and He said: “O you who believe, eat of the wholesome things We have provided for you.” 1 Allah sent His Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to declare wholesome things lawful and foul things unlawful, as He said: “He makes wholesome things lawful for them and forbids them foul things.” 2 A Muslim should therefore take care each day to seek wholesome, lawful wealth and sound, beneficial provision, while being exceedingly wary of foul wealth and unlawful earnings.

His words in the hadith, “and an accepted deed”—and, in another narration, “and a righteous deed”—indicate that not every deed by which a servant seeks nearness to Allah is accepted. Rather, only a righteous deed is accepted, and a righteous deed is one performed solely for Allah and in accordance with the guidance and Sunnah of His Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Allah Most High therefore said: “He who created death and life to test you as to which of you is best in deed.” 3 Commenting on the meaning of this verse, al-Fudayl ibn Iyād said: “That is, the most sincere and the most correct.” He was asked, “Abū Alī, what does it mean for it to be the most sincere and the most correct?” He replied, “If a deed is sincere but not correct, it is not accepted; and if it is correct but not sincere, it is not accepted—not until it is both sincere and correct. Sincere means that it is done for Allah, and correct means that it conforms to the Sunnah.” 4

This is a supplication of immense benefit and great value. A Muslim would do well to observe it every morning, following the example of the noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and then follow the supplication with action, thus combining supplication with taking the necessary means, so that he may attain these tremendous blessings and gracious favors. Allah alone grants success and gives assistance in all that is good.