اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُ وَارْحَمْهُ وَعَافِهِ وَاعْفُ عَنْهُ، وَأَكْرِمْ نُزُلَهُ وَوَسِّعْ مُدْخَلَهُ، وَاغْسِلْهُ بِالْمَاءِ وَالثَّلْجِ وَالْبَرَدِ، وَنَقِّهِ مِنَ الْخَطَايَا كَمَا نَقَّيْتَ الثَّوْبَ الأَبْيَضَ مِنَ الدَّنَسِ، وَأَبْدِلْهُ دَارًا خَيْرًا مِنْ دَارِهِ، وَأَهْلًا خَيْرًا مِنْ أَهْلِهِ، وَزَوْجًا خَيْرًا مِنْ زَوْجِهِ، وَأَدْخِلْهُ الْجَنَّةَ، وَأَعِذْهُ مِنْ عَذَابِ الْقَبْرِ وَعَذَابِ النَّارِ.
O Allah, forgive him and have mercy upon him, grant him well-being and pardon him. Honor his reception and make his grave spacious. Wash him with water, snow, and hail. Cleanse him from sins as white cloth is cleansed from dirt. Give him an abode better than his home, a family better than his family, and a spouse better than his 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-khataya kama naqqayta ath-thawbal-abyada minad-danasi, wa abdilhu dāran khayran min dārihi, wa ahlan khayran min ahlihi, wa zawjan khayran min zawjihi, wa adkhilhul-jannata, wa a'idhhu min 'adhab al-qabri wa 'adhab an-nari.
When to Read
This is the comprehensive supplication the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us to recite when visiting the graves of Muslims. It is appropriate to recite this dua when you are at the graveyard, whether it's for a specific person you know or as a general supplication for all the deceased Muslims buried there. It's a beautiful way to remember our brothers and sisters in faith and seek Allah's mercy for them.
How to Read
When you visit a graveyard, face the Qiblah (if possible) or the direction of the graves. Recite this dua with sincerity and humility, reflecting on the transient nature of this life and the mercy of Allah. It's also permissible to raise your hands slightly while making dua, though it's not a strict requirement for graveyard visits. The intention behind the dua is key – seeking Allah's forgiveness and mercy for the deceased.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua encapsulates the core requests for a deceased Muslim: Allah's forgiveness, mercy, well-being, and pardon. It asks for ease in the grave, purification from sins, and a better dwelling in the Hereafter, including protection from the Hellfire. The Prophet ﷺ taught this specific wording because it covers the most crucial aspects of what the deceased needs from their living counterparts. It is a profound act of brotherhood and love for fellow Muslims, extending our care beyond their worldly departure.
Source & Authentication
Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: "When I was with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, I heard him say: 'When you come to the people who have been martyred, say: O Allah, forgive them and have mercy on them and make them join the company of the highest among them, and do not deprive us of their reward, and do not let us go astray after them.' I said: 'O Messenger of Allah, what if they have died on their own bed?' He said: 'Yes, but say: Allahumma-ghfir li wa li (meaning him, the narrator) wa li ummati Muhammadin mimma qad 'allamt' - 'O Allah, forgive me and him (the narrator) and the Ummah of Muhammad from what You know.' Then he said: 'Allahumma-ghfir lahu wa-rhamhu wa 'aafihi wa-'fu 'anhu, wa akrim nuzulahu wa wassi' madkhalahu, waghsilhu bil-ma'i wath-thalji wal-baradi, wa naqqihi minal-khataya kama naqqayta ath-thawbal-abyada minad-danasi, wa abdilhu daran khayran min dārihi, wa ahlan khayran min ahlihi, wa zawjan khayran min zawjihi, wa adkhilhu al-jannata, wa a'idhhu min 'adhabi al-qabri wa 'adhabi an-nari - 'O Allah, forgive him and have mercy upon him, grant him well-being and pardon him. Honor his reception and make his grave spacious. Wash him with water, snow, and hail. Cleanse him from sins as white cloth is cleansed from dirt. Give him an abode better than his home, a family better than his family, and a spouse better than his spouse. Admit him to Paradise and protect him from the punishment of the grave and the punishment of the Fire.'" (Sahih Muslim 963)