عن أبي مالك عن أبيه أنه سمع النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم وأتاه رجل فقال: يا رسول الله كيف أقول حين أسأل ربي قال: قل: اللهم اغفر لي وارحمني وعافني وارزقني ويجمع أصابعه إلا الإبهام فإن هؤلاء تجمع لك دنياك وآخرتك (صحيح مسلم، الرقم: 2697)

The father of Hazrat Abu Maalik Ashja’ee (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) [whose name is Hazrat Taariq bin Ashyam (radhiyallahu ‘anhu)], reports that he was once with Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) when a Sahaabi came to him and enquired, “O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! When I am making du‘aa to my Rabb, then what words should I use in my du‘aa (and what should I ask for)?” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “When making du‘aa, then say the following (begging Allah Ta‘ala for the following four bounties):

اَللّٰهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِيْ وَارْحَمْنِيْ وَعَافِنْيْ وَارْزُقْنِيْ

O Allah! Forgive me, shower Your special mercy upon me, bless me with ease, and provide me with sustenance!”

(As Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned each bounty,) he closed one finger, until four of his fingers were closed, besides his thumb. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) then said, “These (four) bounties are so great that they encompass for you (the entire goodness of) your dunya (worldly life) and your Aakhirah.”