اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُ وَارْحَمْهُ، وَعَافِهِ وَاعْفُ عَنْهُ، وَأَكْرِمْ نُزُلَهُ، وَوَسِّعْ مُدْخَلَهُ، وَاغْسِلْهُ بِالْمَاءِ وَالثَّلْجِ وَالْبَرَدِ، وَنَقِّهِ مِنَ الْخَطَايَا كَمَا يُنَقَّى الثَّوْبُ الأَبْيَضُ مِنَ الدَّنَسِ، وَأَبْدِلْهُ دَارًا خَيْرًا مِنْ دَارِهِ، وَأَهْلًا خَيْرًا مِنْ أَهْلِهِ، وَزَوْجًا خَيْرًا مِنْ زَوْجِهِ، وَأَدْخِلْهُ الْجَنَّةَ، وَأَعِذْهُ مِنْ عَذَابِ الْقَبْرِ وَمِنْ عَذَابِ النَّارِ.
O Allah, forgive him and have mercy on him, grant him well-being and pardon him, honor his reception, make his grave spacious, wash him with water, snow, and hail. Purify him from sins as a white garment is purified from dirt. Replace his home with a better home, his family with a better family, and his spouse with a better spouse. Admit him to Paradise, and protect him from the punishment of the grave and the punishment of the Fire.
Allahummaghfir lahu warhamhu, wa 'aafihi wa'fu 'anhu, wa akrim nuzulahu, wa wassi' madkhalahu, waghsilhu bil-ma'i wath-thalji wal-baradi, wa naqqihi minal-khataaya kamaa yunaqqath-thawbul-abyadu minad-danasi, wa abdilhu daaran khayran min daarih, wa ahlan khayran min ahlih, wa zawjan khayran min zawjih, wa adkhilhul-jannata, wa a'idhhu min 'adhab al-qabri wa min 'adhabin-naar.
When to Read
This comprehensive supplication is offered for any deceased Muslim. It is particularly poignant when the deceased may not have had a full understanding of Islamic law throughout their life, either due to their upbringing, environment, or personal circumstances. Reciting this du'a at funerals, during memorial prayers, or even individually at any time acknowledges our duty to pray for those who have passed.
How to Read
Recite this du'a with sincerity and a humble heart. Focus on the meaning of each phrase, seeking Allah's immense mercy and forgiveness for the deceased. It is best recited with the intention of seeking Allah's pleasure and as an act of carrying out the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in praying for our Muslim brethren. While this is a formal du'a taught by the Prophet ﷺ, the underlying sentiment of mercy and forgiveness can be applied in personal prayers for the deceased as well.
Virtues & Benefits
Praying for the deceased is a vital spiritual act that benefits both the living and the departed. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us this du'a, emphasizing Allah's power to forgive and bestow mercy. For the deceased, our du'a can lighten their burden in the grave and the Hereafter, especially if they struggled with aspects of Islamic law they didn't fully grasp. It's a manifestation of the brotherhood and sisterhood in Islam, demonstrating care and compassion for fellow Muslims even after their passing. The Hadith mentions that the Prophet ﷺ said: 'When a human being dies, all one’s deeds come to an end except three: ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah), beneficial knowledge (which he has left behind), or a righteous child who prays for him.' (Sahih Muslim 1631). Our du'a for them is a form of the latter.
Source & Authentication
The narration from which this du'a is derived is the one where Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) asked the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ what she should say when she sees a deceased person: He taught her this exact supplication. The context highlights that this is a standard, comprehensive du'a for any Muslim who has passed away, covering forgiveness, mercy, well-being, and protection from punishment.