اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِفُلاَنٍ، ارْفَعْ دَرَجَتَهُ فِي الْمَهْدِيِّينَ، وَاخْلُفْهُ فِي عَقِبِهِ فِي الْغَابِرِينَ، وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَلَهُ يَا رَبَّ الْعَالَمِينَ، وَافْسَحْ لَهُ فِي قَبْرِهِ، وَنَوِّرْ لَهُ فِيهِ.
O Allah, forgive [name of deceased], raise his rank among those who are guided, and be his successor among those who remain. Forgive us and him, O Lord of the Worlds. Widen his grave and illuminate it for him.
Allahummaghfir li fulan, irfa' darajatahu fil-mahdiyyin, wakhlufhu fi 'aqibihi fil-ghabirin, waghfir lana wa lahu ya Rabb al-'alamin, wafsah lahu fi qabrihi, wa nawwir lahu fih.
When to Read
This supplication is profoundly beneficial for a Muslim brother or sister who has passed away, especially if we are aware of their struggles or sins. It is a beautiful act of mercy to remember them after their departure, asking Allah's forgiveness and mercy for them. We can recite this after their funeral prayer, during the period of mourning, or anytime we make dua for the deceased.
How to Read
When reciting, remember to replace 'fulan' (meaning 'so-and-so') with the actual name of the deceased person. Make this dua with sincerity, reflecting on Allah's immense mercy and power. It's best to make this dua in a state of wudu (ritual purity) and facing the Qiblah, though the sincerity of the heart is paramount. You can say this individually or as part of a group making dua for the deceased.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates the core of our responsibility towards our deceased brethren. It seeks Allah's grace to overlook their shortcomings, elevate their status in the hereafter, and provide comfort in their grave. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us specific duas for the deceased, showing the importance of continued supplication for them even after they have left this world. This shows the interconnectedness of the Ummah and our duty to support each other, living and deceased. The mention of 'raising his rank among those who are guided' and 'being his successor' points to Allah's ability to transform a person's record through the sincere duas of the living.
Source & Authentication
When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prayed over a dead body, he would say: 'O Allah, forgive [name of deceased], raise his rank among those who are guided, and be his successor among those who remain. Forgive us and him, O Lord of the Worlds. Widen his grave and illuminate it for him.' (Sunan Abi Dawud 3205, graded Hasan by Al-Albani. Also found in Sunan Ibn Majah 1497)