اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي مَا قَدَّمْتُ وَمَا أَخَّرْتُ وَمَا أَسْرَرْتُ وَمَا أَعْلَنْتُ وَمَا أَسْرَفْتُ وَمَا أَنْتَ أَعْلَمُ بِهِ مِنِّي أَنْتَ الْمُقَدِّمُ وَأَنْتَ الْمُؤَخِّرُ لا إِلَهَ إِلا أَنْتَ
O Allah, forgive me for what I have sent forth and what I have delayed, what I have concealed and what I have revealed, what I have extravagance in, and what You know better than I. You are the Advancer and the Delayer. There is no god but You.
Allahumma-ghfirli ma qaddamtu wa ma akhkhartu, wa ma asrartu wa ma a'lantu, wa ma asraftu wa ma anta a'lamu bihi minni, antal-muqaddimu wa antal-mu'akhkhiru, la ilaha illa ant.
When to Read
This dua is deeply reflective and can be recited at any time, but it's particularly poignant when you're about to partake in a meal. Think about the blessings of sustenance that Allah provides, and how we might have fallen short in our duties. It’s a moment to pause, reflect on our actions, and seek forgiveness before enjoying the food.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a humble heart. Understand the profound meaning of seeking forgiveness for both past and future wrongdoings, known and unknown. It’s about acknowledging Allah’s supreme knowledge and power over all things. Imagine yourself in front of Allah, truly seeking His mercy before receiving the blessing of food.
Virtues & Benefits
This comprehensive dua encompasses a vast scope of seeking forgiveness, covering actions done in the past and those yet to come, what was done openly and in secret, and even excesses we might not be fully aware of. Reciting it before a meal is a beautiful way to acknowledge that even in our blessings, we are in need of Allah's mercy and forgiveness. It purifies the intention behind eating – turning a physical act into a spiritual connection.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to say this dua when he got up to pray (i.e., the night prayer): اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي مَا قَدَّمْتُ وَمَا أَخَّرْتُ وَمَا أَسْرَرْتُ وَمَا أَعْلَنْتُ وَمَا أَسْرَفْتُ وَمَا أَنْتَ أَعْلَمُ بِهِ مِنِّي أَنْتَ الْمُقَدِّمُ وَأَنْتَ الْمُؤَخِّرُ لا إِلَهَ إِلا أَنْتَ (O Allah, forgive me for what I have sent forth and what I have delayed, what I have concealed and what I have revealed, what I have extravagance in, and what You know better than I. You are the Advancer and the Delayer. There is no god but You.) *Note: While the hadith specifically mentions this dua being recited during the night prayer, its comprehensive nature makes it fitting for any moment of reflection and seeking forgiveness. Applying it before eating is a beautiful way to integrate remembrance and repentance into daily blessings.*