — the story follows this order to emphasize that the supplication was answered swiftly and dramatically; however, this does not mean every supplication will be answered at the same speed.
Why Is It So Popular on Social Media?
The reason this verse has been shared so frequently on social media in recent years is that it is both short and memorable, and speaks directly to issues almost everyone faces in life, such as work, livelihood, and need. The fact that the verse belongs to a prophet makes it not just an ordinary saying, but a supplication model to be followed as an example. However, a verse being popular does not justify presenting its content as an exaggerated or guaranteed "formula"; the verse should be understood within its own context and as a sincere supplication of refuge.
Practical Plan
Those who want to remember this verse regularly can listen to its audio recording on the Surah Al-Qasas verse 24 page, or turn this verse into a shareable card using our Verse Card Creator.
Surah Al-Qasas, verse 24, is a short but profound example of supplication, showing how a prophet took refuge in God at his most difficult moment; this sincerity is the real reason the verse remains relevant even centuries later. See our Provision and Blessing collection for other verses on the theme of provision and blessing, and our article What Does Surah Al-Mulk, Verse 14 Mean? for the similarly famous verse in Surah Al-Mulk. For other questions, see our FAQ page.
Note: This content is for general information; different schools of thought and scholars may hold differing views. Consult a scholar you trust for personal religious decisions.
Sources
- Tanzil Project — Uthmani Mushaf
- QuranEnc — English Translation
- TDV Encyclopedia of Islam, 'Kasas Sûresi' maddesi