اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِأَبِي سَلَمَةَ، وَارْفَعْ دَرَجَتَهُ فِي الْمَهْدِيِّينَ، وَاخْلُفْهُ فِي عَقِبِهِ فِي الْغَابِرِينَ، وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَلَهُ يَا رَبَّ الْعَالَمِينَ، وَأَفْسِحْ لَهُ فِي قَبْرِهِ، وَنَوِّرْ لَهُ فِيهِ
O Allah, forgive Abu Salamah, and elevate his rank among those who are guided. Take his place among those who remain (after him), and forgive us and him, O Lord of the worlds. Make his grave spacious for him and illuminate it for him.
Allahummaghfir li Abi Salamata, warfa' darajatahu fil-mahdiyyeen, wakhlufhu fi 'aqibihi fil-ghabireen, waghfir lana wa lahu ya Rabb al-'alamin, wa afsiH lahu fi qabrihi, wa nawwir lahu feeh
When to Read
This dua is a powerful supplication that can be recited at any time, especially after the passing of a spouse. It is particularly poignant when visiting the grave, making du'a for them, or during times of reflection and remembrance. When a spouse passes away, our responsibilities towards them don't end. Continuing to make dua for them is one of the most loving and beneficial acts we can undertake.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincerity and a heartfelt longing for your spouse's well-being in the hereafter. Focus on the meaning of each phrase: seeking Allah's forgiveness, elevation in status, and a peaceful resting place. It is best to raise your hands slightly while making du'a, as is the practice for supplication, though it is not a strict condition. Face the Qiblah if possible, and begin with praising Allah and sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Virtues & Benefits
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this specific dua for Abu Salamah (may Allah be pleased with him) after his passing, demonstrating its immense value. By reciting this, we are asking Allah to bestow His boundless mercy and forgiveness upon our deceased spouse, a gift more precious than anything in this life. It also seeks to elevate their status in Paradise and grant them comfort in the grave, transforming it from a place of darkness to one of light and peace. The Prophet ﷺ also mentioned: 'When a person dies, all their deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who supplicates for them.' (Sahih Muslim 1631) This highlights the profound impact of our du'as for those who have passed.
Source & Authentication
Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: I came to the Prophet ﷺ when Abu Salamah (may Allah be pleased with him) had passed away. He said: 'Say: O Allah, forgive Abu Salamah, and elevate his rank among those who are guided, and take his place among those who remain. And forgive us and him, O Lord of the worlds. Make his grave spacious for him and illuminate it for him.' Umm Salamah said: So I said that, and Allah willed for him to have reward. And I said to the Prophet ﷺ: 'O Messenger of Allah, could you do something for me?' He said: 'What is it?' I said: 'I wish that you would say the same du'a for me, and that I would be your wife in Paradise.' The Prophet ﷺ said: 'It is as you wished.' Then Umm Salamah said: 'After that, the Prophet ﷺ said: 'O Allah, forgive Umm Salamah, and elevate her rank among those who are guided, and take her place among those who remain.'