Dua & Sunnah

Dua for a Deceased: Seeking Allah's Forgiveness When Deeds Are Unknown

Deceased
Hasan HadithSunan Abi Dawud 3205

اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِفُلانٍ، وَارْفَعْ دَرَجَتَهُ فِي المَهْدِيِّينَ، وَاخْلُفْهُ فِي عَقِبِهِ فِي الغَابِرِينَ، وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَلَهُ يَا رَبَّ العَالَمِينَ، وَافْسَحْ لَهُ فِي قَبْرِهِ، وَنَوِّرْ لَهُ فِيهِ

O Allah, forgive [so-and-so], elevate his rank among those who are guided, leave him a good legacy for those who come after him, forgive us and him, O Lord of the worlds, widen his grave and illuminate it for him.

Allahumma-ghfir li [Fulan] warfa' darajatahu fil-mahdiyyeen, wakhlufhu fi 'aqibihi fil-ghabireen, waghfir lana walahu ya Rabb al-'alamin, wafsah lahu fi qabrihi, wa nawwir lahu feehi.

When to Read

This dua is recited when a Muslim passes away, especially when one is unsure about the extent of their good or bad deeds. It is a comprehensive supplication for mercy, forgiveness, and a good outcome in the grave and the hereafter.

How to Read

Recite with sincerity and conviction in Allah's mercy. If you know the name of the deceased, you can insert it in place of '[Fulan]'. If not, the general supplication still benefits. It is best to recite this after the funeral prayer or at any time one remembers the deceased.

Virtues & Benefits

This dua is a profound expression of brotherhood and mercy within the Ummah. It seeks Allah's ultimate justice and vast mercy for the deceased, acknowledging that only Allah knows the full measure of a person's deeds. It encompasses forgiveness, elevation of status, a good remembrance, and comfort in the grave – essentially asking Allah to fulfill what the deceased might have fallen short of.

Source & Authentication

The narration refers to the general supplication taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for a deceased person. While the specific phrasing often cited is as above, the essence is seeking Allah's forgiveness and mercy for the departed.
Hasan HadithSunan Abi Dawud 3205
Ad Space

Related Duas

Get Daily Duas in Your Inbox

Receive a beautiful dua every morning to start your day with remembrance.